What are the most effective strategies for sourcing deals in biotech?

Biotechnology is one of the most dynamic and innovative sectors in the world, offering huge potential for growth, impact, and returns. However, sourcing deals in biotech is also one of the most challenging and risky tasks for venture capitalists, as they have to navigate complex scientific, regulatory, and market uncertainties. In this article, you will learn some of the most effective strategies for finding and evaluating biotech opportunities, based on the insights and best practices of experienced investors and entrepreneurs.

1 Network with experts

One of the key sources of biotech deals is the network of experts, such as scientists, clinicians, academics, and industry veterans, who can provide referrals, feedback, and validation for potential investments. You should cultivate and maintain relationships with these experts, who can help you identify promising research, understand the technical and clinical aspects, and assess the competitive landscape and the unmet needs. You can also leverage your existing portfolio companies, co-investors, and advisors to expand your network and access more opportunities.

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Dr Yogmaya Verma

Agritech Tech startups | Facilitator & Mentor
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To source the best biotech startups, collaborating with incubators is a top option. Another effective approach is participating in startup showcase events like Global BioIndia, hosted annually by BIRAC. BIRAC, with its comprehensive ecosystem of funding schemes supporting innovation from ideation to market entry and scale, offers a robust system that investors can leverage due to its rigorous selection process.

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2 Scout for talent

Another important source of biotech deals is the talent pool of entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators who are creating and leading biotech ventures. You should scout for talent in various settings, such as conferences, pitch events, incubators, accelerators, and academic institutions, where you can meet and interact with potential founders and teams. You should also monitor the publications, patents, awards, and media coverage of these talent sources, as they can indicate the quality and relevance of their work. You should also be proactive and reach out to them with genuine interest and value proposition.

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3 Track trends and data

A third effective source of biotech deals is the analysis of trends and data in the biotech sector, which can reveal emerging areas, gaps, and opportunities for innovation and investment. You should track the trends and data in various dimensions, such as scientific breakthroughs, technological developments, regulatory changes, market demands, customer preferences, and social issues, that can shape the future of biotech. You should also use data-driven tools and platforms, such as databases, newsletters, podcasts, blogs, and reports, that can provide you with relevant and timely information and insights.

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4 Partner with organizations

A fourth valuable source of biotech deals is the collaboration with organizations that support and facilitate biotech innovation and entrepreneurship. You should partner with organizations, such as foundations, associations, alliances, consortia, and initiatives, that can provide you with access to resources, networks, programs, and events that can help you discover and evaluate biotech opportunities. You should also participate in organizations that can influence and advocate for biotech policies, standards, and ecosystems, that can create a favorable environment for biotech ventures.

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Adina Krausz

Founding Partner and CEO @ InnoSource Ventures| Driving Innovation and Growth for Family Office Portfolio
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That’s when Innovation Scouting becomes relevant. Often people think they have enough Deal flow, maybe, but do they see the deals they really want to see?

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5 Experiment with methods

A fifth useful source of biotech deals is the experimentation with different methods and approaches that can help you generate and test ideas and hypotheses for biotech investments. You should experiment with methods, such as design thinking, lean startup, customer development, and hypothesis-driven investing, that can help you explore problems, solutions, markets, and models in biotech. You should also experiment with approaches, such as open innovation, crowdsourcing, syndication, and co-creation, that can help you leverage the collective intelligence and creativity of the biotech community.

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Adi Prakash

Americas Professional Services Head of Cross-Industry Strategy & Advisory | Early Stage Venture / Angel Investor | Board Member | Forbes Council Member | Startup Co-Founder | Former CXO
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Sourcing BioTech deals demands both strategic acumen and thorough vetting. Industry events are prime scouting grounds, while academic partnerships offer a pipeline to early-stage innovation. Utilize your existing portfolio to find synergistic opportunities. Industry experts on advisory boards can provide exclusive leads. Data analytics, focused on patents and clinical trials, empower a fact-based approach. Traditional networking still pays off; co-investing with accelerators and other VCs often yields high-quality deals. Specialize in areas like gene editing to sharpen your sourcing efforts. Stay focused and data-driven; your next high-impact investment could be just around the corner.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most effective strategies for sourcing deals in biotech?

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2

3

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1 Network with experts

2 Scout for talent

3 Track trends and data

4 Partner with organizations

5 Experiment with methods

6 Here’s what else to consider

Venture Capital

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What are the most effective strategies for sourcing deals in biotech?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Network with experts

2 Scout for talent

3 Track trends and data

4 Partner with organizations

5 Experiment with methods

6 Here’s what else to consider

Venture Capital

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