VANCOUVER, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Life Sciences BC today announced the companies and mentors participating in its 2023 Investor Readiness Program (IRP). Through an intensive six-month program, 10 early-stage small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) in British Columbia’s life sciences sector are paired with 10 entrepreneurs-in-residence (EIRs) to support the SMEs to become investor-ready. The industry expertise and acumen of the mentors provides the up-and-coming companies invaluable insight and support, which will culminate in a final pitch session with pre-qualified investors at the end of the program.
Companies and mentors are paired according to skillset, experience and interests. The SMEs and EIRs selected for the 2023 IRP are:
SMEs
EIR Mentors
Nancy Harrison, Venture Partner, Amplitude Ventures
Livleen Veslemes, Consulting Executive, Veslemes Growth Partners
Tom Frohlich, COO, Chinook Therapeutics
Norma Sebestyen, Consultant, Life Sciences Executive
David Helliwell, Co-founder and Executive Board Chair, Thrive Health
Brenda Irwin, Managing Partner, Relentless Venture Fund
Natalie Dakers, Corporate Director and Entrepreneur, Life Sciences Executive
Jason Robertson, Co-founder and Vice President, Investments, Nimbus Synergies Inc.
Malcolm Kendall, Co-founder and CEO, Microbiome Insights Inc.
The program, which runs from October to March, is designed around individual coaching and is complemented by educational sessions, goal setting, peer-to-peer feedback, conference opportunities and group meetings. Applications for next year’s program will open in spring 2023.
*This program is supported in part by funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).
Quotes:
“We are thrilled to welcome the participants for our third annual Investor Readiness Program, which is designed to ensure our newest companies are poised to attract investment via education and mentoring. The pace of BC’s dynamic life sciences ecosystem continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, and we are grateful to the NRC IRAP for their support of this important program, and to our entrepreneurs-in-residence for their commitment and leadership. We are looking forward to following our SMEs on this exciting investor journey.”
Wendy Hurlburt, President and CEO, Life Sciences BC
“This is a great program where you can network with people, learn new knowledge and practice your presentation skills. Highly recommend!”
Jack Jin, COO, Primary Peptides, IRP Graduate 2021
“Thought leadership and feedback sessions from industry experts in the IRP paired with mentorship from executive-in-residence Tom Frohlich, pushed Eyam to think more strategically for growth and to advance preclinical work into clinical trials.”
Dr. Pamela Lincez, Director of Operations, Eyam, IRP Graduate 2022
“I really like this program. Very focused, efficient and effective. I have found the quality of participants high and that the EIRs added lots of value.”
Malcolm Kendall, IRP EIR 2021, 2022, and 2023
For more information about the Investor Readiness Program, please contact William Burrows, Director, Business Operations and Programs: wburrows@lifesciencesbc.ca 604 669 9099 ext: 101
About Life Sciences BC
Life Sciences BC is a not-for-profit, non-government association that supports and represents the life sciences community of British Columbia through leadership, facilitation of investment and partnering, and promotion of our world-class science and industry.
Life sciences sectors, from biopharmaceuticals and medical technology to digital health and medical devices, are integrated into our organization and all that we do, ensuring that no life sciences sector is working in isolation — and that all sectors come together in a comprehensive, complementary and coordinated fashion.
Throughout the year, Life Sciences BC undertakes numerous programs and projects in support of these sectors. These include public policy initiatives, facilitating linkages between global industry and our local organizations, raising the profile of our industry internationally and thus facilitating investment and global partnering opportunities, and helping nurture economic development in British Columbia through the life sciences industry.