Business Of Biotech

Mission-Driven Dementia Funding with DDF's Jonathan Behr

Jun 10, 2024

Jonathan Behr, MIT Ph.D. in biological engineering turned venture capitalist, discusses dementia funding, biotech corporate finance, & entrepreneurship. Highlights include strategic investments in dementia research, diversification in funding modalities, challenges in developing disease-modifying drugs, and the importance of a translational mindset in the biotech industry.

55:46

Episode guests

Jonathan Behr

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Mission-driven venture capital is crucial for biotech startups addressing cognitive disorders.

Transitioning from academia to venture capital requires diverse experiences to bridge science and business in biotech.

Deep dives

Venture Capital Trends in Biotech Startups

Mission-driven venture capital is becoming a prominent financial support avenue for biotech startups, particularly focusing on cognitive disorders. With the global dementia-affected population expected to double every 20 years, the biotech industry is responding with potential projections for the dementia therapeutics market to surpass $30 billion by 2030. Understanding the science and markets proves vital in capitalizing on this industry landscape.

Intro

3min

Transition from Biological Engineering to Venture Capital in Biotech

7min

Career Journey and Impactful Investments in Dementia Research

23min

Diversification in Modalities for Dementia Funding

2min

Creating a Biotech Company: Strategy and Approach

4min

Challenges and Successes in Developing Disease-Modifying Drugs for Cognitive Disorders

15min

Concluding Conversations and Future Plans with DDF's Jonathan Behr

2min

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If there's anyone qualified to analyze an early-stage therapeutic technology and place bets with other people's money, it's scientist-turned-venture capitalist Jonathan Behr, Ph.D. He built a distinguished venture capital career on the back of an MIT Ph.D. in biological engineering, having co-founded no fewer than 7 life sciences companies, served on or observed the boards of at least 17, and led investments at Pure Tech Ventures, the JDRF T1D Fund, SV Health investors, and now, the Dementia Discovery Fund, where he's a partner. Drawing from all that experience, this episode of the Business of Biotech delivers a trove of knowledge on biotech corporate finance and entrepreneurship, as well as the interplay between business strategy and influences like regulatory and scientific trends. We focus on the spirited neurodegenerative space, where case studies in investment and regulatory success and missteps abound. Tune in here and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

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Business Of Biotech

Mission-Driven Dementia Funding with DDF's Jonathan Behr

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Venture Capital Trends in Biotech Startups

Dr. Jonathan Baer's Career Transition to Venture Philanthropy

Key Factors in Embracing a Venture Capital Career

Diversification and Innovation in Biotech Investment

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts