Running Through Walls

Siobhan Nolan Mangini, a healthcare contributor, joins Bob Kocher and Bryan Roberts to lay out bold predictions for the future of healthcare. They review last year's hits and misses while defining 'blip' as significant yet subtle innovations. Mangini highlights concerns over sustained high pharmacy spending and introduces a new AI billing code aimed at enhancing access to chronic care. The trio discusses the upcoming challenges with AI integration, including potential friction between provider and payer systems, and speculates on the implications for Medicare and political economy ahead.

Hunter Smith, Rhythm Pharmaceutical's Chief Financial Officer, joins Venrock's Nimish Shah for a conversation about how he manages the financial intricacies of a public company to enable them to change the lives of patients with rare neuroendocrine diseases. They go deep on how Hunter and the rest of the leadership team's journey took the stock from single-digits to over $100 today, how they motivated their team along the way, and the unique considerations for healthcare companies ahead of and after an IPO.

Matt Holt, Managing Director & President, Private Equity at New Mountain Capital speaks with Venrock's Bryan Roberts and Siobhan Nolan about how the healthcare industry should come together to build a system that optimizes for patient outcomes through the rebuilding of trust on all sides. While there's significant work to do, they're optimistic about how AI can help us get past regulatory complexity and upside down incentive structures faster.

Sam Kulkarni, PhD, CEO and Chairman of CRISPR Therapeutics, joins Venrock's Nimish Shah for a conversation about how they're using gene editing to find potential cures so miraculous, it almost sounds like science fiction. Sam shares advice on how to fundraise in the extraordinarily capital-intensive biotech market, having the courage to go after difficult things and face detractors, and how CEOs should find opportunity in volatility.

Dylan Parker, Co-Founder and CEO of Moment, joins Venrock investor Nick Beim to discuss how Moment is transforming the fixed income market, starting with rebuilding execution and portfolio management for some of the largest players in U.S. wealth management. Their discussion ranges from how to win in an industry with a risk tolerance of zero, never letting your talent bar drop, when to diversify from your core product, and beyond.

Ellen Lord, former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S) at the Departmet of Defense, joins Venrock investor Morgan Hitzig to discuss the defense tech ecosystem, building resilient supply chains and efficient teams, and making the often conflicting timelines between VC, government, and early stage companies work for industry and our warfighters. Plus, our new favorite piece of advice: "you have two ears and one mouth, use them proportionately."

Healthcare experts share a pessimistic outlook for 2025 based on new survey results, mixing humor with serious insights. They discuss AI's potential to enhance profitability, while highlighting skepticism about its current challenges. Economic hardships could lead to declines in elective procedures, raising concerns about NIH funding cuts. Recent changes in Medicare Advantage payments signal a shift towards prioritizing clinical outcomes, along with innovative ideas like food as medicine.

Punit Soni, CEO and Founder of Suki, joins Venrock partner Bob Kocher for a conversation about how AI will invisibly assume administrative burdens in healthcare, enabling a future where doctors get to do what they love – serving patients. They discuss building companies during generational step changes, advice for getting started in health tech, jumping on high-growth rocket ships, and more.

Charlie Glazer, Head of Healthcare Equity Capital Markets at Jefferies, joins Venrock partner Nimish Shah for a conversation on what will move the needle for the healthcare market in the months ahead. He shares advice on transactions including crossovers, reverse mergers, IPOs and also, his thoughts on what makes a strong management team, and how companies can prepare to impress public investors.

Jonathan Violin, CEO of Crescent Biopharma and experienced biotech leader, shares insights with Venrock partner Nimish Shah. They discuss groundbreaking strategies in cancer treatment and the rapid pace of drug development at Crescent. The conversation highlights the importance of stakeholder communication and an adaptable leadership style for CEOs. Violin also emphasizes the need for philosophical alignment in building effective startup teams and navigating the complexities of corporate boards in the dynamic biotech landscape.