Speakers
Chris Baker
Leigh Brody
Helena Fraser
Panel session
For some, the last few months have been a time of exciting deals, while others have continued to face a challenging financial environment. IN this session we will look at where the money is coming from in the second half of 2024, and how you can best set yourself up for success.
Chris joined LifeArc as Investment Principal at LifeArc Ventures in 2021. He is responsible for new investments and managing existing portfolio companies.
Chris has held key business development roles in the investment and charity research industries, sourcing, assessing and converting life science opportunities. Previously, he was an Associate at the trans-Atlantic venture investor Advent Life Sciences, leading the diligence on a range of therapeutic and medical device opportunities, and supporting the growth of several portfolio companies.
Chris worked for 10 years in the university technology transfer sector with UCL Business and Cancer Research Technology. He successfully supported and commercialised a number of oncology and gene and cell therapy opportunities, and in addition, he was involved in executing a number of strategic initiatives such as the CRUK Stratified Medicine Programme and Grand Challenge awards.
Chris received his M.Biochem from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Genetics from the University of Cambridge in the lab of Prof. Fiona Watt.
Leigh, who holds a PhD in biochemistry and boasts over a decade of experience as a startup founder and operator, is an investor on the UCL Technology Fund life sciences team.
The fund is a partnership between AlbionVC and UCL Business. It sees unique IP created at the London university spun out, helping to ensure that academic innovations are given the chance to transform lives.
Leigh joined the team in 2021 after pursuing her own startup career. The investment manager initially led a spin-out based around her own novel technology, before helping to build several early-stage life science companies. These include Desktop Genetics and Quell Therapeutics.
Today Leigh focuses on transformative technologies and therapeutics opportunities emerging from UCL. The investor deploys her experience as an academic and founder to select innovators with potential. Leigh knows what specific support spin-outs require, and delivers this for the fund.
Leigh gained her PhD from Imperial College London, and also holds a BSc in Biochemistry from Simmons University. She has also been awarded of 50 Movers & Shakers in BioBusiness, 35 under 35: Tech Entrepreneurs.
Whenever Boston-born Leigh isn’t running after her two children, she is most likely to be found racing around a running track – ideally with a finish line near somewhere offering good food and wine. The investor dedicates her free moments to pursuing her side hustles, which include formulating a skincare line and writing a children’s book. She also finds time to mentor STEM programs for young people.
Helena is a banking professional with over 17 years of experience within the Financial Services sector. In 2016 Helena joined the Life Sciences and Healthcare team at HSBC Innovation Banking. In her current role as VP, Helena works with a pioneering group of clients who strive to make scientific advancements across the BioTech, Diagnostic and Tools ecosystem. This includes supporting clients throughout their growth journey from seed stage through to IPO.
HSBC Innovation Banking is the financial partner of choice to the innovation economy, providing tailored financial solutions designed to meet the needs of the most innovative founders and investors.
Helena was born and raised in Hackney and holds an MSc in Psychology with an active interest in researching subjects that are often stigmatised including the menstrual cycle. During her spare time Helena enjoys Pilates, creating art and experiencing different cuisines.
Dr Elin Haf Davies has 25 years of experience in life science, the majority of which in clinical trials. Clinically at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, academically at University College London and as a regulator at both the MHRA and the EMA. She was part of the paediatric team responsible for implementing the Paediatric Regulation in Europe in 2007. She founded Aparito in 2014 to change the patient experience of clinical trials through digital tools and to develop innovative eCOA and digital biomarker solutions. Aparito was acquired by Eli Lilly and Company in May 2024. Elin Haf is passionate about promoting opportunities for female founders.