A strong network can help life science entrepreneurs advance their careers by accessing to new information, insights and perspectives. A community of experts and mentors can also help shape corporate strategies. Life Science Sherpas is one such community. The collective helps venture-backed companies within the sector create connections and foster deals at networking events in meaningful yet informal settings.
Andrew W. Lam, PharmD, Managing Director, Head of Biotech Private Equity at Ally Bridge Group, helped establish Life Science Sherpas. He recently shared with Cure how the group’s events help individuals from corporate, strategy and finance functions engage in thought-provoking discussions and build connections.
1. What is Life Science Sherpas?
Life Sciences Sherpas is a volunteer-organized collective that aims to foster life sciences collaboration by improving stakeholder connectivity. We do this by bringing together folks within life sciences hubs to invitation-only, sponsored networking events intended to nurture professional connections and deal-making.
Our members are “C-suite and adjacent” – that is, C-suite executives in decision-making capacities or related participants, such as public equity and private equity investors, business development executives of strategic acquirers and other stakeholders. For example, these may include investment bankers, equity research analysts and outside counsel. Focusing on these high-impact professionals makes every interaction among each participant relevant.
Our events are specifically designed to ensure that each participant can engage with peers and potential collaborators in a setting conducive to high-level discussions and deal-making.
2. Why did you create this organization? What is its mission?
Life Sciences Sherpas was founded in 2021 by a group of dedicated friends and professionals within the life sciences industry who were eager to reconnect following the prolonged COVID lockdowns. After a period of remote work and social distancing, the founders, who each worked at different companies and held various roles within the industry, felt a strong desire to re-establish personal and professional connections that had been disrupted.
Despite working in different organizations and across diverse yet interconnected functions, we shared a common bond as colleagues within the broader life sciences ecosystem. This shared experience underscored the value of maintaining and nurturing professional relationships, even when physically separated. Recognizing the unique challenges posed by the pandemic and the limitations of virtual interactions, they envisioned creating a platform that would bring together industry peers in a meaningful and informal setting.
Thus, Sherpas was conceived as a neutral, cross-platform environment to facilitate organic “watercooler” conversations among life sciences professionals. The idea was to create a space where individuals from various companies and related corporate, strategy and finance functions could come together to engage in casual yet impactful discussions, share insights, and explore potential collaborations without the constraints of formal settings.
3. How does the organization build community? Do you work with partner organizations?
Our generous sponsors have been instrumental in supporting our mission and ensuring the success of our initiatives. We are proud to count among our supporters many of the investment banks that have a focus in the life sciences sector. These organizations have provided invaluable backing, enabling us to host high-quality events and create meaningful opportunities for networking and collaboration within the industry.
4. Does the organization focus on a particular group, such as academics considering starting a company, scientists who have begun that journey and have some angel funding or more advanced startup entrepreneurs?
Life Sciences Sherpas primarily supports and engages with venture-backed companies within the life sciences sector. While our events and initiatives are inclusive and can benefit a wide range of professionals, our main focus has been on organizations that have already secured venture capital funding.
5. What does Life Science Sherpas plan as new initiatives for Q4 2024 or 2025?
We held our inaugural Boston event in late April, with great attendance and positive feedback. The event showcased the growing interest and need for networking and knowledge-sharing.
Building on this momentum, we are excited to announce our plans to expand into other prominent life sciences hubs in 2025. Our primary focus will be to serve our growing network better and foster deeper connections within the industry, in particular, in Boston, San Francisco and San Diego. These cities are recognized as major epicenters of innovation in biotech and life sciences, making them ideal locations for our expansion efforts.
6. How can someone join Life Science Sherpas or get more information?
Please find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/life-sciences-sherpas.