BIO Alabama makes funding focus of virtual annual conference

Funding fuels biotechnology research and development. BIO Alabama will have multiple sessions devoted to the issue at its upcoming virtual annual conference. (Getty Images)
Funding strategies consume founders and executive leaders of early-stage bioscience companies as they seek to keep research and development moving forward.
For that reason, the BIO Alabama Virtual Annual Conference is devoting six different sessions focusing on funding. From seed to SBIR/STTR grants and venture capital to merger and acquisitions, the conference will feature topics for each stage of the funding cycle.
Three funding focused sessions on Tuesday, Oct. 6:
- 9 a.m. – Bioscience Investors Forum – The pandemic changed many things including capital investment. Join this session to hear from leading bioscience venture capitalist regarding trends in bioscience investment.
- Benjamin Scruggs, associate, Hatteras Venture Partners
- Matthew Miessau, associate, Epidarex Capital
- Ali Behbahani, general partner, New Enterprise Associates
- 10 a.m. – Merger and Acquisition Strategy – What entrepreneurs need to know will feature M&A expert Michael White with Founders Advisors. Learn more about end game strategy, when and how to start planning, and what to expect moving through strategy development, due diligence and across the finish line.
- 11 a.m. – SBIR/STTR Grants – Rachel Lane, founder of The Written Science, and Erik Schwiebert, CEO and chief scientific officer at Discovery BioMed, are two people to know in Alabama when it comes to grants. They will bring award-winning tips and advice, based on their own experience and success.

Funding is the lifeblood of life science research and development. Learn how to tap into resources at the BIO Alabama Virtual Annual Conference. (Getty Images)
On Wednesday, Oct. 7, there are 3 additional funding sessions:
- 1 p.m. – Real Stories from Founders and Funders – Miller Girvin, panel moderator and CEO of Alabama Capital Network, along with Greg Schmergel, chairman of Yuva Biosciences; Bob Shufflebarger, CEO of TriAltus Bioscience; Neill Wright, president and CEO of Bronze Valley; and Charlie Perry, private investor, will deliver a candid discussion all about the road to funding.
- 2 p.m. – Bioscience Angel Investor Forum – Angel investors are investing in bioscience, providing necessary early-stage seed capital. But, understanding the role of angel investors and how to prepare for an angel investor is key. Hear directly from bioscience angel investors.
- James Childs, panel moderator, partner, Maynard Cooper Gale
- Tommy Satterfield, private investor
- Daniel Coleman, private investor
- 3 p.m. – Securing Your First Institutional Round: Inside Investor Relations – Stephanie Carrington, managing director at Westwicke, will share her expert advice on building and maintaining relationships with investors.
Additional speakers, organizations and sponsors can be found on the official conference website. Up-to-date information on the agenda and thought leaders presenting can be found on the conference website. Event registration is open.