Members of the VBI BioInnovator (VBI) team, David Xu - CBO, Daniel Mao - Senior Associate, Sean Ye – CSO and Yinghong Gao-BD Director, went to San Diego and San Francisco for three days of action-packed meetings and receptions. While there, they met with some of the leading innovators of the California biotech scene and deepened relationships with their existing network. “We are expecting to expand our reach and continue to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships. We hope our drug discovery expertise, CRO services, and cash investment can contribute to the growth of the local biotech industry, especially to early-stage biotech startups,” said Xu.
On May 15th, 2019, VBI hosted a “Venture Day” with Biocom in San Diego where they brought together a lively and motivated crowd of local entrepreneurs to meet the combined Shanghai and San Diego teams along with a panel of other experts. Biocom, the leading life science trade association in Southern California, facilitated introductions of biotech startups to VBI’s investment executives. Through their extensive network, Biocom works closely with the scientists of Southern California and is a bridge to connect founders with relevant investors. Before the event, VBI hosted an intimate dinner where they discussed the challenges and rewards of working in biotech with founders and industry leaders.
On May 16th, 2019, VBI traveled to San Francisco where they partnered with CLSI (California Life Science Institute) which is part of CLSA (California Life Science Association), the largest trade association in California to host a reception for interested entrepreneurs. Their joint “Investment Reception” was a hit as CLSI actively promoted the event targeting entrepreneurs in drug discovery by leveraging its large network of biotech professionals. The event had over 140 attendees who were excited to learn about the services and investment VBI provides.
David Xu outlines VBI's investment model. Attendees were able to network after an info packed session.
On May 17th, 2019, the VBI team visited JLABS and toured their facilities while meeting with companies who have taken advantage of the space. Earlier this year, VBI became a JLABS Investor Hub member and is excited to be able to work with and meet some of the most groundbreaking startups in the Bay Area. JLABS is an incubator created by JJDC of Johnson & Johnson. They have 10+ locations around the world where they provide office and lab space. VBI was excited to be a key participant in one of JLAB’s first Investor Hub office hours.
VBI is more committed than ever to building strong connections with innovative and driven people by being a partner for success and continuing to collaborate these leading life science associations
