Name: Boston Life Sciences Showcase: In Conversation with Mohan S. Iyer: From Genentech to IndieBio
Start: 2026-05-29T12:00:00.000-04:00
End: 2026-05-29T14:00:00.000-04:00
Location: 10 Prospect St

The Startup Oasis Network (SON):  Built by Steve Vilkas for a consortium of innovation, startup, and tech communities.  Events and experiences that matter for people just like you.

The Startup Oasis Network

Boston Life Sciences Showcase: Investor Connect Series

10 Prospect Street, Floor 7, Somerville, MA 02143

Where Founders & Funders Meet with Purpose

 (BLSS), designed to facilitate high‑impact interactions between biotech startups and active investors. Each session offers a focused yet dynamic environment where curated startup teams can present their innovations to aligned investors and receive actionable feedback, while investors share insights on investment theses, sector focus areas, and what they look for in founders.

Held in a community‑centered setting, the series features fireside conversations with investors, legal guidance, startup pitches, and structured networking. It advances BLSS’s mission to foster meaningful, cross‑disciplinary connections across the life sciences ecosystem.

Theme: In Conversation with Mohan S. Iyer: From Genentech to IndieBio

 based in San Francisco. Mohan began his career at the ground floor of the biotech industry as part of the team who scaled up the the first 3 biotech drugs at Genentech in the mid-80s.  In a career spanning over three decades, he has held leadership positions at several startups includingTethys Bioscience, Second Genome, and Pendulum Therapeutics.

Drawing on this breadth of experience, Mohan is passionate about mentoring first‑time founders and helping teams articulate and execute against their north star goals. In this edition of the 

, he will share stories from his journey across multiple biotech platforms, from genomics and metabolomics to microbiomics, and discuss how he evaluates opportunities, structures deals, and supports startups to scale and exit. Attendees will gain insight into what a first‑check investor looks for in founders and technologies, and how operational excellence translates into investment success.

Mohan will also discuss SOSV’s approach to finding deep tech startups. SOSV SF invests up to $550K in selected pre‑seed companies and offers intensive, hands‑on mentorship. Since 2014 the program has funded over 270 startups across 40 countries and helped create more than $12 billion in value, with 42% of portfolio companies led by women. During the event, three selected startups will pitch directly to Mohan and receive his feedback.

12:00 PM – 12:20 PM | Welcome & Networking

Open networking and informal introductions

12:20 PM – 12:50 PM | Fireside Chat with Investor

Conversation on investment approach and founder insights

, Partner, Trinity Life Sciences; Founder, SVRN

Quick legal guidance for startups on IP, fundraising, or company formation

. Each will each deliver a 5-minute pitch, followed by brief Q&A

Networking with founders, investors, and advisors

, Partner, Ice Miller LLP; Founder & President, VietChallenge

(BLSS) is a quarterly gathering designed to foster deeper connections among leaders, founders, funders, and industry experts across the life sciences sector. In 2025, BLSS expanded its programming to include the Investor Connect Series, a bi‑monthly initiative that brings startups and investors together for focused dealflow conversations and strategic exchange. Each public event centers on live showcases by companies across different stages of growth, from early ideation to near-exit, complemented by insight-rich discussions led by experienced professionals. A key aspect of the showcase is its intentional inclusion of startups and leadership teams that reflect the global, cross-disciplinary nature of today’s life sciences landscape, recognizing that innovation thrives when a variety of perspectives and experiences are brought to the table.

By attending this event, you consent to photography, audio, and video recording for promotional and community-building purposes.