FourthWave Forum: Bio to IPO with National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee, Dr. Pam Marrone
Biologicals are reshaping agriculture—and creating real scale opportunities. In this FourthWave Forum, Dr. Pam Marrone shares hard‑won playbooks from founding and scaling ag‑bio companies, commercializing science, and navigating capital markets—from angels and VCs to NASDAQ IPO—while staying mission‑driven. We’ll discuss product‑market fit for biologicals, go‑to‑market and partnerships, IP and regulatory strategy, and practical fundraising tips founders can use now. Moderated by Mariah Lichtenstern. Live Q&A.
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Pam Marrone is a pioneer in agricultural biologicals and a serial entrepreneur who has founded and scaled multiple ag‑bio companies. She founded AgraQuest (acquired by Bayer CropScience) and Marrone Bio Innovations (listed on NASDAQ: MBII), and today advises founders and serves on public and nonprofit boards. Her work has brought nature‑based pest management and plant‑health products to growers worldwide. She is an inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Moderator: Mariah Lichtenstern, GP, DiverseCity Ventures / PM, FourthWave Female Founder Accelerator
Hosted by: FourthWave (see “About FourthWave”), in partnership with the Carlsen Center for Entrepreneurship, DiverseCity Ventures, and the City of Sacramento.
FourthWave Forums is a founder‑focused series bringing conversations beyond the accelerator to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Come for signal‑dense insights; stay for a community that’s building venture‑backable, impact‑driven companies.
About FourthWave
FourthWave is an Accelerator for Women‑Led Technology Businesses. Investing in women is one of the most effective ways to reduce inequality and increase economic growth. Join us in changing the gender equity narrative.
About the Carlsen Center
The Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Sac State is a regional hub and platform for providing approachable and accessible entrepreneurial education, community, and support to enable startup founders of all backgrounds to explore and launch their businesses.
About DiverseCity Ventures
DiverseCity Ventures backs tech-enabled, scalable companies with positive social, economic, and environmental impact, inclusive teams, and high potential for outsized returns.
About the City of Sacramento
The Office of Innovation and Economic Development works to create economic mobility and opportunity for all businesses and residents. It is committed to developing a region of economic excellence by supporting and engaging with businesses and communities, increasing access to housing and by supporting a skilled workforce.