Big Pharma BD: A Startup’s Guide to Partnering

​*Virtual Event

​Join us for an informal and interactive virtual seminar led by Neel Desai exploring how business development (BD) functions inside large biopharma companies and how startups can position themselves for successful partnerships.

​The session will begin with moderated questions covering how BD and Search & Evaluation teams are structured, how to initiate and structure outreach conversations (including when to use non-confidential decks and CDAs), and how large companies assess scientific and commercial risk. We will discuss how startups can effectively “de-risk” their programs, communicate differentiation, navigate outreach to senior leaders, and obtain meaningful feedback. The conversation will also explore different partnership models—including research collaborations, licenses, equity investments, and M&A—and when each makes strategic sense. The session will conclude with open audience Q&A.

​Neel Desai is an experienced biopharma business development professional and a Penn alum. He began his career in consulting and investing, and has spent approximately 15 years in finance, strategy, and business development roles of increasing responsibility at leading companies including Vertex, AstraZeneca, Piramal Pharma, and Biogen. He is currently a consultant to small biotech companies seeking to partner with large pharmaceutical companies.

​

​Co-hosted by Pennovation Works and Penn Center for Innovation