From Bench to Venture

​Join us for an engaging conversation with a leader who has navigated the full spectrum of biotech innovation from academia to entrepreneurship to venture investing.

​This session will feature Will Alaynick Ph.D. author of Venture Capital for Life Scientists and Founder & Managing Partner at Phase Two Ventures. Will brings a rare, full-spectrum perspective across the biotech lifecycle, having transitioned from academic research to founding and scaling multiple life sciences companies, and now investing in the next generation of innovation. His experience spans building companies from academic concept to global commercialization, raising capital from leading venture, private equity, and strategic investors, and driving product development across tools, diagnostics, and medical devices.

​This event is designed for students, postdocs, researchers, early-career professionals, founders, operators, and investors interested in biotech and life sciences venture. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into navigating careers across science and startups, translating research into real-world impact, and understanding how investors evaluate and support emerging technologies. The session will be interactive and discussion-driven, with opportunities to ask questions throughout.

​Meet the Host

​​​​​​​​​​​Berkeley Pharma Tech Foundation is a nonprofit committed to expanding biotech understanding and improving access to the industry through education, mentorship, and networking. We host roundtables, speaker panels, and community events to connect aspiring scientists and entrepreneurs with industry leaders. Our goals: launch a funded research program within two years and build a state-of-the-art lab in the Bay Area within five. Follow us on LinkedIn or reach out to Vanloan Nguyen to get involved!