Pitch Perfect: The Panel Discussion

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on “How to Win Investors for Women’s Health”, featuring investment banker Kaitlin DeMarco of Locust Walk, venture capitalist Stasia Obremskey of Foreground Capital, and startup CEO Patric Stenberg of Gesynta Pharma. 

10 Key Lessons:

• “First in disease” can offer unique value for investors (Stasia)
  Startups addressing diseases in large indications with limited therapeutic options, like endometriosis, can define new standards of care. This can make them attractive to inbestors, especially if they show disease-modifying potential.
• A de-risked safety and preclinical data package can unlock funding (Stasia)
  Compelling preclinical and early clinical data help to build confidence before entering human proof-of-concept trials, especially in areas like Women’s Health where many investors lack experience.
• Start investor conversations long before your fundraising (Kaitlin)
  Treat investor outreach as a continuous relationship, not a one-time campaign. This allows time to align expectations and refine your story ahead of a formal raise.
• Choose VCs who expand your network and challenge your thinking (Patric)
  The best investors don’t just bring capital—they connect you to top-tier funds and sharpen your clinical and fundraising strategy through expert feedback.
• Lead investors provide critical momentum in early-stage rounds (Patric)
  Having a committed lead investor sends a powerful signal to other VCs, creating momentum and credibility for the round. This draws in other investors from the sidelines.
• Be flexible in exploring strategic investors and corporate VCs (Kaitlin)
  Pharma and medtech companies may offer equity investments, not just licensing or M&A. Entrepreneurs should stay open to different forms of strategic capital, especially in difficult markets.
• Understand and clarify corporate VC terms (Kaitlin)
  Corporate investments might come with strings attached—like licensing options or commercial rights—so it’s important to clarify terms and long-term alignment before committing.
• VCs value transparency and realism from founders (Stasia)
  Unrealistic expectations around timelines or capital needs are a red flag. Investors appreciate founders who are optimistic but grounded in the complexity of drug development.
• Clearly articulate your business model and customer (Stasia)
  Outside of the biopharma space, founders must specify early on who the paying customer is – e.g. insurance, hospital, patient, or employer – especially in the complex U.S. healthcare market.
• Ask VCs about their current investment priorities (Kaitlin)
  Don’t assume a fund’s historical investments reflect their current focus. Ask about their active mandate to ensure alignment on stage, sector, geography and time horizon.