Funding the ATMP Journey: Biotech Entrepreneurs Share Their Lessons

Securing substantial funding is a major milestone for an ATMP company—but what does it take to get there, and what happens next? This session will give the floor to biotech entrepreneurs who have secured significant private investment, public funding, or a combination of both, to share their experiences. Through candid accounts of their funding journeys, panellists will discuss how they prepared their companies, built relationships with investors and funding bodies, navigated due diligence, and dealt with setbacks, lengthy negotiations and difficult decisions. They will reflect on what worked, what proved harder than expected, and what they would do differently. The discussion will also explore life after funding: delivering against milestones, managing investor expectations, adapting development plans and preparing for the next financing round. Particular attention will be given to the challenges of financing advanced therapies, where scientific ambition must be matched with clinical progress, manufacturing readiness and sustainable use of capital. Designed as an interactive exchange with the audience, the panel will offer practical advice grounded in entrepreneurs’ experience, helping biotech leaders anticipate obstacles, avoid common pitfalls and better prepare for their own funding journeys. The session will also provide a bridge to a dedicated follow-up pitching initiative, where selected companies and projects can engage directly with investors.