HIGHLIGHTS
Congratulations PBS Biotech!
BioTech Forum member and PBS Biotech President Brian Lee recently received $250,000 in funding from the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County which will be used by the Camarillo-based company as it prepares to manufacture its new bioreactor technology. Lee became acquainted with the EDCVC at a BioTech Forum event last year where he met Bruce Stenslie, chief executive of the organization.
The funding was recently reported by both the Ventura County Star and The Pacific Business Times. In the latter, Stenslie is quoted
stating "... we're still bullish on biotech as an economic driver for Ventura County. We've still got Baxter and Amgen here
--giants in the field. If we can fund a startup in the industry, that's an opportunity we're looking to follow through
on."
BioTech Forum co-founder Brent Reinke was also quoted in the article. Reinke highlighted the focus of the BTF in providing networking opportunities to assist entrepreneurs with connecting with the resources they need to to move forward with their ventures. "It's the kind of thing we want to continue and replicate, whether it's a direct link like this one or an indirect link through networking."
For more information on The Biotech Forum, contact info@thebiotechforum.com.
Interview with John Dilts and Brent Reinke
Founders, The Biotech Forum
The Biotech Forum made headlines in September 2007, launching
with a timely event entitled: “Challenges and Opportunities
to Funding and Starting a Biotech Company.” Since the launch,
word has quickly spread throughout the Conjeo Valley biotech
community garnering the support of leading biotech executives,
city officials and corporate partners. The Forum founders, John
Dilts and Brent Reinke, took a moment to share their insights
into the emergence and evolution of their rapidly expanding
networking organization.
Why did you decide to form The Biotech Forum?
JD: Brent and I developed the concept in mid-2007 given what we was saw going on in the local community. All the players for creating a new biotech cluster in the region were in place, there simply needed to be some kind of catalyst for bringing those players together in a collaborative way.
BR: Having worked with numerous entrepreneurs throughout our respective careers, we understand how important it is for an entrepreneur to have ready access to the investment community, a network of experienced executives and useful business information about starting and growing a new venture.
JD: Brent and I both recognize the incredibly unique opportunity which has been presented to this region to develop a biotech cluster. The Forum was created by us to provide scientists and executives with the resources and network that will be instrumental in helping them start and successfully grow new biotech and healthcare ventures in this region.
For more information on The Biotech Forum, contact info@thebiotechforum.com.
