How does the Forum serve the local community?

BR: Currently, there are a significant number of highly qualified and experienced biotech scientists and executives who live in our region and are looking to start new life sciences companies. Many of them have close ties to the region and don’t want to be forced to move to the Bay Area or San Diego where more mature biotech ecosystems exist.

JD: Additionally, some of my colleagues had recently transitioned out of Amgen and it was obvious to me that these scientists and executives who would need a place to land locally. At the time, there were only a few places for them to turn for resources and relationships to support their interest in starting or participating in new biotech ventures.

BR: We created the Forum to accommodate these individuals as well as our colleagues in the venture capital industry who want to tap the high quality labor pool that exists here.
 
 

Who else is involved in the Forum?

JD: Brent and I began by leveraging our respective business networks (Maverick Angels and Gold Coast Business Forum) and selected the individuals that we felt best fit the profile for this new Forum. These included entrepreneurs, scientists, investors and established technology company executives. Word spread fast and the rest is history.

BR: We also enjoy the support of several biotech and life science companies in the area who who endorse our mission and partner with us through sponsorship.
 

Is The BioTech Forum a "Member Only" Organization?

BR: Yes, the Forum is a member only organization. To ensure a quality membership, the Forum has a membership committee which reviews applications of individuals who are interested in becoming a part of the group.

JD: A networking group is only as good as the quality of its participants. We felt from the beginning that the Forum had to include the right players to ensure that it represented a positive and productive experience for everyone involved.

BR: Of course, we always welcome our friends from local city governments and academia who are committed to support the goals of the Forum. They, too, are key players whose interaction contibutes to the Forum's success.

JD: If interested, prospective members can apply for membership via the Forum website or by contacting membership@thebiotechforum.com. The annual membership fee is $395. Forum events are by invitation only and all members must be approved by the Membership Committee.

 

Long term, what do you want to accomplish through The Biotech Forum?

JD: Our ultimate goal is to develop a thriving biotech and life science ecosystem in the region north of Los Angeles. Our primary geographical focus for the Forum is the “101 Corridor” that spans from LA County up to Santa Barbara County. These cities are home to an increasing number of biotech companies that include Amgen and Baxter as well as many other smaller but rapidly growing start-ups.

BR: Our intent is to become the leading, regional biotech organization for facilitating the growth of a biotech industry in our area.

For more information on The Biotech Forum, contact info@thebiotechforum.com.