Meet SynBio Investors: For startups & scaleups

The DeepTech Network's Investor Series is back – with a special focus on SynBio!

Join us for an evening of insight, innovation and investment, designed exclusively for deep tech startups and scaleups. This instalment of the DeepTech Network’s Investor Series brings together a hands-on IP workshop and a Synthetic Biology-focused investor panel, all under one roof.

🧠 16:30–17:30: Effectively monetising your IP in the Deep Tech and AI age

Before you meet investors, you should get your IP in order.

This interactive workshop, led by Arnie Francis, Principle Associate, and Amrit Jethwa, Head of Commercial IP Contracts, is tailored for ALL early-stage deeptech founders (sector agnostic).

How do DeepTech technologies intersect with IP law, and what are the opportunities and challenges faced by companies looking to effectively monetise their IP in this space? In this session, we will discuss how to leverage the right IP tools to protect innovations in AI and DeepTech technologies as part of a robust IP strategy, and how to extract commercial value from those innovations through tailored licenses and agreements.

🔍 This workshop will cover why IP matters, types of IP, trade secrets, building an IP strategy, IP in commercial scenarios, licensing, and tips & pitfalls.

💬 17:30-20:30: SynBio Investor Panel + networking

Stick around as we turn our focus to investment. Hear directly from experienced deeptech investors and entrepreneurs who are actively backing and leading Synthetic Biology startups.

You’ll gain insight into what funders are looking for in today’s climate and how to position your startup for success.

📢Confirmed Speakers:

John Anderson, CIO, Imperial College London

Cian Duggan, CEO & Co-Founder, Resurrect Bio

Kerstin Papenfuss, Pharma Director, Deep Science Ventures

George Darrah, General Partner, Systemiq Capital

Oliver Sexton, Investment Director, Future Planet Capital

Why Attend?

✅ Learn how to protect your IP before you pitch

✅ Connect with top-tier investors and SynBio experts

✅ Network with peers, researchers, and innovation leaders

✅ Gain fresh perspectives from industry and academia

Who should attend?

👩🏻‍🏫 The workshop is open to ALL deep tech startups/scaleups.

🤖 The panel & reception is open exclusively to deeptech startups and scaleups in Synthetic Biology. Please note: consultancies - including legal, marketing, and property-related firms - are not eligible to attend.

How to apply:

💰 Startup/Scaleup: Apply for a ticket. Admission is by approval only.

🎓 Imperial student/staff: Use your Imperial email when applying.

💼 Investor? RSVP by emailing [email protected]

This event is kindly supported by Appleyard Lees & Advanced Research Clusters (ARC)

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Host or Publisher Imperial College London and Upstream