Xconomy Xchange: Boston’s Life Science Disruptors

Every life sciences startup aims to shake up and challenge the status quo. But what Boston companies are taking the most radical approaches and seem poised to become the biggest disruptors? What are their goals, what is their approach to building a great biotech company, and how are the founders working with their leading venture capital investors to pursue their disruptive vision?

Join us for this unique event featuring Founder-Investor stories from three of New England’s most radical biotech company leaders and their VC backers out to change the game in cancer, vaccines, rare diseases, and more.

Genocea Biosciences Story

Darren Higgins is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunobiology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Higgins is also inventor on several patents and co-founded and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Genocea Biosciences. Dr. Higgins holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Michigan Medical School.

Kevin Bitterman is a Principal at Polaris Partners. He joined Polaris in 2004 and focuses on investments in healthcare. Prior to joining Polaris, Kevin completed his PhD in genetics at Harvard Medical School. He is a co-founder of Genocea Biosciences and Sirtris Pharmaceuticals and currently represents Polaris as a director on a number of boards.

Moderna Therapeutics Story

Stéphane Bancel is President and Founding CEO of Moderna Therapeutics. Prior to Moderna, he was CEO of bioMérieux. Previously, Stéphane held director positions at Eli Lilly. He earned a Master of Engineering from École Centrale Paris, a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Noubar Afeyan is founder, Managing Partner, and CEO of Flagship Ventures. He is also a Senior Lecturer at MIT’s Sloan School of Management. During his 25-year career as inventor, entrepreneur, CEO and venture capitalist, he has co-founded and helped build 25 life science and technology startups.

Bluebird Bio Story

Nick Leschly has served as chief bluebird at bluebird bio since September 2010. Formerly a partner of Third Rock Ventures since its inception, Nick played an integral role in the development of several TRV portfolio companies. Prior to joining Third Rock, Nick led several early-stage drug development programs and served as product/alliance leader for VELCADE at Millennium Pharmaceuticals.

Neil Exter joined Third Rock Ventures in 2007 and plays an integral role in the formation, development and business strategy of its portfolio companies. Prior to joining Third Rock, he was CBO of Alantos Pharmaceuticals and VP of Business Development at Millennium Pharmaceuticals. Neil holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MS from Stanford University and a BS from Cornell University.