Trusted Biotechnology Investments Experts

Started my career at Sagentia Innovation, I helped global consumer and industrial companies such as P&G to identify and evaluate market opportunities of new technologies and products. I joined Oxford University Innovation in 2016, focusing on commercialising Oxford University's research outcomes through licensing and creating spin-out ventures. I am passionate about cleantech innovation, currently leading a Climate Tech initiative at OUI, launched the Oxford Climate Tech and Sustainability Innovation Challenge 2021 this summer to engage Oxford researchers and local innovation eco-system to tackle climate crisis together. I am always eager and self-motivated to learn new knowledge and develop new skills, enjoying the challenges of stepping out of comfort zone while keeping the focus. I am passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, and how to bring these together to create real impact to the society. I am a great team player, sociable and optimistic. I enjoy leading, coaching and mentoring, in particular when I can support and make others succeed in their endeavours

Joannes van Cann is a talented manager with a unique blend of scientific and business acumen. He holds a PhD in molecular biology and is currently pursuing an MBA at an internationally renowned business school. With versatile experience across several European countries, Joannes has successfully progressed clinical trials of world-class clients. Furthermore, he has assisted in the Strategic Corporate Development of his employer, by performing various Business Analyses and contributing to the overall strategy. Joannes is seeking a challenging role that demands a strategic business insight and offers a measurable impact on a company, business unit or team. As a skilled communicator, leader, and strategist, he excels in using his skills to the company’s advantage. He has shown to be flexible, adaptive, problem-solving, stress-resilient and creative. His commitment to lifelong learning and professional development makes him an asset to any organization.

Gaurav Shah is the Managing Partner of Trident Renewables, advising institutional investors and corporate leaders on renewable energy, advanced biofuels, green hydrogen, and the broader energy transition. With nearly two decades of experience operating and investing in renewable energy businesses, evaluating technology pathways, commercial models, and regulatory pathways (IRA, OBBBA, LCFS, EU Fit for 55, TCFD, Scope 3, ESG) across the US, EU, and UK, he helps decision-makers navigate complex climate and energy markets with clarity. His work spans commercial due diligence, technology feasibility, carbon markets, SAF and e-fuel pathways, green hydrogen economics, and emerging clean-energy infrastructure. Drawing on both technical training and deep experience in private capital, Gaurav distills highly technical information like IRA incentives, LCFS/CORSIA frameworks, feedstock dynamics and GHG emissions accounting into practical insights that inform strategic investment and policy decisions. He is regularly sought after for his ability to simplify complicated climate tech topics and connect engineering realities with financial, regulatory, and market outcomes.

Gaurav Shah is the Managing Partner at Arete Ventures, advising founders, early-stage teams, and institutional investors across the US, EU, UK and India, with extensive experience in the Silicon Valley ecosystem. Over the past 19+ years, he has worked across the full spectrum of entrepreneurship and private capital; from guiding startups on market signals, traction, fundraising, and scaling decisions to supporting investment firms on due diligence, M&A, portfolio value creation, and performance improvement. He brings a blended operator–investor perspective, having evaluated hundreds of companies for institutional investors (PE, VC, hedge funds, and family offices) while also working directly with investor backed entrepreneurs on strategy, product-market fit, and execution. His pattern-recognition across both sides of the table allows him to translate real market truths into practical, founder-ready insights. He further serves on the investment committee (IC) for venture capital firms and advises board members actively across US & EU. Focus Areas Entrepreneurship & Startup Advisory: product-market fit, early traction, market validation, GTM strategy, fundraising readiness, founder coaching Institutional Investor Advisory (buy side): commercial & technical due diligence, M&A strategy, competitive intelligence, investment memos, portfolio performance improvement Sectors: AI, SaaS, fintech, blockchain, climate-tech, renewable energy, Web 3.0, deeptech, life sciences and other frontier technologies

Authentic technology recruitment leader with expertise in executive talent acquisition and building high performance recruitment teams, primarily within the tech/digital/creative disciplines.

Skilled, highly knowledgeable, and analytical professional with over fourteen years experience in the healthcare sector. Primary expertise in providing strategic insights and actionable information to life science companies. Proficient in molecular diagnostics, point of care diagnostics, genomics, immunoassays, oncology diagnostics, cardiology diagnostics, infectious disease diagnostics and personalized medicine. Strong ability in capturing customer insights, performing technical analysis, sizing niche segments, financial modeling, evaluating market dynamics, identify/evaluate new product potential, and presenting high impact, tactical recommendations. Specialties: Extensive knowledge in the genomics, in-vitro diagnostics space. Demonstrated success in managing teams and clients, assessing business models identifying market opportunities/risks and developing strategies to optimize market penetration, competitive advantage and profit.

Over a decade of experience creating successful teams, exceeding sales goals, and developing effective marketing strategies for the private investment space. Through lead generation, networking, and various marketing tools, Kelly has helped raise over $500 million dollars of capital from individual private investors for several industries. She is an innovative problem solver and a natural leader focused on the big picture.

Strategic and results-driven business, growth & commerce leader with 14+ years of international experience across different industries, including tech and fintech. Successfully launched 8 international businesses and start-up companies (Fintech, GenAI, E-com, Biotech, Commodity trading, ML PaaS, etc) in 15+ countries and in complex jurisdictions. Co-issued Visa debit cards for 300k users, structured bank–fintech P&L mechanics. Brought a biotech startup from 0 to $1.5M ARR international revenue in 9 months during COVID with zero marketing budget. Launched international cross-border B2C e-com for 100M users. Managed and advised on AI, ML and Data strategy 60+ enterprise clients within 10 countries, including F500 companies, e.g. KPMG, DELL, IBM and 100+ startups. Fundraised 1M+ from tier-1 VC around the world. Adept at fostering relationships, driving revenue growth, and leading cross functional teams to pursue and achieve excellence. Fluent in 4 languages (English, Mandarin Chinese, French, Russian).

Max Avery, a dynamic business development executive at Digital Ascension Group, drives growth across industries with a sharp focus on market leadership. His deep knowledge of traditional and emerging financial markets, backed by certifications like Capital Markets & Securities Analyst (CMSA)® and FinTech Industry Professional (FTIP)™, informs his strategic approach. Since 2016, he has excelled in raising capital and structuring deals in private equity and real estate. Appointed to the District Export Council by Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in 2018, and a member of the National Small Business Association’s Economic Development Committee, Avery shapes policies for business growth. Guided by a philosophy of excellence, he turns complex challenges into practical solutions, establishing himself as a trusted strategist committed to lasting impact.

Dr. James Utley is a pioneering scientist at the forefront of cellular therapy, AI, and data science. A Johns Hopkins-educated Immunohematology expert and Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professional (CABP), he also holds advanced certifications in data science and machine learning. While serving as Technical Director at a major healthcare organization, Dr. Utley oversaw more than 150,000 successful cellular transfusions and spearheaded advancements that significantly improved patient outcomes. This experience included leading initiatives for the Department of Defense, where he revolutionized cellular transfusion practices. His innovative approach is further exemplified by his FDA-approved work and numerous publications in leading scientific journals. Dr. Utley is also known for his bold, hands-on approach to research, embodying the spirit of a "biohacker" by pushing the boundaries of CRISPR and genetic engineering through self-experimentation. This unique blend of rigorous scientific training and unconventional methods has earned him the moniker "the pirate" within the biohacker community.

Serial entrepreneur, investor, and startup mentor with 20+ years in tech. Has founded companies in mobile games, B2C apps, and SaaS across Thailand, Armenia, & the US. Now building SuperFollow AI, a stealth startup for social media users and creators.

James Bean is a pioneering cannabis industry expert and Founding CEO of Seeds Here Now, the longest continuously operating seed bank in the United States with 15 years of proven leadership. Since 2010, Bean has built an industry-leading catalog featuring 3,500+ strains from 80+ world-class breeders, establishing Seeds Here Now as the premier destination for authentic cannabis genetics. With a Plant Science degree from Oaksterdam University and 15 years specializing in cannabis genetics, Bean brings unparalleled expertise in breeder verification, genetic authenticity, and cultivation science. His knowledge spans feminized, regular, and autoflower seed production, pheno-hunting, breeding practices, and strain lineage documentation. Bean's industry authority is demonstrated through extensive media presence on major cannabis podcasts including The Adam Dunn Show (as "James Bean Man on the Scene"), The Dude Grows Show, The Pot Cast, and Grow Bud Yourself Podcast. He has personally vended at hundreds of cannabis trade shows including High Times Cannabis Cups and Canna Con events, and serves as a cannabis competition judge. As a heavy cannabis consumer with decades of personal experience, Bean possesses exceptional first-hand knowledge of strain effects and quality assessment. His business has served thousands of satisfied customers with germination guarantees and transparent practices, earning recognition including the 2023 Leafly Seed Bank Hall of Fame honor and Forbes media coverage. Bean actively supports cannabis community causes, mentors emerging businesses, and contributes educational content through articles and podcast appearances. His direct relationships with renowned breeders like TH Seeds, Exotic Genetics, La Plata Labs, Snow High Seeds, and Dominion Seed Company underscore his trusted position as the "#1 U.S. Broker of High Quality Cannabis Genetics." Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bean continues to shape cannabis breeding trends, preserve rare genetics, and advance industry professionalism while maintaining Seeds Here Now's position as America's most trusted source for authentic cannabis seeds.

I am a U.S.-focused finance professional with over 10 years of experience in investment analysis, personal finance strategy, and accounting. I founded FinanceIdeas.org, where I publish real-world guides that help individuals and families solve complex financial problems; from retirement anxiety to market panic. My background blends academia, corporate finance, and consulting. I have served as a lecturer in accounting and as a financial analyst supporting strategic decisions in the investment sector. Today, I share my research-backed financial strategies in global media outlets and academic platforms like SSRN and ResearchGate. I specialize in topics such as investment psychology, risk-adjusted portfolio strategies, crypto investing, and behavior-driven financial planning. My goal is to translate timeless financial wisdom into actionable steps anyone can use to build long-term wealth. Need expert insights on crypto, investing, Accounting or financial panic-proofing? Contact me via FinanceIdeas.org or just e-mail me directly at kumartaposbanarjee@gmail.com

Founder & CEO of Genbounty - AI safety & compliance testing. Genbounty is a an AI safety testing hub and provider of EU AI Act compliance and certification. About me AppSec SME, AI Engineer, Developer | BSc, MBA, PRINCE2, CompTIA+, CISSP

Drumil Joshi is a nationally recognized leader in AI-driven predictive analytics for renewable energy systems. With a Master of Science in Data Science from Indiana University Bloomington and a portfolio of 12 international research papers, 6 patents, and a published book, Drumil combines academic excellence with real-world operational impact. As the sole Monitoring & Diagnostics Analyst at Southern Power, he manages a $450M portfolio of solar, wind, and battery energy storage assets. He specializes in building end-to-end machine learning pipelines, real-time anomaly detection platforms, and operational stability indices that have enhanced renewable energy reliability and reduced manual analysis time by over 25 hours per week. Drumil’s innovative work—featuring cutting-edge tools like Azure Databricks, SHAP interpretability, and Dash visual analytics—has been nationally recognized by media outlets such as Hindustan Times, DNA India, TechBullion, and Silicon India. His mission is to democratize AI innovation for energy and industrial systems by providing tactical, scalable solutions that companies can implement without needing large teams. With a strong foundation in machine learning, energy analytics, automation, and sustainable AI systems, Drumil offers a unique blend of technical depth, entrepreneurial spirit, and thought leadership that continues to shape the future of smart energy management.

I'm the CEO and founder of Extract Labs, a Boulder, Colorado-based full-service hemp extraction laboratory offering a proprietary line of boutique CBD-infused products. I started the company out of my garage in 2016. Prior to founding Extract Labs, I was the Senior Sales Engineer for Apeks Supercritical, based out of Denver Colorado. I performed technical sales, and managed all national and international training and service on Apeks extraction systems. I also performed cannabis related research and development, and taught classes specifically on advanced CO2 extraction techniques along with pre and post processing techniques. I received both a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Louisville with a concentration in thermal sciences and renewable energy. Prior to my undergraduate and graduate studies, I served as an infantryman and Team Leader in the US Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2002 to 2006.

David Selakovic is the CEO and President of Vegalab SA, a Swiss biotech advancing natural solutions for global food systems. Under his leadership, Vegalab develops high-performance biologicals and specialty inputs that help growers boost yield and quality while shrinking chemical footprints and protecting pollinators. The company’s platforms—micronization, nano-encapsulation, and in-vivo cultivation of beneficial microorganisms—are engineered to match the efficacy and usability of synthetics, with sustainability built in from the start. Headquartered in Switzerland with a growing international footprint, Vegalab supports farmers, distributors, and innovators across regions with rapid product development and field-level support, and maintains a commitment to carbon-neutral operations and FSC-certified communications. Selakovic speaks frequently on scaling biologicals, translating lab breakthroughs to farm outcomes, and building resilient, zero-residue value chains.

I’m an entrepreneur working at the intersection of AI, product execution, and healthcare access. Over the last decade I’ve built and led teams that turn new technology into practical tools for real businesses. I co-founded BotsCrew in 2016, grew it into a global AI services company, and later joined the CourtAvenue collective, where we help large enterprises adopt generative AI with speed and precision. I also founded AllClinicalTrials.com and Curify, two platforms focused on making it easier for patients to find and enroll in legitimate clinical trials. That work started from a personal experience trying to find treatment options for a family member, and it pushed me toward building products that remove friction from complex systems. My background is in applied mathematics and AI, but most of my learning came from building things fast, talking to customers, and fixing what didn’t work. I’m especially interested in how generative AI will reshape operations, customer experience, and decision-making in large organizations. I try to share what I learn - both the wins and the mistakes - so others can move faster.

Ganesh Ariyur is a global enterprise technology executive and a Top 100 Digital Adoption Leader for 2025. He is known for delivering more than $500M in measurable enterprise value through large-scale digital transformation, enterprise systems modernization, cloud strategy, artificial intelligence adoption, data governance, & enterprise architecture leadership. His work spans more than 90 countries across Fortune 500 organizations, private-equity owned companies, and highly regulated industries. Ganesh serves as the Global Head of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Transformation at Gainwell Technologies, a $3B healthcare technology organization. He directs modernization programs across SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP, PeopleSoft, cloud platforms on AWS and Azure, enterprise applications, reporting and analytics, generative AI, intelligent automation, enterprise architecture, IT governance, and cybersecurity, aligned with operating models. His programs have delivered multi-million-dollar cost savings. He has directed enterprise portfolios valued at more than $1B. He has unified 450-plus legacy systems, led technology programs supporting more than $30B in M&A value, and guided organizations through complex TSA exits and carve-outs. Ganesh brings deep expertise in artificial intelligence-enabled operating models, multi-ERP modernization including SAP S/4 HANA, Oracle Cloud, & Workday, cloud strategy and FinOps, enterprise architecture, data, infrastructure, cybersecurity improvement, data quality & analytics modernization, robotic process automation & intelligent automation, shared services/global business services, organizational design, and long-term value creation. His people-process-technology approach led to his being named a Global Top 100 Digital Adoption Leader. He is a Certified AI Business Transformation Practitioner & a Certified Technology Innovation Practitioner. He is also a member of the Forbes Technology Council. He was publicly recognized for global transformation leadership when he was featured on billboards across Germany during a major enterprise program at Bayer. Ganesh is known for partnering with boards, CEOs, CFOs, & private equity operating teams. He aligns technology strategy with growth objectives, cost discipline, compliance needs, & long-term enterprise value. Based in Atlanta, he is regarded as a CIO leader who turns complexity into clarity and who consistently converts technology investment into measurable business outcomes.