Panelists will discuss ways startups can adapt and remain productive during the current economic climate. In attendance:

Ricky Spero, Redbud Labs. Ricky is a founder and the CEO of Redbud Labs. Since stepping into the CEO role in 2015, Redbud Labs launched its category-defining microfluidic components, MXR and STR. Under Dr. Spero’s leadership, Redbud has established its RTP manufacturing operations and attracted more than $11 million in funding.

David Spratte, Carpe. David graduated UNC-CH in 2017 as a Robertson Scholar with degrees in Health Policy and Management and Chemistry...and a minor in dorm room lotion formulation. He went full-time on Carpe after graduation, working with Kasper, his co-founder.

Martin (Marty) Waters, Wilson Sonsini. Marty is a corporate and securities partner in the San Diego office and a member of Wilson Sonsini’s Board of Directors. He is a founding partner of the firm's San Diego office and Southern California corporate practice. He was a partner in the Palo Alto office until opening the San Diego office in 2004. Marty is a proven company builder with more than 25 years of experience providing corporate and securities counsel to high growth private and public companies. He has been instrumental in starting, building, and shepherding numerous emerging growth life sciences and technology companies through IPOs or strategic partnerships.

Ben Scruggs, Hatteras Venture Partners. Ben is an Associate at Hatteras Venture Partners in Durham, NC. He supports the firm’s due diligence and deal flow processes, with a primary focus in therapeutics. Ben is a board observer at Dropworks, Graybug Vision, Myeloid Therapeutics, Qpex Biopharma, and Trefoil Therapeutics. Prior to joining Hatteras in 2016, Ben was a postdoctoral fellow in the Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Please send questions for the panelists by Wed. May 27th, 5:00 pm EST to judy.prasad@unc.edu.