On this episode of the NextGen VC Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Josep Bassaganya-Riera, the president and CEO of NImmune Biopharma and founder of The NIMML Institute, a nonprofit research organization. A scientist turned entrepreneur, Josep shares his journey from academia to launching multiple biotech ventures, including Lando Biopharma (acquired by AbbVie). He reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to leave the university world and build companies at the intersection of science and innovation. We dive into the early stages of company formation, his experiences working with investors like Chris Garabedian and Perceptive Advisors, and why maintaining control over company direction and governance is critical—especially for repeat founders. Josep also shares insights on the future of immunotherapy and the promise of precision medicine in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!
The NextGen VC Podcast unpacks the opportunities, challenges and breakthroughs shaping life sciences investing and is curated by Wilson Sonsini and LaunchBio with hosts Michael Hostetler and Jennifer Fang. Each episode features interviews with successful venture capitalists. Listeners will gain wisdom from these experiences and learn how the pros have navigated challenges, made strategic decisions and achieved remarkable success.
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