Investival ShowcaseMonday, 16 November 2026 - GMT (Greenwich Mean Time, GMTZ)

This masterclass offers an inside look at the exceptional opportunities available through Bayer Co.Lab Berlin's cohort program. Discover how biotech's gain access to world-class facilities, cutting-edge resources, and direct mentorship from industry veterans at one of Europe's most dynamic innovation hubs. Learn what it takes to join this elite community, the application process, and how Co.Lab's unique ecosystem accelerates growth through strategic partnerships, funding opportunities, and collaborative networks. Whether you're developing breakthrough therapeutics or revolutionizing platform technologies, this session will show you how Bayer Co.Lab Berlin can propel your venture from concept to market leader. Don't miss this opportunity to explore how your biotech could be part of the next generation of innovation.

This comprehensive masterclass equips life science entrepreneurs with essential strategies to build, protect, and leverage intellectual property assets that drive company valuation and create sustainable competitive advantages in the rapidly evolving healthcare innovation landscape.

This masterclass will:

• Provide practical frameworks for developing a strategic IP portfolio that aligns with your business objectives and therapeutic focus

• Deliver expert guidance on patent strategies specific to various life science modalities including biologics, gene therapies, and digital health

• Equip you with effective approaches to navigate freedom-to-operate challenges and competitive IP landscapes

• Demonstrate how to leverage IP assets in fundraising, partnerships, and exit strategies to maximize company valuation

• Guide you through critical decisions on global filing strategies and cost-effective IP management for resource-constrained startups

• Include interactive sessions with experienced IP attorneys and life science executives who have successfully built valuable IP portfolios

This masterclass delves into the shifting landscape of licensing and partnering within the biopharma sector, offering actionable strategies for deal structuring, negotiation, and commercialization amid evolving market forces, regulatory frameworks, and technological innovation. Key focus areas include:

• Strategic Deal Structuring
  Aligning licensing and partnering models with long-term commercial objectives
• Capital Constraints and Deal Evolution
  Adapting deal terms to navigate tighter funding environments
• Regulatory and Market Access Dynamics
  Responding to policy changes and their implications for partnership models
• Technology Disruption: AI and Beyond
  Exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping IP strategy and deal-making
• Innovative Commercialization Pathways
  Trends in co-commercialization, regional licensing, and revenue-sharing frameworks
• Negotiation Mastery
  Practical techniques for driving value and securing strategic outcomes

• Status of the US IPO market in comparison to the EU/UK – current state of the US IPO market and outlook for the coming year
• Pre-IPO readiness check – what do you need in place to ensure you are in the best position for your IPO
• Understanding investor expectation and your equity story and why it is key to success – fireside chat
• What to expect from the IPO process – a summary view of the key elements of the active phase of the transaction
• Key lessons learned from previous transactions – highlighting the known unknowns
• Post-IPO and beyond – understanding your requirements as a listed company

The session will discuss key considerations and potential issues to think about when preparing your biotech company for M&A, including:

· How to set your biotech company up for a successful transaction

· Types of purchasers and deal structures

· Due diligence preparation

· W&I insurance

· An overview of the key transaction documents

· How to maximise value on an exit, including current trends in biotech M&A and alternative deal structures

Master the art of biotech fundraising in today's challenging capital environment. This intensive masterclass brings together leading venture capitalists, seasoned biotech entrepreneurs, and financial advisors to share proven strategies for securing funding at every stage of your therapeutic company's journey.

Learn what investors are prioritizing in 2026, from seed-stage platform technologies to clinical-stage assets seeking Series B and beyond. Discover how to craft a compelling investment narrative that resonates with VCs, corporate venture arms, and strategic investors. Understand the critical elements of a winning pitch deck, how to position your therapeutic pipeline for maximum valuation, and the due diligence preparation that separates funded companies from those left behind.

Through candid insights and real-world examples, our expert panel will reveal the insider perspective on term sheet negotiation, valuation benchmarks across therapeutic areas, and common fundraising mistakes that cost biotechs millions. Whether you're preparing for your first institutional round or planning a crossover financing ahead of IPO, this session delivers actionable frameworks for fundraising success in the current market.

Key Takeaways:

• What life science investors are looking for in therapeutic companies today
• How to build a compelling investment thesis and pitch deck that converts
• Valuation strategies and term sheet negotiation best practices
• Timing your raise: balancing runway, milestones, and market conditions
• Alternative funding strategies including non-dilutive capital and strategic investments