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DAY ONE - 12 NOVEMBER
Investment Forum Programme
Oxford Global's ½ Day Investment Forum will connect scientifically credible early-stage biotech companies with Seed, Series A and Series B investors focused on advanced therapies, cell and gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and enabling technologies.
The forum will combine investor-led discussion, curated company exposure, structured networking and a pitch-style feedback session, creating a targeted environment for meaningful investor–company engagement.
DATE
Thursday 12 November 2026
TIME
14:40 - 18:10 GMT
VENUE
Novotel London West
Proposed Programme
14:40 – 15:05
Investor-Focused Panel Discussion
Building Investor Confidence And Translating Science Into Value
This opening panel will explore what investors are currently looking for in advanced therapies and how early-stage companies can become investor-ready.
Key topics:
- What do investors look for in advanced therapies such as cell and gene therapy and regenerative medicine, and across key areas like oncology, rare disease, and autoimmune disease?
- What does it take for biotech companies to become truly investor-ready in this space?
- Where is capital flowing next in advanced therapies, and what is driving those investment decisions?
Moderator: Jerry Wu, Managing Director, LongRiver Investments
Panellists:
Ilya Yasny, Partner, Lancebio Ventures
Oliver Hemmings, Analyst, Delin Ventures
Sven Kili, Partner, Saisai Ventures
15:05 - 15:30
Panel Discussion
Investing in ATMP Platforms and Enabling Technologies
This session will focus on the platforms and technologies attracting investor attention beyond individual therapeutic assets.
Key topics:
- ATMP manufacturing and scalability
- Viral and non-viral delivery technologies
- iPSC, stem cell and gene editing platforms
- AI, digital biology and enabling technologies
- CMC readiness, cost of goods and commercial potential
15:30 – 15:55
Investor & Company Afternoon Tea Networking Break
A dedicated networking period for investors to meet prequalified companies, supported by curated introductions.
15:55 – 16:55
Curated 1-2-1 Meetings / Investor Office Hours
Structured meetings will be arranged between investors and selected companies based on funding stage, modality, technology focus and fundraising requirements.
Investee companies will be prequalified based on:
- Scientific credibility
- Relevance to advanced therapies, CGT or enabling technologies
- Seed, Series A or Series B funding stage
- Active or near-term fundraising plans
- Clear development milestones
- Strong management or scientific leadership
- Investor-ready materials
16:55 - 17:45
Founders' Session Q&A
What Venture Capitalists Are Looking For in 2026
A pitch-style session where selected early-stage companies present to an investor panel and receive live feedback.
Suggested format:
- 5 prequalified company pitches
- 5 minutes per pitch
- 5 minutes investor Q&A and feedback per company
Pitch focus:
- Company overview and unmet need
- Technology or therapeutic approach
- Key data and development stage
- Differentiation and competitive position
- Funding requirement and use of proceeds
- 12–24 month value inflection milestones
17:45 - 18:10
Closing Forum Analyst Presentation
What Investors Actually Want in Advanced Therapies: Analyst Perspectives
The forum will close with a concise investor/analyst-led overview of current investment sentiment in advanced therapies.
Key topics:
- How investors are making yes/no decisions
- Why CGT sentiment is challenging and how companies can respond
- What separates fundable from unfundable science
- Which technologies and business models are attracting capital
18:10
Networking Drinks & Canapé Reception
Forum participants will continue discussions during the wider Cell 2026 networking reception.
Secure Your Place at the Investment Forum
Join an exclusive community of investors, senior decision-makers and industry leaders for high-value conversations, strategic connections and new opportunities.
Register today by selecting the Investor Pass or Investee Pass and put yourself at the heart of the conversations shaping the future of investment.