CDF Cambridge - The latest Dealmaking and Investment Strategies that work

Firstly, we are delighted to collaborate with Mills & Reeve at the Botanic Gardens headquarters in Cambridge for our tenth Creative Disruption Forum (CDF). This is for industry thought leaders, business leaders (CXOs), and R&D Directors of emerging biotech and biopharma companies, investors, service companies, our future and aspiring leaders plus anyone else who is interested and curious.

This Creative Disruption Forum (CDF) is a discussion fora about the latest dealmaking and investment strategies working for life sciences inovation companies. For this we will have a number of well seasoned and successful life science sector keynotes in the morning that will set the tone for the day along with interaction from the participants. Then after a light lunch we will have afternoon workshops to discuss the topics of the day, which will culminate in general discussions. The purpose is to help our community build business relationships with like-minded individuals, to learn from each other and have some fun in the process through open and authentic dialogue with no information dumps. These discussions are conducted under Chatham House Rules so that we can be ourselves in a trusted space and not be quoted or misquoted outside of the event :)

At this CDF we have a tremendous Keynote line-up, these are:

• Robin Bhattacheree, CEO, Actimed Tx
• Naz Bashir, Director, Evolutia Venture Partners Family Office
• Jonathan Tobin, Partner, Brandon Capital
• Pierre Joffrin, Senior Associate, Syncona
• Spyridon Servos, CEO, SerGene Biosciences
• Bradley Hardiman, Independent BD and VC executive
• Jenny Barnett, CEO, Monument Tx
• James Fry, Head of Life Sciences, Mills & Reeve
• Dianna Lee, CEO, DLRC

All our CDFs so far have been received very well, you will see many photos, positive comments and separate LinkedIn posts from participants and sponsors from our previous events. Here is a small collection of the testimonials:

"These #creativedisruption events are a genuine and wonderful exchange of ideas. An elegantly crafted format by Tony Sedgwick and Graham Combe." - Prashant Shah, Managing Partner, O2h Group and CEO of O2h Discovery.

"So pleased to represent Sitryx at the fantastic #creativedisruption forum. As always, Tony Sedgwick challenged us to think about how we do #drugdiscovery and what opportunities we see in the future." - Jon Ellery, Director of Biology, Sitryx

"Being creatively disruptive with such a great group of people made for a great event." - Suzy Dilly, CEO, Valirx Plc.

Creative Disruption Forum—4 September 2025—The Latest

The Creative Disruption Forum, hosted by Tony Sedgwick and Graham Combe at Mills & Reeve in Botanic House on 4 September at Botanic House Cambridge, will comprehensively examine the latest dealmaking and investor strategies and trends. This is conducted with the "boots on the ground" experts that are actively working in the field. From investors, to biotech and life science innovation CEOs, to the middle men and professionals helping the deals to succeed, we learn from the doers in a format and fora that is interactive, engaging and intimate expectly moderated by our redident thought-leader Prof Tony Sedgwick....... guarenteed to be a better learning experience than AI.

Here is what AI had to say when I asked it to write approximately 300 words on the latest dealmaking and investment challenges and solutions in the biotech and life science innovation sector:

The life sciences and biotech sector is currently grappling with a range of investment challenges shaped by regulatory pressures, evolving market dynamics, and shifting public sentiment. As the industry strives to recover from the pandemic’s disruption, deal-making has become more cautious and complex, reflecting the demand for robust compliance and transparency.

One significant challenge is the increased regulatory scrutiny following COVID-19. Investors are now prioritizing companies with clear pathways to regulatory approval and validated clinical data. This trend influences venture capital flows, as investors seek to minimize risk by backing firms with established compliance measures. Smaller biotech companies, in particular, face hurdles in securing funding, as they often lack the resources to navigate the intricate regulatory landscape effectively. Moreover, public perception regarding drug pricing and access is steering investment decisions. Investors are more inclined to support companies that align their missions with social responsibility and ethical practices.

This societal lens encourages firms to develop narratives that emphasize not only financial viability but also positive community impact, a factor that is increasingly crucial in attracting committed investors. To address these challenges, strategic partnerships are emerging as a vital solution. Collaborations between small biotech startups and larger pharmaceutical firms can enhance credibility and access to resources, providing a safety net for navigating regulatory complexities.

Additionally, the use of non-dilutive funding—such as grants and government contracts—has gained traction, allowing companies to focus on long-term innovations without immediate financial pressures.In this evolving landscape, investment strategies that embrace transparency, collaboration, and ethical considerations will be pivotal. As the life sciences sector adapts, innovative approaches will unlock new opportunities for growth, ensuring a sustainable path forward for the future of healthcare.

YOU WILL GAIN SO MUCH MORE BY PARTICIPATING IN A CDF RATHER THAN RELYING JUST ON AI BLURB. AI HAS ITS USES, BUT ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS IT CAN'T DO. AT THIS CDF YOU WILL HEAR REAL LIFE STORIES ABOUT IMPLEMENTED STRATEGIES AND THERE OUTCOMES FROM THE "BOOTS ON THE GROUND" THAT MAKE OUR COMMUNITY - WHATS MORE YOU WILL INTERACT WITH AND MEET WITH EXPERIENCED EXPERTS, WITH REAL PERSONALITIES THAT COULD ENHANCED YOUR CAREER - #NOTAI :)

Our Keynote Interviewees for this 4 Sept CDF are:

• Robin Bhattacheree, CEO, Actimed Tx
• Naz Bashir, Director, Evolutia Venture Partners Family Office
• Jonathan Tobin, Partner, Brandon Capital
• Pierre Joffrin, Senior Associate, Syncona
• Spyridon Servos, CEO, SerGene Biosciences
• Bradley Hardiman, Independent BD and VC executive
• Jenny Barnett, CEO, Monument Tx
• James Fry, Head of Life Sciences, Mills & Reeve
• Dianna Lee, CEO, DLRC

The Agenda in Summary

10-10.30 am arrival with coffee & teas, biscuits & fruit

10.30-10.35 - Intro from the Host sponsor with housekeeping etc

10.35-10.45—Introductions from our other supporting sponsor

10.45 -12.15 pm - Keynote Interviews

12.15-12.30 pm - coffee & tea break

12.30 - 1.30 pm - Keynote Interviews

1.30-3.00 pm - Light lunch with coffee & refreshments plus networking

3.00 - 4.00 pm - Workshops - 6-8 workshops on different topics keeping to event theme

4.00 - 4.45 - Group Leader Workshop Presentations - 5-10 mins each

4.45 - 5.15 pm - Round-up of the day's learnings & Thank you and Goodbyes

5.45 pm - Unofficial drinks and pizza at The Lab, 90 Regent St., Cambridge

ADMISSION FEE for Service Companies such as CROs, CDMOs, Patent Attorneys, Consultancy Firms = £95 - ALL-INCLUSIVE

ADMISSION FEE for Innovative Emerging Life Science Companies and Independent Consultants = £45

Investors can apply for free entry by writing to graham@biosell.co.uk.

Thank you to our sponsors.

More General Information about the Creative Disruption Forum

At all our events, we encourage dialogue in the room with the keynotes and participants expertly moderated by our resident thought leader, Prof Tony Sedgwick. Tony and I have worked together developing our Agile Leaders, Biotech Buddies, #coffeebuddies and now our Creative Disruption Forums over the last eight years. During the pandemic, we did 3-4 #coffeebuddies "shows" weekly, linking our UK community to others worldwide. Our aim for each participant in all our events is to be engaging, informative and entertaining - with no more death by PowerPoint! lol

To spark new thoughts and ideas and build friendships

As organisers, we promise always to entertain, engage, inform and be interactive during our thought-leadership interviews and Creative Disruption workshops. This is to help you spark new thoughts and ideas and build friendships with peers, clients and collaborators.

How do you benefit from attending?

As a "Leader" in the biotech sector, or aspiring leader, you will benefit from this "Creative Disruption" Forum. It will allow you to share common challenges and build deeper connections and trust with your peers. In turn, the aim is to build your confidence when working in areas typically outside your comfort zone by learning and discussing with this / your "Agile" peer-to-peer network.

You can broaden your understanding of the key aspects of the commercialisation journey and how to overcome potential barriers. You can speak to people in a similar position about issues you may not have the opportunity to talk about elsewhere. You can discuss your challenges by learning from other people's experiences to help you find a solution or spark an idea. Why let leaders of emerging companies reinvent the wheel to be successful when we can learn from the experiences of others who have faced similar challenges before?

Chatham House Rules apply - "what goes on in the Forum, stays in the Forum - so to speak!"

Our mission is to help you build your innovation-enabled healthcare business so it is "fit for purpose," genuinely innovative and attractive to the global markets. Helping you build solid, trustworthy networks with your peer group and help spread your creative R&D business network nationally and internationally. Our motivation and focus are on helping you build long-term reliable business relationships and support you on your journey through our supportive business community.

Prof Tony Sedgwick, the self-professed www.ThoughtDisruptor.com, facilitates this workshop. Tony has an esteemed career in academia and business; he is a trained pathologist. His accolades include once being the Global Head of Clinical Reseach at Roche AG, being a VC and being one of the UK's first Biotech CEOs. Tony has now been CEO of four life science companies, Chairman of over 10 Companies, and held many positions within the academic community. He is also an active psychologist, which has helped him develop his passion for "Agile" community group development. He is a Jiu-Jitsu Grand Master VIII and Jiu-Jitsu trainer. Last year, Tony published the book "The Mighty Advisor", which became a number 1 best seller in the Amazon STEM Business Management category. Most recently Tony has trained as an actor, and has acted in the West End and around London. He hopes to gain a part in Eastenders, where I think he would be most suited as Uncle Albert in the West End "Only Fools and Horses." What do you think?

We will start this Creative Disruption Forum on Thursday 4 September, with a 10.00 am arrival (followed by a prompt 10.30 am start with interviews of prominent thought leaders).

We promise that our #CreativeDisruption Forum will be like no other life sciences event or business network you have experienced. You will be walking out of the session inspired, educated and more connected.

ADMISSION FEE for Service Companies such as CROs, CDMOs, Law Firms and Patent Attorneys, Consultancy Firms = £90 - ALL-INCLUSIVE

ADMISSION FEE for Innovative Emerging Life Science Companies and Independent Consultants = £45

Investors can apply for free entry by writing to graham@biosell.co.uk.

GENerX Life is a specialist leadership and talent advisory firm dedicated to the Life Sciences industry. Built alongside industry experts, we go beyond traditional search to provide strategic leadership solutions that drive long-term success. Our support strategy is built around three main pillars:

OrganisationAs trusted advisors to Life Sciences companies, we provide expertise in organisational design, strategic board guidance, and leadership structuring. Our expert-led approach helps businesses navigate growth, investment, and transformation with confidence.

LeadershipWe develop high-performing leaders through executive coaching, behavioural assessments, and leadership development programmes. Our tailored approach equips leaders to drive innovation, build resilient teams, and lead with impact.

TalentThrough state-of-the-art search and selection, we deliver Executive Search and Interim Management solutions, identifying leaders who not only meet technical requirements but also align with company culture, values, and strategic goals—ensuring lasting success.

Mills & Reeve is a Supporting Sponsors of this event. They are lawyers with one of the largest full-service life sciences teams in the UK. Renowned lawyers with extensive expertise in the industry will provide the solutions to enable you to seize the opportunities open to you.

DLRC is an award-winning consultancy team of >80 highly qualified, experienced regulatory professionals operating from our offices in the UK, Germany, and US. With a deep commitment to excellence, we are dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the life science industry. We develop and execute innovative phase-appropriate regulatory strategies, providing comprehensive support from early development to post-licensing activities for medicinal products and medical devices. Our team comprises consultant experts in nonclinical, CMC, clinical and MedTech from pharmaceutical, medical device and regulatory agency backgrounds. We have proudly served companies of all sizes and backgrounds in various regulatory jurisdictions.