About Us

History

Life Science Angels, Inc. was founded in 2004 by senior life science executives and experienced angel investors as a vehicle to bring angel capital to worthy early stage biotech and medical device companies. Formally launched in January 2005 with backing of 15 industry sponsors, LSA follows a rigorous due diligence process before presenting investment opportunites to its membership. LSA also works with select angel groups, venture capitalists and outside investors to syndicate opportunities requiring larger investments.

At the end of our first year of operation, 2005, we had invested in seven companies, all of which have received follow-on funding — a great start for LSA. (See Portfolio Companies.)

“We set out to build the premier angel group focused on emerging life science companies and we are pleased that we’ve been able to do just that” said Allan May, Chairman of LSA.

Our Approach

Life Science Angels is a not-for-profit corporation that takes no carry or management fees on any investment. We hold membership meetings approximately every other month, with one or two companies presenting. Any opportunity presented to the membership for investment has passed a rigorous due diligence process led by either our biotechnology or medical device investment committee. Each committee is comprised of approximately twenty LSA members with significant business and scientific expertise. If selected, there is no charge to the companies to present. Members make their own individual investment decisions and are afforded an opportunity for additional due diligence if they wish. The investments are made through an LLC so the funded companies see a single investor. LSA typically takes a seat on the company’s board. Direct investments range from $250k to $750k and syndicated financings may range from $1.5 million to $6 million.

Networking is a key component of successful angel investment activity. To promote networking among its members, LSA holds two or more social events for its members each year. In addition, there are networking opportunities at each member meeting. LSA also actively works with major universities, such as Stanford, UCSF and UCSD, as well as other angel groups, for deal sourcing and syndication.

Management Team

  • Chairman, Allan May - Provides overall direction and management of LSA and serves as primary spokesperson, as well as Co-Chair of the LSA Device Screening Committee
  • President, Greg Scott - Oversees LSA operations including public relations, website and financials.
  • Secretary, Casey McGlynn - Provides strategic guidance and legal oversight, as well as Co-Chair of the LSA Device Screening Committee.
  • Managing Director, Ann Gaddy - Responsible for day-to-day operations including membership management and communications, sponsor relations, event coordination and fund closings.

Board of Directors

Click here for bios of the LSA Board members.

Since our founding, we have expanded the board from five to six members. The current board is:

 

  • James Larrick, Co-Chair, Bio Screening Committee
  • Allan May, Chairman, Founder
  • Casey McGlynn, Secretary, Founder, Founding Sponsor (WSGR)
  • Greg Scott, President, Founder
  • Robert Behl, Co-Chair, LSA Device Screening Committee
  • Brock Siegel, Co-Chair, LSA Device Screening Committee
  • Sridhar Prathikanti, M.D. Chair, Syndication Committee
  • JC Simbana, SVB

 

Investment Committees

LSA has two investment committees that screen investment opportunities and manage due diligence activities: one for biotech and one for medical devices. Each is comprised of about ten LSA members that are responsible for vetting all opportunities prior offering them to the membership for investment.

  • Biotech Investment Committee Co-Chairs: Jim Larrick, Matt Kerby
  • Medical Device Committee Co-Chairs: Robert Behl, Brock Siegel - intern, Harald Nuhn

Social Committee

Camaraderie and trust are important tenants for any self-governed investment group. The Social Committee is responsible for organizing events to stimulate membership involvement. There is one social event currently planned for 2012, our holiday summer bash at McGlynn’s Pub.

  • Social Committee Chair: Ann Gaddy

Membership Committee

Fostering a vital membership is a job that’s never done. The membership committee reviews all membership applications to ensure that LSA members bring a wide variety of talents in the life sciences. It takes industry knowledge in science, engineering, management and finance to make LSA run at its best.

  • Membership Committee Chair: