Author: Andrei Bilog M.Sc., CAPM
This fall, I had the privilege of attending the Startup 101 Series at City of Hope — a six-part program under InnovateHope™ that brought together scientists, lawyers, investors, and founders to demystify what it really takes to turn an idea into a startup with impact.
The sessions covered everything from pre-formation and incorporation to intellectual property, financing, and exit strategy. But beyond the technical lessons, one theme stood out the most for me: networking.
Each week, I met professionals who had been exactly where many of us are — full of curiosity, uncertainty, and ideas that could one day make a difference. The series ended on November 11 with a networking reception at the 1913 Hotel, and it reminded me that sometimes the most valuable lessons don’t come from the slides, but from the conversations that happen after.
💬 My Question to the Founders
During the final “Exit” session, I had the opportunity to ask Dr. Bassil Dahiyat, Founder & CEO of Xencor, and Dr. Kevin Forrest, Co-Founder of Kate Therapeutics (acquired by Novartis for $1.1 billion), a question that had been on my mind:
“Founding a company is exciting, but it also comes with fear and uncertainty. Even with all the risks, what made you take the step to just do it?”
Their responses reflected both humility and courage — that entrepreneurship isn’t about eliminating uncertainty, but acting in spite of it. Each founder emphasized that conviction in your idea and mission is what fuels persistence when things get unclear.
🤝 Connections that Matter
One of the most rewarding parts of this experience was the opportunity to build relationships with Brad Schwartz (Reitler Law) and Evan Tsang (Skylar Consulting).
Our conversations didn’t end with the session — we’ve already discussed future collaborations to help bridge the gap between biotech innovation and business development. It was a reminder that sometimes the next step forward isn’t a solo move, but a shared one.
🧠 Key Lessons I Learned
Networking is Non-Negotiable.
Your network isn’t built overnight. It grows through consistent curiosity — asking questions, staying after talks, and genuinely connecting with people.Know Your “Why.”
Founders who succeed aren’t just chasing funding; they’re chasing impact. Their why sustains them when the how gets complicated.IP and Legal Foundations Matter Early.
From Reitler Law’s sessions on formation and IP hygiene, I learned how critical it is to establish clear ownership, structure, and confidentiality agreements before launching.Financing Isn’t Just About Money.
Investors look for clarity, credibility, and coachability. It’s about showing that you can grow — not just your company, but yourself.Exit Is the Beginning of the Next Chapter.
“Exit” doesn’t mean the end. It’s proof that an idea made it far enough to create measurable value — for patients, partners, and people.
🎓 A Note for Students in Science
For students or early-career professionals in the sciences — it’s easy to think your path only leads to becoming a doctor, scientist, or professor. But events like Startup 101 show that there’s a much wider landscape waiting for you.
Careers in biotech entrepreneurship, venture capital, intellectual property law, and business strategy are all within reach if you stay curious and build relationships.
Start by conducting informational interviews — ask professionals how they got where they are, what challenges they faced, and what advice they’d give someone just starting out. Then, attend events like these. Every handshake, every conversation, is a potential door to a career you might not have imagined yet.
🌱 My Personal Takeaway
Networking is the heartbeat of innovation. You never know which conversation will open the next door — to a collaborator, a mentor, or even your future co-founder.
The Startup 101 Series reminded me that while knowledge builds competence, connections build opportunity. And when those connections lead to real collaborations, that’s when ideas begin to scale.
For anyone thinking of attending future sessions like this: Go for the content, stay for the people.
📚 Sources & Speakers
InnovateHope™ – City of Hope’s Research Business Development (RBD) & Office of Technology Licensing (OTL)
Speakers: Brad Schwartz, Ginnie Xu, Evan Tsang, Graham Cole, Cory Anand, Daniel Erlikhman, Jay Goss, Gadi Navon, Dr. Bassil Dahiyat (Xencor), Dr. Kevin Forrest (Kate Therapeutics)
👉 Takeaway: Knowledge is power, but relationships turn that power into momentum.
More about Andrei Bilog
A dedicated professional and educator, serving as the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of UPkeeping Newsletter. His expertise stems from a powerful combination of experience: 7+ years in the biotech industry, a current MBA pursuit at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and his role as an adjunct professor of Human Anatomy & Physiology. As the President of the Beta Psi Omega National Chapter, Andrei is passionate about student mentorship and guiding the next generation of lifelong learners toward strong career and wellness foundations.
