The Search Is On for the Next Big Life Science Innovation

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Feb 23, 2012, 02:57 ET

Springboarding the Growth of Technology Ventures Led by Women

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Springboard Enterprises has over a decade of experience delivering promising "investment-ready" companies led by women to potential investors and corporate partners. Today they launch their 2012 forum program, a community-driven accelerator designed to fast track the growth of the best women-led biotechnology, medical device and healthcare IT companies from around the world. The search is on for the next ViaCell, MinuteClinic, Icagen, Xenogen, Athenix and Achillion to join the 475+ members of the Springboard Portfolio. Priority Deadline to apply: April 3, 2012.

"Start with an international network of trusted entrepreneurs, investors, and other experts at your disposal," said Kay Koplovitz, Springboard co-founder and Chair, "add to that 11 years of expertise in facilitating quality connections, and you get Springboard: your own Personal Advisory Board. We look forward to leveraging this network for the newest class of life science entrepreneurs that will pass through the Springboard pipeline this year building invaluable connections and learning how to raise capital."

Springboard's recipe for success is simple: recruit innovative women-led businesses; conduct a review by an all-star cast of prominent investors, seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts; select the most promising opportunities; match them with a who's-who team of advisors who open doors to new opportunities; and provide ongoing resources and relationships for life. Springboard companies have direct access to strategic partners such as Aetna, Novartis, GE, a long list of angel and venture investors, as well as our affiliate group of prominent women private equity investors.

"The ability to understand what companies need at a granular level and deliver the right resources at the right time is critical," said Springboard President, Amy Millman. "Our Springboard Life Science Council, comprised of 50 well-connected leaders, and our vast network of seasoned entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts are integral to delivering unparalleled support to the companies we select."

Springboard: Life Science 2012 is a relationship-building accelerator designed exclusively for investment-ready, high-growth companies led by women. Companies are not required to move or be located in a particular region to participate, as coaching is conducted both in-person and virtually. To apply, companies must fall into one of three broadly defined industries (biotechnology, medical devices and health IT), must be seeking capital, must demonstrate traction and must have a woman in a senior position with an ownership stake. To apply or learn more about how to get involved go to http://www.springboardenterprises.org/forum.

Springboard is the premier platform where entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts meet to build great women-led businesses seeking equity capital for expansion. Springboard alumnae entrepreneurs are leaders involved in commercializing new innovative technologies, business products and services. The Springboard portfolio has raised $5.5 billion including 10 IPOs and legions of successful M&A transactions.

Springboard Enterprises is supported by Patrons: CA Technologies, Covington & Burling LLP, Grant Thornton LLP, Venable LLP, and The George Washington University.

Springboard Enterprises is supported by members of the Springboard Life Science Council: Jahanara Ali, NYC Investment Fund; Rukmini Balu, Duke Medicine Global; Janice Bourque, Hercules Technology Growth Capital; Corinne Bright, Onset Ventures; Cheryl Buxton, Korn/Ferry International; Vita Cassese, Mardon Management Advisors; Faith Charles, Thompson Hine LLP; Terry Chase Hazell, RampCorp; Martha Connolly, MD Tech Enterprise Institute; Pamela Contag, Origen Therapeutics & Cygnet Biofuels; Ellen Corenswet, Covington & Burling LLP; Suzanne Cross, Johnson & Johnson; Ann Dewitt, Flagship Ventures; Ashley Dombkowski, 23andMe; Karen Drexler; Suzette Dutch, Triathlon Medical Ventures; Stacy Feld, Physic Ventures; Lisa Beth Ferstenberg, Johns Hopkins University; Jennifer Friel Goldstein, Pfizer, Inc.; Megan Gates, Mintz Levin; Julie Goonewardene, University of Kansas; Jill Griffiths, Aetna; Elma Hawkins, Cerulean Bioventures; Rekha Hemrajani, Corporate Development Consultant; Linda Hogan, Care Capital, LLC; Claire Houston, CSH Consulting Services; Veronica Jordan, Golden Seeds; Summer Knight, DSK Companies; Christina LaMontagne, Physic Ventures; Maggie LeFlore, MedImmune Ventures; Ellen Lubman, Bristol-Myers Squibb; Rebecca MacKinnon, 5th Dimension Strategies, LLC; Sharon Mates, Intra-Cellular Therapies; Irena Melnikova, Sanofi; Helen Montag, Johns Hopkins University; Cat Oyler, Johnson & Johnson; Heather Preston, TPG Biotech; Susan Rohrer, Merck & Co., Inc.; Anya Schiess, Thomas, McNerney & Partners; Stacey Seltzer, Aisling Capital; Catherine Sohn, Sohn Health Strategies; Karen Spilizewski, Rivervest Venture Partners; Lilian Stern, Stern Investor Relations; Alison Taunton-Rigby, Health Care Director & Trustee; Yael Weiss, Merck & Co., Inc.; Phyllis Whiteley, Mohr Davidow Ventures; Donna Williamson, Ceres Venture Fund.