Learn critical business skills that turn promising research into profitable businesses

This program gives you strategic frameworks, applicable case studies, and impactful connections with experts. The difference between companies that scale and those that struggle isn’t just better science, it’s strategic business development execution. 

This isn’t theoretical training, it’s tested strategies from experts who’ve successfully grown R&D companies from the ground up. Join us for expert-led webinars, an interactive full-day workshop, and personalized mentor sessions.

Program period:

  • Webinars - September 25 (register), October 2 (register)
  • In-person workshop - October 6 (9AM-5:30PM)
  • Mentoring sessions - October 7-8

In-person location: 1200 - 555 W Hastings, Vancouver

Applications closed
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VentureLabs delivers this program as an agent of the Discovery Foundation Technology Education Program.

Program components

The program is made up of three parts: preparation webinars, an in-person workshop, and follow-on mentoring sessions.

Part 1 - Speaker Series: Webinar Foundation

Format: Online via Zoom

A series of targeted webinars prior to the full-day workshop, led by industry experts.

WEBINAR 1 - September 25 (Register)

Business Development (BD) Unlocked: Building Relationships, Driving Growth

Facilitator: Modestus Obochi

This webinar will break down the essentials of BD—from lead generation and pipeline management to negotiation and strategic partnerships. Whether you are new to BD or looking to refine your skills, this 90-minute session will equip you with the tools, frameworks, and real-world insights to transform opportunities into lasting growth. Do not miss this chance to connect, learn, and set the stage for success!

WEBINAR 2 - October 2 (Register)

Business Development: Who's Who in a Big Corporation, and how do I build the right relationships?

Facilitator: Geoffrey Hansen

Led by Geoffrey Hansen, a strategic advisor for ventures and partner at Garibaldi Capital, learn all about what large multinational corporation care about and what motivates them to work with startups.

Part 2 - Interactive Full-Day Workshop

Format: In-person at the VentureLabs office

Time: 9AM-5:30PM

The heart of the course is a full-day, hands-on workshop where participants actively apply BD skills. Activities include:

  • Icebreaker and goal-setting to foster a collaborative, inclusive learning environment.
  • Skill-building sessions focused on relationship management, market analysis, legal fundamentals, and strategic partnerships.
  • Real-world case studies and group work to ensure practical, actionable learning.

Part 3 - Personalized 1:1 Mentor Sessions

Format: In-person at the VentureLabs office

Following the main workshop, each participant schedules one-on-one sessions with experienced mentors. These meetings are designed to:

  • Address individual business development goals and challenges.
  • Provide personalized feedback and strategic recommendations.
  • Support participants in creating tailored BD action plans for ongoing growth.

Facilitators

Our facilitators include senior executives from Canada and the US with decades of experience scaling health sciences companies through successful partnerships, acquisitions, and IPOs. They have built and sold companies, closed nine-figure deals, and navigated every challenge you’re facing.

Modestus
Dr. Modestus (Modi) Obochi is a seasoned biotech and pharmaceutical business executive with over 25 years of leadership experience across startups and global enterprises. His passion lies in transforming science into accessible solutions—building businesses, scaling portfolios, and delivering sustainable value across the healthcare ecosystem.
 
Over the course of his career, Dr. Obochi has led more than $5 billion in strategic transactions, raised significant capital, managed global P&Ls of up to $1 billion, launched high-value products, and expanded portfolios spanning branded small molecules and biologics, sterile injectable products (including generics and biosimilars), cell therapies, and medical devices. His expertise—honed through leadership roles at QLT, Hospira, Pfizer, Baxter, Primrose Bio, Coeptis, Phlow, and Sernova—spans business development, M&A, strategic marketing, operations, portfolio strategy, lifecycle and launch management, branding, and global market expansion across more than 100 countries.
 
Known for his hands-on, collaborative, and execution-focused leadership, Dr. Obochi has a proven track record of driving growth, negotiating complex alliances, advising boards, and cultivating high-performance cultures grounded in accountability, transparency, and results. He is deeply committed to improving access to essential medicines and shaping strategies that deliver lasting impact in healthcare.
 
Dr. Obochi currently serves as an Investment Advisor to 2Flo Ventures, a Board Member of Temprian Therapeutics, and a Strategic Advisor to Peqish Food Co.

Learn more on LinkedIn

JGrove

Janet Grove is a Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP and has also worked eight years in the biotech industry in both legal and corporate development positions. She is sought after for her expertise and business approach to structuring and negotiating both merger and acquisition transactions and complex commercial relationships to develop, commercialize and acquire technology. Ms. Grove is currently the Canadian head of Norton Rose’s life sciences and healthcare industry practice.

See more on LinkedIn

Bruce Clarke

Bruce Clarke is an expert at go-to-market strategies, scaling up, funding, business resources, and market intelligence. Across 20+ years as a commercial executive and entrepreneur, he worked in a variety of industries: biotech, healthtech, packaged goods, financial services, and consulting companies. His experience spans roles in business development, finance, marketing and sales. With many failures and successes along the way, he shares my experiences with start-ups and SMCs with the hope that he can help prepare them for the challenges ahead. The first step is usually convincing companies that they will face far more challenges than they expect. 

He is currently a Partner at Progression Capital and at Monashee Ridge.

Read more on LinkedIn

Geoffrey

Geoffrey Hansen is a seasoned executive with management experience in software development, product management, product marketing, and venture capital. He is a partner at Garibaldi Capital Advisors, a boutique investment bank than helps Canadian technology companies with key financial milestones, such as raising capital or selling their company.

Read more on LinkedIn

Perfect for companies ready to scale

Eligibility:

  • BC or Yukon-based health sciences companies
  • Companies are likely raising Seed to Series A investment
  • Have a clear value proposition and target market
  • Have a business development plan that you would like advice on
  • Can commit to attending the workshops and mentoring sessions (we strongly encourage the CEO/founder/business development lead to participate; other members of the company can also attend)

Limited spots available - secure yours now

Cost

CAD 500 per company (covers up to two participants from the same company)

**Includes light breakfast, lunch and evening cocktail on the workshop day

Special rates:

  • Perago and VentureLabs’ Scale Up member companies: program fee covered
  • i2I companies: discounted rate available
  • Companies outside of the Lower Mainland: apply the program fee towards Vancouver-bound travel expenses

If you’re eligible for a special rate, please contact Carolina at carolina@venturelabs.ca before applying.

Apply

The application period is closed.

This intensive program is designed to enhance meaningful expert interactions and peer connections.

If you have any questions, email Carolina Almeida at carolina@venturelabs.ca.