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Top 5 Takeaways from Our Life Sciences Panel at the 2026 Centri Capital Conference 

While macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty remains, the outlook for life sciences companies is improving. Industry leaders from EY, DLA Piper, PitchBook, and BTIG shared where capital is flowing, how investors are thinking, and what companies can do today to position themselves for growth. This panel featured: 

• Ryan Starkes, Partner, Life Sciences Practice Leader & Raleigh Market Leader at Centri 

• Emilio Ragosa, NJ Office Managing Partner and Global Co-Chair, Life Sciences and Healthcare Sector at DLA Piper 

• Dean Poniros, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Healthcare Equity Capital Markets at BTIG 

• Jason Frederick, Partner, Strategic Growth Markets at EY 

• Brian Wright, Lead Research Analyst, Healthcare at PitchBook 

1. Capital Markets Are Reopening, Driven by M&A and Investor Demand 

Investor sentiment has improved significantly compared to recent years. Large pharmaceutical companies facing upcoming patent expirations are expected to remain active acquirers, creating opportunities across the life sciences sector. 

Panelists also pointed to increased secondary offerings, IPO activity, reverse mergers, and stronger biotech market performance as signs that capital is returning to the market. 

2. Investors Continue to Prioritize Risk Reduction 

While capital is available, investors are scrutinizing opportunities more carefully than ever. Companies should expect longer diligence timelines, more robust governance requirements, expanded reporting obligations, and enhanced investor protections. 

Funding structures are increasingly tied to value-creating milestones, allowing investors to deploy capital gradually while giving companies the opportunity to reduce dilution as they achieve key development goals. 

3. AI Is Emerging as a Transformational Force 

Artificial intelligence was one of the most discussed themes of the panel. Early data suggests AI could improve drug discovery and clinical trial success rates, potentially reshaping how therapies move through development. 

Beyond research, companies are already adopting AI to improve forecasting, financial planning, clinical trial management, and operational efficiency. Investors remain focused on practical applications that drive measurable value and cost savings. 

4. Hot Areas for Investment Continue to Attract Capital 

Several sectors are attracting outsized investor interest, including: 

• Oncology 

• Obesity and GLP-1 related therapies 

• Multispecific antibody platforms 

• Biotools and clinical development technologies 

• AI-enabled drug discovery solutions 

At the same time, investors are broadening their focus across therapeutic areas and development stages, creating opportunities for a wider range of companies. 

5. The Best Preparation Strategy Is to Be Transaction-Ready 

Whether pursuing an IPO, strategic partnership, licensing agreement, reverse merger, or acquisition, readiness is critical. 

Panelists emphasized the importance of: 

• Maintaining an organized data room 

• Addressing governance and compliance matters early 

• Developing a clear financial model 

• Establishing a scalable finance infrastructure 

• Communicating milestones and success metrics clearly to investors 

Companies that can pivot quickly as market opportunities emerge will be best positioned to capitalize on improving conditions. 

The Bottom Line 

The life sciences market is showing renewed momentum, but investors remain selective. Companies that demonstrate strong clinical execution, disciplined capital management, operational readiness, and a compelling growth story are likely to have the greatest success attracting capital and strategic partners in the year ahead. 

How Centri Can Help 

From raising capital and preparing strategic transactions to meeting evolving financial reporting and compliance requirements, life sciences companies face unique challenges at every stage of growth. Centri partners with pharmaceutical, biotech, biomedical, and other life sciences organizations to help them navigate capital markets, strengthen financial operations, enhance investor readiness, and address complex accounting and regulatory requirements. Whether you are preparing for an IPO, evaluating M&A opportunities, building a scalable finance function, or supporting your next financing round, our team provides the strategic advisory and financial expertise needed to help you move forward with confidence.