JPM Wrap: RESI Conference and RESI/Big4Bio Reception Attendees Optimistic for the Year Ahead
February 4, 2025
by Marie Daghlian
Tempered optimism described the mood at the annual JP Morgan Healthcare conference and ancillary conferences and events, as thousands of life sciences company executives and investors descended on San Francisco during the second week of January and were pleasantly surprised by fair weather instead of the usual rain.
There was lots of talk about the new administration and what that would mean, AI, clinical trials, and the dealmaking and investment landscape.
There were the usual smattering of M&A deals on Monday, a pink salute to women CEOs in biotech on Tuesday in Union Square, hotels charging upwards of $2000 a night, and driverless Waymo cars all over downtown San Francisco.
In outlook panels at Biotech Showcase, representatives from larger biotechs and pharmas didn’t seem too worried about what lay ahead with the new administration. Still, many smaller companies continue to struggle to raise capital to fund their programs.
The upbeat mood at the 50th RESI conference, held at a new venue—the Mariott Marquis, was exemplified by a large attendance of companies, investors, and service providers actively engaging with each other.
“It was great to be at RESI JPM with the new venue, more space, more companies and more meetings,” said Patrik Frei, CEO of Venture Valuation who manned a table at the conference.
He noted that he had a very productive conference, with many new contacts and also caught up with many partners and clients. “I felt the mood was positive and our valuation services are very much in demand, which for me is a very positive sign.”
Shanon Marks, CEO of the digital strategy firm Agency39a which shared a table with Big4Bio, found RESI to be an outstanding opportunity to connect with a diverse mix of biotech innovators, investors, and thought leaders. “The event was well-attended, and the energy in the room—from the insightful presentations to the networking reception—was exciting,” he said. “RESI truly exemplified the collaborative spirit driving progress in the life sciences industry."
Cassie Arnold, Principal at KMA and Co. found the mood optimistic and credited some of that to the fact the election was over, and people know what they are dealing with. She also found that people were much more likely to accept a meeting, but the real highlight of her week was a ride in a driverless Waymo.
The conference also marked the 10th anniversary of Big4Bio, which delivers curated news, insights, events, and opportunities from the industry's top regions.
Dave Whelan, CBO of Big4Bio, said the mood in San Francisco seemed modestly but measurably more positive. “Perhaps it was the unseasonably incredible Bay Area weather, but many of the conversations that we had showed true optimism: in early-stage funding, in real estate growth, in partnerships and deals.”
He noted that many attendees focused on opportunities connected to the growth of AI, both in R&D and clinical settings, as well as potential opportunities that may be unlocked during the new Presidential Administration and while uncertainty remains, he walked away newly energized and inspired to help move the industry forward—ultimately to help improve lives.
“All of these sentiments came to life on January 14, at the RESI Big4Bio Reception,” said Whelan. “Not only is this Big4Bio’s 10th anniversary, but it was the 50th RESI, and we were honored to celebrate them together. This reception was the perfect cap to a day of networking and relationship-building, as well as supporting early-stage start-ups, something that RESI does so well. As we raised a toast to both RESI and Big4Bio, our teams committed to working more closely together in 2025 and beyond.”