Karl Handelsman

Karl invests in series A synthetic biology and therapeutic startups.  Codon Capital is the "Unicorn Whisperer"  and also has four companies that exited in less than 18 months from their series A.

Tuesday
May 06
Investor Luncheon – Strategic Perspectives on the Evolving Capital Landscape
12:15 PM

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1:30 PM

This invite-only luncheon brings together a curated group of investors to explore the evolving financial landscape shaping biotech and synthetic biology. Hosted at SynBioBeta 2025, the event offers a unique opportunity to connect with capital allocators and venture capitalists navigating today’s high-stakes funding environment. In addition to high-level networking, the luncheon will feature a panel conversation titled Strategic Perspectives on the Evolving Capital Landscape. Moderated by TD Securities, the session will examine how investment strategies are adapting in response to tighter funding conditions, rising interest rates, and shifting exit dynamics. Joining the conversation are Jenny Rooke (Genoa Ventures), Joško Bobanović (Sofinnova Partners), and Karl Handelsman (Codon Capital)—three seasoned investors with deep insight into the capital flows shaping the future of biotech. Together, they will share what they're seeing on the ground, how they’re thinking about risk and opportunity, and what founders need to know to raise in this environment. https://lu.ma/bol859y4

Thursday
May 08
Risk, Resilience & Returns: New Frameworks for SynBio Investment
8:35 AM

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9:00 AM

Bringing together leaders in synthetic biology and finance, this session scrutinizes new methods for balancing uncertainty, sustaining resilience, and optimizing returns in a field characterized by rapid innovation and protracted development timelines. Panelists will examine strategies for portfolio diversification across pivotal subfields—ranging from biomaterials to industrial fermentation—while highlighting the vital role of thorough scientific diligence and regulatory insight. By emphasizing the synergy between rigorous research and principled investment approaches, this discussion offers a timely examination of how careful planning can guide groundbreaking discoveries from the laboratory into sustained commercial success.

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