Science & Technology
Invest in Cures | Disease Foundation Forum
Join us on February 12, 2026 at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) to explore the transformative potential of impact investing in addressing rare disease challenges. This annual forum highlights the promise of venture philanthropy and innovative collaborations, offering hope for the commercialization of therapies that could revolutionize the treatment of rare diseases.
Learn from venture leaders, advocates, researchers, and entrepreneurs as they share insights on accelerating translational research and advancing cures for patients through strategic funding and collaboration. This signature event brings together investment professionals from leading venture philanthropy funds to discuss cutting-edge approaches to supporting and funding breakthrough therapies. It features main-stage sessions, panel discussions, intimate gatherings and high-level networking opportunities.
Don’t miss a special screening of Stitching Strength at the end of the day, followed by an audience Q&A with Richard Bedlack, MD, PhD and Catherine Lomen-Hoerth, MD, PhD. The screening is free to all and open to the public.
Capacity is limited and guests must pre register to attend.
5AM Ventures will lead an in-depth conversation on the evolving role of rare disease within venture portfolios. This fireside chat explores why generalist VCs are allocating more capital to rare disease assets, the scientific and market dynamics driving investability, and how venture philanthropy partnerships can help de-risk early-stage opportunities. Learn how leading investors balance niche indications with platform technologies, navigate liquidity challenges, and structure collaborations with foundations that align mission goals and financial outcomes.
A growing number of investors are redefining how capital flows into rare disease innovation, blending financial discipline with a deep commitment to patient impact. In this panel, leaders from venture philanthropy funds and mission-driven corporate investors will share how they source, complete diligence, and support startups that are developing transformative therapies. Through real examples of successful collaborations, panelists will discuss how they align incentives among nonprofits, foundations, and industry, measure both social and financial returns, and accelerate drug development through creative financing models and strategic partnerships.
Four rare disease startups will present their science, progress, and funding needs, spotlighting early-stage innovations ready for collaboration and investment. APPLY HERE for your company to be considered.
Renowned neurologist and researcher Dr. Richard Bedlack will bring his signature style, optimism, and compassion to the stage in a keynote address about hope. Dr. Bedlack currently serves as the Director of the Duke University ALS Program. He has redefined what’s possible in the fight against ALS as he challenges convention, champions patients, and inspires innovation across the field. His keynote will explore how creativity, collaboration, and scientific rigor can coexist to accelerate progress for rare disease communities, offering a glimpse into the spirit behind Stitching Strength, a new documentary that captures his unconventional mix of science, empathy, and bold individuality in the pursuit of healing.
The ALS Investment Fund is a for-profit venture capital firm focused on accelerating treatments for ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases. While mission-driven and disease-focused, the fund invests private investor capital with return expectations, bringing venture discipline to an area traditionally led by philanthropy.
This session will explore how the ALS Investment Fund identifies and backs companies with strong scientific potential, structures investments to balance financial and therapeutic outcomes, and fosters partnerships that advance innovation in neurodegeneration.
Managing Partner Craig Boyce and a portfolio company founder will share how the fund’s investment model drives both impact and performance, highlighting lessons learned in aligning scientific milestones with investor expectations, building trust with founders, and contributing to a more sustainable, outcomes-oriented biotech ecosystem.
Stitching Strength captures the fight against ALS, a terminal disease that strips away the body’s control through a lens of creativity, courage, and connection. At its heart is Dr. Rick Bedlack, a neurologist whose bold fashion and bolder optimism set the tone for a radically different kind of care. But this isn’t just his story. It’s about the patients who refuse to be defined by their diagnosis and the families who turn grief into art, music, and action. This is not a story of surrender, it’s a story of style, strength, and the power of believing in what’s still possible.
By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded. These images and recordings may be used by LaunchBio for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, print materials, and other marketing or informational platforms. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify event staff upon arrival or take necessary precautions to avoid camera areas. For any concerns or further inquiries, please contact Meredith Martindale, Director of Marketing.
