Strategic and operational leadership at every stage of life science company evolution
We are experienced builders of life science companies with deep institutional knowledge of what it takes to advance in this dynamic space. Our CFOs are not generalists; they come directly from the life science industry and bring “in the trenches†perspective as integral members of client leadership teams. Among their accomplishments, they have founded and led life science start-ups, supported corporate transformations and pivots, scaled financial infrastructure for commercial readiness and served on the boards of private and publicly held companies.
While all of our CFOs have sector-specific backgrounds, they each bring unique strengths and areas of expertise to align with client needs – whether strategic direction, operational implementation or both. This includes experience in distinct sectors – such as drug discovery and development, medical devices and digital health – and in various stages of the corporate life cycle.
Meet one of our experts
Steve DiPalma, Managing Director
Key Considerations
- Sector knowledge is paramount. Life science CFOs must understand the language, the journey and the challenges stemming from research-centric models, clinical trials, capital needs and market events.
- Emerging companies may not need a full-time CFO, but they do need expert guidance and oversight through the lens of leaders who have seen it all. We provide depth of experience that start-ups can access in a flexible, capital-efficient way.
- Competition for highly-qualified life science CFOs is intense. We can provide top-caliber talent with little if any ramp-up time required.
How Danforth Can Help
Strategic Thought Partnership
We are trusted partners to CEOs and provide strategic, impartial counsel to help meet corporate objectives.
Financing Expertise
We both advise and execute on wide-ranging financing strategies, including venture capital funding, private placements and PIPE transactions, IPOs, SPACs and reverse mergers. Learn more about this capability here.
Operational Management
We oversee the performance of your finance function and resources.
Risk and Insurance Management
The need for risk assessment and mitigation arises at various stages throughout the corporate life cycle. Our CFOs can call upon Danforth’s risk management specialists for advisory, execution or both – including designing, negotiating and implementing the right combination of insurance policies. Click here for details about this resource.
Corporate Strategy and Development
We provide strategic perspective and diligence support for partnering and licensing activities.
Corporate Restructurings
We have broad experience preparing and guiding companies through transformative events including mergers, acquisitions and corporate wind-downs.
Stakeholder Relations
We routinely prepare for and participate in board meetings.
How else can we help?
Learn about our additional capabilities