Rakesh Ahuja

Lead Therapeutics Analyst

2019 - 2024

Led investments across 20+ SMID-cap companies. Primary focus was Ph1 to Ph3 readout stage public companies but opportunistically in pre-clinical private companies as well. Broad therapeutics coverage with sub-specializations in: Immunology & Inflammation Gene Therapy Rare Disease Neurology Full Cycle Plug/Play Responsibilities: idea generation and company screening, clinical diligence (PK modeling, data benchmarking, KOL interviews), financial modeling (returns, dilution analysis, investment size), final recommendation to portfolio manager in PowerPoint presentation for approval, and point person for position monitoring/company engagement through divestment Investment Tools/Resources: Bloomberg, FDA/Clinicaltrials.gov, EvaluatePharma, Biocentury, UpToDate, Biomedtracker, PubMed, Guidepoint, Statistician etc.

Board Observer - Gained seat as part of Series B investment

2020 - 2023

Performed diligence for out/in licensing assets, capital and pipeline management, and reverse merger candidate selection from Series B through going public QTTB. Dec 2023: Helped with selection and reverse merger diligence process with Homology Medicines (FIXX). Deal closed with concurrent $42M Private Placement in Mar 2024 Oct 2023: Re-acquired full rights to IL7Rα/bempikibart after Amgen acquisition of Horizon Pharmaceuticals Aug 2022: Co-led diligence and spear-headed board acceptance of the Horizon Pharmaceuticals $700M ($55Mupfront/$645M milestone/royalty) deal for IL7Rα/bempikibart program

Equity Research: Biotech and Pharmaceuticals

2016 - 2019

One of 2 person senior associate team to analyst Liav Abraham, Co-Head of Citi Global Healthcare. Covered Biotech and Spec Pharm: ACRS, AAAP, ALKS, AGN, DBVT, DERM, ENDP, HZNP, INSM, JAZZ, MYL, SGYP, TEVA, ZTS

Investment Banking: Biotech and Pharmaceuticals

2015 - 2016

Involved in all aspects of transactions including: M&A and financial modeling, participating in pitchbook presentations, roadshows, S-1 drafting sessions, and meetings with senior management Selected Sell-Side Mergers and Acquisitions Transaction Experience (Deals): MRUS IPO-$55M in May 2016 (closed after leaving firm) RVNC Follow On-$135M in Nov 2015 AQXP Follow On-$98M in September 2015 EGLT Follow On-$86M in July 2015

Corporate Finance and Advisory: Biotech and Pharmaceuticals

2014 - 2015

Served as the right-hand Gary Brewster, group head of life science advisory. Directed the efforts of analysts, constructed/reviewed industry specific financial models (e.g., risk adjusted product DCFs for the FDA approval process, structured deal analysis with regulatory milestones and revenue targets etc.), and delivered marketing presentations/pitches to win business across M&A Advisory, Capital Markets and Restructuring Selected Mergers and Acquisitions Transaction Experience (Fairness Opinions): Horizon Pharma plc acquisition of Hyperion Therapeutics for $1.1B in Mar 2015 Globus Medical acquisition of Branch Medical Group for $52.9M in Feb 2015

Private Equity and Asset Management: Biotech and Generalist

2009 - 2014

Yale Medical School Research Scientist: Neuro-Oncology - Van den Pol Lab

2005 - 2008

Etta S Chidsey Cancer Research Award: Studied the use of attenuated rhabodovirus strains with pharmacological management in the treatment of gliobastoma multiforme

UC-Berkeley Research Scientist: Immunology-Robey Lab

2001 - 2005

Contributing Author in Journal of Immunology Publication: CD226 Is Specifically Expressed on the Surface of Th1 Cells and Regulates Their Expansion and Effector Functions

Harvard Medical School Research Scientist: Pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis-Kuchroo Lab

1998 - 2001