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Partner, QNova Capital
Jim is a biotech innovator, investor, and regulatory expert with a track record of over 85 NDA/BLA approvals and 250+ medical device clearances. As Founder and President of CSSi LifeSciences, he led global drug discovery and regulatory services. Previously, he founded Bay Tower Capital, a life sciences merchant bank, and ProED Communications, later acquired by OmniCom. His academic roles include leadership at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University. A prolific author with 50+ peer-reviewed publications and multiple patents, Jim advises NIH programs and serves on boards for Defta Partners, Riverside Capital, and other investment firms.
John is a seasoned venture investor and operator with a strong track record working with early-stage startups in High-Tech, Biotech, and MedTech. As a co-founder of SVG Ventures, he has invested in and guided startups across diverse industries, helping them navigate challenges and scale. He also played a key role in launching the SVG Innovation Center and Thrive Agrifood, supporting hundreds of entrepreneurs. Previously, as a senior executive at Palm, John led critical initiatives that shaped mobile computing. In Biotech and MedTech, he served as COO of SiSaf, advancing mRNA drug delivery, and CEO of Compact Imaging, driving innovation in remote patient monitoring for AMD.
Rich is a San Francisco-based venture capitalist, bestselling author, and workplace thought leader. As the founding partner of Blue Book Ventures, he drives investments in biopharma, media, and technology startups. Previously, he was CEO and vice chairman of Accretive Solutions, leading its acquisition by Resources Global Professionals. A former Venrock partner and chairman of Portal Software (sold to Oracle for $220M), Rich pioneered the “Business Bullet Books” genre with Never Confuse a Memo with Reality. He also served as President of Menlo College, shaping the next generation of business leaders.
John Gustin serves as the Director of Operations & Commercial Development at QNova LifeSciences. He oversees Finance, Human Resources, and Project Management at QNova LifeSciences. John is a trained breast cancer biologist and geneticist. While training at Johns Hopkins, he modeled and therapeutically targeted common cancer mutations. John also completed his MBA in Finance at Loyola University Maryland and had previously managed the Maryland Innovation Initiative, which funds university technologies and start-ups within the State. He holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park and a PhD in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University.