In this special episode recorded live at CED Venture Connect, host Chris Adkins sits down with Dave Ousterout, Co-Founder and General Partner at CapeFear Biocapital. Drawing from his unique journey as both a biotech entrepreneur and now a venture capital investor, Dave shares what it really takes to stand out in the early-stage life sciences space.
Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at how CapeFear Biocapital is fueling North Carolina’s innovation ecosystem with pre-seed investments tailored for biotech startups. Dave unpacks the key attributes his team looks for in founding teams, the value of thoughtful operational planning, and how to think strategically about capital efficiency and milestone-driven development.
The conversation blends practical fundraising advice with philosophical reflections on trust, focus, and resilience—offering real value for founders, investors, and anyone passionate about advancing healthcare innovation.
What is Life Science Solutions?
Presented by Kymanox, Life Science Solutions is dedicated to accelerating understanding and advancing expertise in the life sciences industry. Focused on bringing industry insights to light, our podcast offers a platform where regulatory, scientific, and engineering experts share practical knowledge on overcoming the challenges of product development and commercialization. Episodes equip listeners with the latest on regulatory updates, market trends, cutting-edge technology, and more. Join us as we explore the journey of modern medicines, ensuring every product reaches its full potential in safety, quality, and accessibility.