April 2007

Two of the regions top technology networks will stage a free event later this month for budding science entrepreneurs.

It is not an easy task for science-based businesses to attract investors. With this in mind, Connect Yorkshire, the organisation that primes young companies for investment, and Bioscience York, an industry led technology network supporting innovation and business growth across York and North Yorkshire, have linked up to host this free workshop 'Maximise the value of your life science business'

The event will lead delegates through the process of valuing a life science business and the issues surrounding patents, negotiating with investors and commercialising the end product.

There are many successful life science businesses in Yorkshire, including Paraytec, a spin out from the University of York which manufactures scientific instruments vital to the discovery of new drugs and pharmaceutical products.

Paraytec was formed in 2005 when company founder Prof David Goodall transferred his research in to a commerical product- the award winning ActiPix D100. Since then the company has presented at the Connect Yorkshire Investment Forum and secured investment funds to enable it to bring its technology to market. Paraytec's investors include Yorkshire venture captial group, the Viking Fund.

Paraytec will be presenting at the event on April 24th and giving first hand account of what it's like to negotiate the value of a bioscience business.

Experts will be on hand to give an insight into the sector, including David Hobdey, chairman of the White Rose Tehcnology Seedcorn fund who will introduce the methods used to value life science business. Dr Mark Dauncey of Marks and Clerk will then explain the qualitative issues of patents and how they affect a company's value. Andrew Burton, managing director of the Viking Fund, will outline the deal process from an investors point of view.

'Maximising the value of your life science business' is held at the National Centre for Early Music in York on Tueday 24th April. Registration starts at 5pm- for more information or to book please contact Rose Lindsay Smioth at Science City York on 01904 554 533