Overview
Dan Watkins is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pelagos Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company focusing on pre-clinical drug development. He is a well-established figure in the life sciences and venture capital sectors, with a significant background in materials science and engineering.
Professional Roles and Affiliations
- CEO of Pelagos Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Dan has been serving as the CEO since 2020, overseeing the company's strategy and development processes.
- Co-Founder and Venture Partner at Mercury Fund: Mercury Fund is a venture capital firm with $600 million in assets under management (AUM). Here, Dan focuses on startups utilizing AI and machine learning in healthcare, life sciences, and industrial markets.
- Director and Co-Founder at OmniScience: OmniScience provides AI solutions tailored for life sciences companies.
Significant Career Milestones
- Courier Therapeutics: Dan was the founding CEO of Courier Therapeutics, which was acquired for over $500 million in cash and milestone payments.
- Mercury Data Science: Co-founder of this AI/ML strategy and product development studio.
- Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship: Co-founder of this initiative aimed at supporting startups and technology commercialization in Houston and beyond.
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
- Member of the advisory boards of:
- Northwestern University’s Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO)
- Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship
- University of Illinois Proof of Concept Fund Committee
Educational Background
- B.S. in Materials Science from Rice University
- M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science from Carnegie Mellon University
Past Notable Investments and Directorships
Dan has an extensive investment portfolio and has served on the boards of multiple companies, including:
- Resonant Therapeutics
- Swift Biosciences (acquired by Danaher)
- Benson Hill (NYSE: BHIL)
- Confluence Life Sciences (acquired by ACRS)
- Dnatrix
- Avenu Medical (acquired by Medtronic)
- Asky Therapeutics (stealth mode)
Upcoming Engagements
- BIO International Convention 2024: Dan is scheduled to speak at the Company Presentation Theater 3 on June 5, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 2:15 PM.
Location and Contact Information
- Based in Houston, Texas, United States
- Over 500+ connections on LinkedIn
Dan Watkins' extensive experience in venture capital, AI, and life sciences positions him as a key player in advancing scientific innovations and fostering the growth of emerging companies in these sectors.
