Fueling Innovation: A Founder’s Guide to
Life Sciences Debt Financing

Wed., April 8, 2026 | 5:00-7:00 PM | Ann Arbor

Agenda: Networking–5:00-6:00 PM; Program–6:00-7:00 PM

Every equity round costs founders’ ownership. But what if there were other ways to fund growth? Debt financing has quietly become a powerful tool for life sciences companies – from venture debt to equipment financing and cash-flow lending. When used strategically, these instruments can extend runway, fund critical infrastructure, and preserve founder control. Experts will explain how debt financing really works in the life sciences sector – when founders should start thinking about debt, how lenders evaluate companies, and the most common use cases – from purchasing lab equipment to bridging the gap between equity rounds. The session will also highlight examples of debt deals and the lessons founders can learn from them.