Liam Killingstad on How Family Offices Quietly Fuel Biotech’s Boldest Innovations

Synopsis: In this thought-provoking episode of Biotech 2050, host Alok Tayi sits down with Liam Killingstad, Member at Finiam Investments, to unpack the growing influence of family offices in biotech. Driven by his own family's experience with rare cancers, Liam shares how that journey sparked Finiam's deep dive into biotech investing and the co-creation of companies like Khora Therapeutics. From the untapped power of family offices to the strategies they use to enter high-stakes sectors like biotech, Liam offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how mission-driven capital is shaping the future of healthcare innovation. Biography: Liam Killingstad is an experienced finance and operations professional in the biopharma, healthcare, and investment sectors. As Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations at KHORA Therapeutics, Liam works closely with the C-suite to drive strategic initiatives, including the development of multi-asset portfolio construction and complex financial model building in support of executing oncology-focused asset acquisitions across global markets. Prior to KHORA, Liam served as Chief of Staff at SHEPHERD Health, a precision oncology diagnostics company where he played a pivotal role in securing bridge financing, managing investor relations, and establishing strategic partnerships, including joint ventures that expanded SHEPHERD's precision diagnostics capabilities. He was also instrumental in advocating for federal legislation to improve access to molecular diagnostics for cancer patients. Liam's financial expertise was honed during his time as an investment banking associate at Goldman Sachs, where he managed transactions exceeding $2 billion in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. He has a proven track record of structuring complex financial models, leading investor roadshows, and crafting innovative financing solutions for high-impact projects. In addition, Liam serves as Operating Partner at Finiam Investments, a European-based family office. He leads due diligence efforts for investments across biotech, digital health, cleantech, and media, supporting the portfolio with strategic planning, financial modeling, and capital formation. Liam holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics, graduating magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve University, where he was a varsity baseball captain and recognized for academic excellence. Born and raised in Germany and various other European cities, Liam brings a global perspective to his work and leadership in life sciences and finance.