Field Notes
We spend time out in the field meeting people and having real conversations, and we make a point of listening closely to what leaders across the ecosystem are experiencing. From those interactions, we return with the most compelling insights and perspectives that surface in the course of their work.
We then work to translate those observations into practical takeaways that can inform decision-making and spark new thinking. Our goal is to offer ideas you can apply, share, or build upon as you move your own work forward.
Finishing Strong: San Diego Startup Week at UC San Diego
Day 5 of San Diego Startup Week wrapped up at UC San Diego — and it couldn’t have ended on a stronger note. The entire week has been incredible. I keep coming back to SD Startup Week and TechCon because it’s one of the rare chances to rub elbows with 90% of the movers and shakers driving tech, venture, and innovation across the region.
Financing the Future of MedTech: From Venture Alignment to Decentralized Diagnostics
What stood out to me at The MedTech Conference 2025 wasn’t just the cutting-edge, life-saving technology—it was the strong focus on financing and venture strategy in medtech.
From Vision to Venture: Building San Diego’s Life Science Future, Together
On a warm evening in San Diego, over 75 founders, investors, scientists, operators, and connectors gathered for what was meant to be an intimate happy hour. Hosted by Phase Two Ventures and backed by generous partners like JLL and Cooley, the gathering swelled in size and spirit—fueled by shared conviction in San Diego’s place at the forefront of global…
FreMon Scientific: Precision Thawing Technology
At Connect’s Carlsbad summer event, a bright spotlight was cast on one of the region’s most promising biotech companies—FreMon Scientific. The event featured a compelling keynote by David Wellis, the company’s new CEO, whose extensive journey through the life sciences landscape has uniquely prepared him to lead FreMon through a high-growth phase. Joined…
Dr. Ali Golshan’s Quest to Restore Hope for Neuropathy Patients
I was especially excited to write this piece because neuropathy is deeply personal to me—my mom has battled it for years. Watching her face daily numbness, burning discomfort, and the unpredictable flares that make even walking painful has been both heartbreaking and infuriating. Like many families, we’ve cycled through medications, specialists, and the…
Phase Two Ventures: Fueling the Future of Life Science R&D
San Diego has become a premier hub for life science innovation, and few have stepped up as boldly to strengthen this community as Will Alaynick and Jose Morachis of Phase Two Ventures. Their commitment to developing a world-class life science technology ecosystem is truly remarkable. Under their leadership, Phase Two Ventures has cultivated an environme…
Vertan Technologies: Pioneering AI-Driven Nanotechnology
Last week, at the San Diego VC Outlook event in Del Mar, I had the chance to meet Dr. Gregory Vertelov from Vertan Technologies. I was particularly intrigued by their innovative work at the intersection of nanotechnology and AI-driven solutions.
Oral Health and Alzheimer’s: Scientific Insights and Viome’s Approach
Research has identified Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacteria linked to gum disease, in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, suggesting a potential connection between oral health and neurodegeneration.
Defined Bioscience: Advancing Cell Culture Technology
Defined Bioscience is committed to advancing cell culture technology by offering a range of specialized products designed to enhance the quality and consistency of stem cell research and related applications.