Capturing Venture Capital: What Makes Life Science Startups Stand Out to Investors

In this special episode recorded live at CED Venture Connect, host Chris Adkins sits down with Dave Ousterout, Co-Founder and General Partner at CapeFear Biocapital. Drawing from his unique journey as both a biotech entrepreneur and now a venture capital investor, Dave shares what it really takes to stand out in the early-stage life sciences space.Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at how CapeFear Biocapital is fueling North Carolina’s innovation ecosystem with pre-seed investments tailored for biotech startups. Dave unpacks the key attributes his team looks for in founding teams, the value of thoughtful operational planning, and how to think strategically about capital efficiency and milestone-driven development.The conversation blends practical fundraising advice with philosophical reflections on trust, focus, and resilience—offering real value for founders, investors, and anyone passionate about advancing healthcare innovation.