NCLifeSci Emerging Company and Technology Luncheon and Forum

David Adair, co-founder and managing director, Solas BioVentures

Adair has worked with the firm’s partners since 2004 and was a founding member of the firm in 2014. He currently focuses on investments in medical device and therapeutic companies. He is a long-time physician, educator, administrator, innovator and investor with nearly 20 years of experience in angel and venture investment. Adair retired from clinical practice after a 30-year career. He received a B.S. in biology from Morehead State University, his MBA from University Tennessee Chattanooga and his medical degree from the Joan C. Edwards College of Medicine at Marshall University.

Drew Cutshaw, principal and medical officer, Pappas Capital

Cutshaw joined Pappas Capital in January 2020 and is actively involved in identifying and evaluating new investment opportunities, supporting current portfolio companies and refining the firm’s investment strategy. He currently serves as a board director for Veralox Therapeutics, a board observer for Glycomine and CuraSen Therapeutics and a board member of NCLifeSci. Prior to joining Pappas Capital, Cutshaw was a resident physician in surgery at Washington University in St. Louis. He received his M.D. and MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill and his B.S. in neuroscience from Duke University.

John Landers, director of finance, 2ndF

Landers leads all investment operations including sourcing, diligence and portfolio management, and he participates in all parts of the family office’s mission. Prior to 2ndF, he spent time in corporate finance at Martin Marietta where he focused on financial and statistical modeling to help identify and address value at risk for the company’s internal capital allocations and mergers and acquisitions. Landers graduated from the University of South Carolina where he earned his B.S. in business administration, majoring in finance and marketing. He is also a certified management accountant.

Jimmy Melton, co-founder and general partner, Cape Fear BioCapital

Melton has more than 30 years’ experience, founding and leading numerous life science enterprises across the NC ecosystem and universities. Last year, he co-founded Cape Fear BioCapital to invest in local therapeutics opportunities and provide the critical funding needed for early company building, establishing proof of concept data, and preparing for commercialization. He previously served as managing director of Carolina Research Ventures, a university venture fund with three side funds and more than 15 investments in early-stage companies. He received his bachelor’s degree and MHA from Duke University.

Ned Sharpless, co-founder and managing director, Jupiter BioVentures

Sharpless is a physician, scientist, entrepreneur and former federal official. He served as director of the National Cancer Institute from 2017 to 2022 and as acting commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2019. Prior to government, he was the Wellcome Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Director of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He also founded G1 Therapeutics and is on several for-profit and non-profit boards. Sharpless received his B.S. and M.D. from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Kseniya Simpson, principal, Hatteras Venture Partners

Simpson focuses on investing in innovative biotech companies and serves as a board observer for Ten63 Therapeutics, Aer Therapeutics, Trefoil Therapeutics and Code Bio. Prior to Hatteras, she was with Triangle Insights Group as a strategy consultant. Simpson is a scientist by training and has conducted research in the areas of RNA therapeutics, nucleic acid delivery, lipid monolayers and tissue engineering. She earned a Ph.D. in cellular and molecular physiology from Yale University and B.S. degrees in chemistry and biological chemistry from the University of Chicago.