AIM-HI Accelerator Fund Announces Lance Kawaguchi, CEO of Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, as New Strategic Advisor

ROCKVILLE, MD – AIM-HI Accelerator Fund, a non-for-profit that focuses on supporting early-stage biotechnology companies to progress innovative discoveries into the clinic, announced today that Mr. Lance Kawaguchi, CEO of Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, has been appointed as a strategic advisor.

AIM-HI’s prestigious strategic advisors are comprised of the world’s leaders in biotechnology commercialization and oncology product development, who provide guidance on AIM-HI’s programs and investment efforts.

Lance Kawaguchi is an internationally recognized executive leader and board member, with over 25 years of global finance and banking experience, having worked in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. His global perspective and experience in the field of philanthropic impact investing in early-stage biotechnology companies will help guide AIM-HI to provide critical seed funding and sustainable impact investment for oncology start-ups worldwide.

“Philanthropic impact investing is absolutely critical to early-stage biotech companies, providing them vital funding to progress their innovative therapies into commercialization and improved outcomes for the cancer community,” said Mr. Kawaguchi. “I am thrilled to be appointed a strategic advisor to AIM-HI, an organization which has paved the way globally in venture impact investment for oncology start-ups, and I look forward to supporting their efforts to progress new treatments into the clinic.”

Mr. Kawaguchi’s current appointment as CEO of Cure Brain Cancer Foundation is a testament to his strong, advocating vision for supporting people and families living with cancer, by supporting innovative research to drive outcomes for those affected by the disease. He is also Chairman of the Asian Fund for Cancer Research and Board Member of the National Foundation for Cancer Research, which speaks to the strong collaboration and strategic alignment between these organizations and AIM-HI.

“Lance is a welcome addition to AIM-HI’s strategic advisory group, who brings with him a depth of knowledge and business acumen which will help mentor and strengthen AIM-HI’s portfolio companies,” remarked Charlie Weatherspoon, Chairman and Co-Founder of AIM-HI.

Furthermore, Mr. Kawaguchi’s strong support of diversity and inclusion throughout his career will provide invaluable insights to AIM-HI’s newly launched Beacon Award and its one-of-the kind annual Women’s Venture Competition.

“Lance is a globally recognized leader in supporting women in STEM and is a strong advocate for female leaders and entrepreneurs,” exclaimed Dr Sujuan Ba, CEO and Co-Founder of AIM-HI. “Lance’s transformative vision is wholeheartedly aligned with AIM-HI and will be critical to our continued efforts to support the best women-led oncology companies to rapidly drive outcomes for cancer patients.”

About AIM-HI Accelerator Fund

Born out of the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR), the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund bridges the gap between innovative, early-stage cancer research and successful development of high-impact oncology products. Our integrated approach combines essential funding with development and business expertise, leading to successful oncology companies that bring forth new biomedical discoveries that create value and benefit society.

For more information, visit www.aim-hiaccelerator.org

###