Rita Mendes, PhD
NLC Venture Development Manager

► Accomplished Scientist with Business Acumen: Merged deep scientific insights in drug development, preclinical models, and omics/AI strategies in oncology precision medicine with financial proficiency for precise investment decisions.

► Entrepreneurial Thought Leader: Pioneered an innovation literacy platform, Oh My Science!, and completed 8 business/innovation courses, including a mini-MBA for life scientists at Nova School of Business and Economics, a workshop on Innovation from MIT, and a masterclass on Negotiations in Pharma&Biotech.

► Venture Building & Business Development: Scrutinizing early-stage biotech projects for scientific excellence and financial viability, and navigated negotiations for in-licensing deals, as well as building and maintaining a network of academics, universities, TTOs, corporates (biotech and pharma), service providers (e.g. CROs) and investors in the biotech space.