David Summa

Monsanto Co. engages in the provision of agricultural products to farmers. It provides other seed companies with genetic material and biotechnology traits for their seed brands. The company was founded by John F. Queeny in 1901 and is headquartered in St. Louis, MO.

Sequoia Pharmaceuticals discovers and develops unique treatments for viral diseases including HIV/AIDS and HCV-induced hepatitis with a focus on the growing global problem of drug-resistant disease. Most new anti-viral drugs were designed to block the most prevalent form of a pathogen, but these drugs become less potent due to the emergence of drug-resistant mutations. Sequoia's is to discover and develop new antiviral which are active against the most prevalent form of the virus but also anticipates the emergence of drug resistance forms thereby maintaining potency over time. Sequoia's differentiating approach is to identify a constellation of atomic interaction points which are necessary and sufficient for enzymatic function. Sequoia's protease inhibitors have been designed to interact preferentially with only these atoms, thus allowing non-critical mutations to occur without resulting in a decrease in drug potency. The foundation of Sequoia's novel Resistant-Repellent™ technology is a drug discovery tool that enhances the efficiency with which drugs are designed. It is based on an understanding of the chemical and physical nature of the molecular targets, the enzymes and receptors to which drugs bind, combined with an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that cause drug resistance. Sequoia is also discovering and developing a unique series of pharmacokinetic enhancers (PKEs) to work in combination with its own, and its partners', antiviral therapies. These sets of molecules improve the PK of existing therapeutics and reduce interpatient variability. This represents a unique approach to an important need in HIV treatment today. Sequoia is also looking to extend this novel PKE approach to other areas. Its PKEs are designed to inhibit a particular CYP isozyme and therefore change the metabolism of a co-administered therapeutic agent. The combination of PK Enhancer and the therapeutic agent enables reduced dosage and less frequent administration of the therapeutic agent.

Mascoma Corp. develops technology for abundant biomass conversion. The firm operates through its bioprocessing technology platform, develops bioengineered yeasts and other microorganisms. It also designs and manufactures equipment that processes cellulosic biomass for further biological or chemical conversion. The company was founded by Lee R. Lynd, Charles E. Wyman and Robert J. Johnsen in 2005 and is headquartered in Waltham, MA.

Agrivida, Inc. engages in the provision of research and manufacture of enzymes. It focuses on enzymes that improve poultry and swine nutrition. The company was founded by R. Michael Raab and Jeremy Schley Johnson in 2002 and is headquartered in Medford, MA.

Halio, Inc. engages in the development of adaptive glass for the commercial, residential, and automotive markets. It builds products based on dynamic light control technology for connected home, offices, cars and other future applications. The firm also develops technologies applied to building materials for energy efficiency. The company was founded by Howard Turner and Sam Bergh in 2010 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA.

McKinsey & Co., Inc. provides management consulting services. It specializes in design, marketing and sales, analytics, operations, transformation and restructuring, risk, strategy and corporate finance, and sustainability and resource productivity. The company was founded by James O. McKinsey in 1926 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. operates as a plant biotechnology company. It develops genetic and chemical solutions for a range of agricultural markets. The firm offers biofuel feedstocks, yield enhancement, flowering, drought tolerance, freezing tolerance, disease resistance, nutrient use efficiency, and cold germination products. The company was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Newark, CA.

Alliance of Chief Executives LLC engages in the operation of organization for chief executives. It creates private and confidential environments for members to have strategic business conversations. The company was founded by Paul Witkay in 1996 and is headquartered in Walnut Creek, CA.