Building a Billion-Dollar Biotech Legacy with Roberto Bellini of BSQUARED Capital

Episode notes

In this episode of Tank Talks, host Matt Cohen sits down with Roberto Bellini, Co-Founder of BSQUARED Capital and former CEO of Bellus Health, for a powerful conversation about family, legacy, and resilience in the world of biotech. Originally recorded just two weeks before the passing of his father, Dr. Francesco Bellini, one of the founding giants of Canadian biotech, this re-recorded episode serves as a moving tribute to the man known as “Mr. Biotech Canada.” Roberto opens up about what it was like growing up under the guidance of such a visionary figure and how that experience shaped his own path as an entrepreneur and leader. He reflects on the highs and lows of leading Bellus Health, from moments of near collapse to its remarkable $2 billion acquisition by GSK, sharing lessons on risk-taking, perseverance, and the importance of staying grounded through uncertainty. Roberto also offers his perspective on the future of Canadian biotech, highlighting the need for stronger late-stage funding and how BSquared Capital is helping to cultivate the next generation of innovators.

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