Aaron Royston

Aaron Royston, M.D., M.B.A. is a Partner at venBio with a background in life science investing, healthcare strategy, and as an entrepreneur. Dr. Royston previously led venBio’s Fund II investment into Apellis Pharmaceuticals and currently serves as a director on the boards of Impel NeuroPharma, Menlo Therapeutics, Harmony Biosciences and Neurogastrx.

Prior to joining venBio, Dr. Royston was a member of the investment team at Vivo Capital, a life science venture capital firm. While at Vivo, he was involved in the firm’s investments in Biotie Therapies (Nasdaq: BITI, acquired by Acorda), RegenxBio (Nasdaq: RGNX), and Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, among others. Previously, he worked at Bain & Company, where he advised biotechnology companies on a range of strategic and operational issues. Earlier in his career, Dr. Royston coordinated clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center, where his research has been published and presented in multiple medical journals and conferences.

Dr. Royston received his B.S. in biological sciences from Duke University, and his M.D. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. While a student, he founded and launched a technology company that was acquired after receiving multiple awards and funding from the New York City Economic Development Corporation. In 2010, Dr. Royston was recognized by the United States White House as a Champion of Change for his work in Technology and Innovation. Dr. Royston is active in the community and currently serves on the board of SFBWS, an environmental non-profit authorized by Congress to support the education, interpretation, and research of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.