This note provides essential information on funding sources and valuation topics facing deep technology startups-ventures that are capital-intensive, with high technical and market uncertainty, and require long gestation periods. Both dilutive and non-dilutive sources of investment are described, along with empirical examples and figures.

This case focuses on Nimbus Therapeutics, a biotechnology startup based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as its leadership team tries to determine the company's long-term strategy. The startup's founders structured Nimbus as a limited liability company, which has given it more flexibility when it comes to funding and development partnerships. Does the operating structure still makes sense as Nimbus looks ahead to the future?

This case looks at the deal-making process between Celgene, a large publicly traded pharmaceutical company, and Agios, an early-stage biotech company. The framework of a potential deal is explored and the potential road-blocks to Agios' profitability are discussed. The relationship between a fledgling biotech company and an established pharmaceutical company as well as the expectations from both sides regarding their deal are examined.