Jumar Masterclass - Considering an ASX Listing: What Biotech Founders Need to Know

This masterclass brings together perspectives from the ASX and a leading investment bank on navigating the transition from private to public markets and an executive of a listed biotech on what it takes to lead a listed company. Together, they’ll unpack when an ASX listing genuinely makes sense, what public-market investors actually look for, and the obligations that come with life as a listed company.

This session focuses on the practical realities of moving from private capital to public markets — including pre-IPO strategies, investor expectations, and the importance of a clear commercial and communications roadmap. Whether you are approaching Phase 1, exploring a pre-IPO round, or simply testing whether listing should be part of your longer-term capital strategy, this session will help you understand what “investor-ready” really means.

You’ll leave this session with:

• A grounded understanding of when biotech companies are genuinely listing-ready — and when listing is premature.

• Practical insight into how public-market investors assess risk, value, and near-term catalysts, and how this differs from VC and private capital.

• A clear view of pre-IPO strategies, including how early engagement with public-market investors can de-risk a future listing.

• First-hand lessons from a listed biotech CEO on governance, disclosure, performance expectations, and ongoing investor communication.

• Clear next steps for assessing readiness, shaping a compelling commercial narrative, and engaging the right advisors at the right time.
  

Masterclass Agenda

1:30pm - Registrations
2:00pm - Welcome & Context
2:10pm - Speaker 1: ASX / Markets Overview
2:30pm - Speaker 2: Advisor / Investor Perspective
2:45pm - Speaker 3: Founder / CEO Story
3:00pm - Moderated Panel Discussion
3:15pm - Audience Q&A
3:35pm - Networking
4:00pm - End

Meet the Speakers

James Posnett, General Manager, Listings at the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
James Posnett is General Manager, Listings at the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in Sydney. He has over 20 years’ experience in capital markets in Australia and internationally. Since joining ASX in 2012 he has been responsible for development of the listings and capital raising business. He oversees both new listings and listed company services. In this role he works with prospective and existing issuers, private and public market investors, and financial intermediaries. James was formerly Managing Director, International Listings at New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Euronext. He has also worked for BNP Paribas Equities. James holds a BSc (Hons) from Loughborough University and an MBA from the University of Adelaide.


Rebecca McQualter, CEO, Chimeric Therapeutics
Rebecca joined Chimeric Therapeutics in May 2024, bringing senior experience from roles at Novartis, Amgen and GlaxoSmithKline. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine from Monash University. Dr McQualter has an extensive commercial career with exposure to many aspects of international pharmaceutical operations. Prior to joining Chimeric, she was Head of Strategic Access at Novartis Australia, where she developed new commercial partnerships with the likes of Telstra Health and Wesfarmers Health as well as building external networks spanning policy makers, research institutes and NGOs, while engaging with federal and state government, trade associations and other stakeholders.

Carlee Szakiel, Director Investment Banking, Canaccord Genuity Australia
Carlee Szakiel is a Director within the Investment Banking team at Canaccord Genuity Australia. Carlee has over 12 years’ experience in Australian equity capital markets, focused on capital raisings for private companies, pre-IPO capital raisings, IPOs and capital raisings for ASX-listed companies. Carlee is responsible for providing advice to private and public companies about capital markets strategy and equity raising across healthcare, technology and general industrial sectors. Her particular interest lies in partnering with emerging companies to assist in secure capital to fund their growth ambitions. Prior to Canaccord Genuity, Carlee also held corporate advisory and equity capital markets roles at Evans & Partners and Goldman Sachs JBWere. Carlee holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and has completed her CFA Level 1.

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The masterclass will be followed by an optional tour of Jumar Bioincubator. Let us know in the registration form if you're interested in participating.

NOTE: You may be photographed or videoed while attending this event for marketing purposes: please approach the organiser if you have questions, concerns, or do not wish this to happen.

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About 

Jumar Bioincubator serves as a ‘first home’ for 30+ biotech ventures in Australia, providing affordable lab and office space alongside practical support to advance early scientific discoveries. Residents gain access to world-class facilities, a dedicated support team, and curated entrepreneurial training and events.

Established by CSL, WEHI and the University of Melbourne, and backed by Breakthrough Victoria with Cicada Innovations as operator, Jumar’s mission is to connect early-stage and scaling biotech ventures with the support needed to translate discoveries into real-world therapies and build a community of scientists equipped to lead successful biomedical ventures.