Press

Leen Kawas' journey from pharmacy student to biotech investor reveals how female founders navigate entrenched bias to drive breakthrough innovation. As Managing General Partner at Propel Bio Partners, Kawas invests in companies led by diverse, mission-driven teams focused on patient-first innovation. Her leadership philosophy centers on inclusivity, practical problem-solving, and elevating overlooked markets—principles she practiced while co-founding Athira and continues to c

Leen Kawas, Managing General Partner at Propel Bio Partners, is challenging the geographic and demographic concentration of biotech innovation. While California and Massachusetts receive nearly 70% of U.S. biotech funding, Kawas focuses on underserved regions and populations, investing in companies like Inherent Biosciences, Persephone Biosciences, and OmniVis. These firms are developing equitable solutions across male infertility, infant gut health, and global disease detect

Leen Kawas, Managing General Partner at Propel Bio Partners, is reshaping biotech investing through a strategy grounded in health equity and inclusive innovation. In response to the stark disparities in clinical trial representation, treatment access, and affordability, Kawas advocates for intentional innovation—backing companies that prioritize underserved populations globally. From Persephone Biosciences’ microbiome research for infant health to Inherent Biosciences’ epigen

In this episode of the Top Entrepreneurs Podcast  on the Enterprise Podcast Network, Leen Kawas, Managing General Partner of Propel Bio Partners, shares her journey from scientist to investor. With a background in life sciences and a passion for innovation, Kawas now leads a venture capital firm focused on supporting entrepreneurs building biotech companies that deliver transformative health solutions. She discusses the transition from the lab to the boardroom, her vision for