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Derek Rapp

Managing Director at RiverVest Venture Partners

Derek Rapp is a Managing Director at RiverVest Venture Partners, a life sciences venture capital firm that invests in early-stage biopharmaceutical and medical device companies. He joined RiverVest in 2019, bringing extensive experience in the life sciences industry, with a focus on business management, company valuation, and deal negotiation.123

Background and Experience

  • Education: Derek holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University with concentrations in Economics and German, and a Master of Business Administration degree from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.34
  • Career Highlights:
    • President and CEO of JDRF International (2014-2019): Led the organization in funding type 1 diabetes research and advocacy.34
    • CEO of Divergence, Inc. (2001-2011): Successfully led the biotech startup to an acquisition by Monsanto Company.14
    • Monsanto Company: Held various roles including Head of Mergers and Acquisitions, Director of Investor Relations, and more.14
    • Lazard Freres & Co.: Began his career as an analyst in mergers and acquisitions.4

Current Roles and Responsibilities

  • RiverVest Venture Partners: Focuses on investment strategy, fundraising, and investor relations. He also serves as a liaison to the Midwest’s innovation ecosystem.13
  • Board Positions: Serves on the boards of Biolinq, Inc., Research!America, Cancer Research Foundation, Cortex Innovation Community, InvestMidwest, WeedOUT (as Chairman), and the Global Mission Board of JDRF.13

Personal Life

Derek is married to Emily Rapp, and they have three adult children. His personal connection to type 1 diabetes, as the father of a young man with the condition, drives his commitment to improving patient lives through science and innovation.13

You can find Derek Rapp on LinkedIn under the username derek-rapp-96434913.4

Highlights

Dec 10 · rivervest.com
The RiverVest Team of Experts
Oct 3 · rss.com
Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad - Derek Rapp - The ...
Oct 1 · foundersuite.com
Derek Rapp | Investor profile | Foundersuite
Derek Rapp - The Cancer Research Foundation
Sep 8 · signal.nfx.com
Derek Rapp's Investing Profile - RiverVest Managing Director | Signal

Related Questions

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Derek Rapp
Derek Rapp, photo 1
Derek Rapp, photo 2
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Location

St Louis, Missouri, United States