Anna Lisa Somera brings over 20 years’ experience working with start-ups in different capacities including biomedical research, venture capital, technology transfer, operations, regulatory affairs, quality management systems, clinical research, grant consulting, and management. Her interest in leading start-ups has stems from OrthoAccel Technologies, a medical device company she co-founded. From there, she worked in early stage venture capital and held senior roles in several medical device companies. She has led teams through several clinical trial launches, FDA 510(k) Clearances and CE Marks, ISO 13485 Certified Quality Management Systems, and also brought in over $50M in financing to several start ups. She has also served as senior personnel on several NIH, NSF, and DOD funded small business grants. She is also on the board of Women in Bio, Chicago and an an entrepreneurship mentor at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, the University of Illinois, and mHUB. She holds three Masters degrees in Cell Biology, Public Health, and Business.