Find Someone to Help. Repeat.

In 2021, I reached out to an old friend named Phil Ebner at JPMorgan. I told him about an idea I had to bring together Life Science leaders to prepare for, and attend, JPM Week. He agreed to help me.

The concept was inspired by the camaraderie and collaboration found in a baseball bullpen - a place where pitchers perfect their craft and help each other perform better. We wanted to bring that same spirit to our professional networks.

Hundreds of leaders joined our virtual prep meetings that Fall. Unfortunately, JPM Week 2022 was canceled due to COVID-19, but we knew we had discovered something special.

Since then, we’ve hosted virtual and in-person events in San Francisco, Boston, Miami, New Orleans, Birmingham, Minneapolis, and San Diego - connecting thousands of Life Science dealmakers.

We rely on Sponsor Members to support the operating costs of our in-person gatherings, while Club Members contribute a modest fee to help cover administrative expenses.

When we first started, we never imagined this community would grow so quickly. In October 2025, we unveiled our new name: BLPN – Building Legendary Professional Networks.

It’s more than just a new look; it’s a brand that better captures the energy and inclusivity of the Life Science industry we serve.

While our name has evolved, our heart hasn’t changed.

Our #Mantra remains: Find Someone to Help. Repeat.

That spirit of generosity and collaboration built this network and will continue to fuel it as we grow.

Looking ahead to 2026, we have big plans: launching regional chapters, rolling out a member concierge partnering platform, and expanding our events to make it even easier for members to find the right connections.

We’re also excited to announce several Sustaining Partners who are stepping up to help subsidize membership fees, ensuring our community remains accessible while continuing to grow stronger.

Together, we’re building something truly legendary.

Christiaan Engstrom
Founder & CEO, BLPN