In recent years, investors have leaned toward being “risk off” for truly innovative therapies, such as first-in-class or first-in-disease drugs, with a preference for lower-risk drug discovery opportunities. However, risk-averse postures have recently shifted based on biotech trends, as well as increased awareness and rigor by entrepreneurial biotech leaders to strengthen their scientific and business rationale to mitigate risks. With pragmatic risk strategies, there is renewed enthusiasm by investors and other stakeholders for groundbreaking therapies with the potential to address unmet medical needs. This panel will explore how to build a compelling case for first-in-class or first-in-disease drug candidates, transforming skepticism into opportunity and engaging investors with a balanced approach of innovation and risk reduction. This session will provide actionable insights from seasoned biotech experts offering their expertise to help attendees navigate this evolving landscape and secure investor support for relatively higher-risk, higher-reward therapies.