Newleos Therapeutics CEO David Donabedian Recognized by Goldman Sachs as One of the Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs at the 2025 Builders and Innovators Summit
Newleos Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders, today announced that Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) is recognizing David H. Donabedian, Ph.D., Newleos' Founding Chief Executive Officer and Executive Partner at Longwood Fund, as one of the Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2025 at its Builders and Innovators Summit in Healdsburg, California.
Goldman Sachs selected Dr. Donabedian from a diverse group of entrepreneurs across multiple industries to be honored at this two-day event for his proven record of founding, scaling, and successfully operating groundbreaking biotechnology companies. Prior to Newleos, he co-founded and led Axial Therapeutics, DEM BioPharma, and Solu Therapeutics in partnership with the Longwood Fund and currently serves as Co-Founder and as a member of the board of directors of Alcyone Therapeutics, which announced its acquisition by Biogen in September 2025. A former managing director of a corporate venture fund valued in excess of $100 million, Dr. Donabedian's deep investment expertise is complemented by a track record of advancing transformative medicines across multiple disease indications and modalities to meet the needs of patients. Since its launch, Newleos has in-licensed a portfolio of first- and best-in-class clinical programs from Roche and advanced multiple assets into Phase 1b and Phase 2 clinical trials in under one year. The company has raised more than $93 million from a leading syndicate of investors to develop breakthrough therapies targeting general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, substance use disorder, and cognitive impairment.
"We are pleased to recognize David as one of the most exceptional entrepreneurs of 2025," said David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs. "The Newleos team has not only built a successful enterprise, but they are also redefining industry paradigms. This year's Summit has brought together many of the best business minds to talk about harnessing the full potential of AI and building the next generation of businesses."
"This recognition from Goldman Sachs is both humbling and inspiring," said Dr. Donabedian. "It reflects the extraordinary dedication of the Newleos team and our shared commitment to advancing innovative therapies for individuals affected by serious neuropsychiatric conditions. We are driven by the belief that science, executed with urgency and precision, can offer hope to patients in areas that are underserved by today's approved therapies."
In its 14th year, Goldman's Builders and Innovators Summit is the can't-miss gathering for Founders and CEOs of hypergrowth companies. Previous honorees have gone on to lead multi-billion dollar companies, both in the private and public markets. In addition to honoring the most exceptional entrepreneurs each year, the Summit consists of general sessions and clinics led by seasoned entrepreneurs, academics and business leaders as well as resident scholars.
About Newleos Therapeutics, Inc.
Newleos Therapeutics is dedicated to providing a new dawn or "eos" for the one in every eight people around the world who are suffering from mental illness. The company's pipeline was licensed from Roche and focuses on innovative neuropsychiatric mechanisms of action that aim to reduce side effects and improve outcomes compared to the current standard of care. Newleos' clinical-stage, oral small molecules target GABAA-γ1, V1a, TAAR1 and GABAA-α5, with first- or best-in-class potential in the treatment of general anxiety, social anxiety, substance use disorders, and cognitive impairment. Newleos was co-founded by Longwood Fund, Federico Bolognani, M.D., Ph.D., and William Martin, Ph.D., seasoned experts in company creation and CNS drug development.
For more information visit www.newleos.com.
About Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs is a leading global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world.
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Press related questions about Newleos, please contact:
Kari Watson
617-470-8388
[email protected]
Press related questions about the Summit or Goldman Sachs, please contact Michael Bruen at [email protected]