Elese Hanson

I like the energy that startups bring. They have different new ideas. They're super excited about their technology. And it's fun to help guide them in the process. 

Experience: I work with biotechnology, pharmaceutical, digital health and technology companies on strategic collaborations and complex licensing arrangements throughout their life cycle. My work involves advising on transactions that involve cutting-edge technology, data rights and AI. My goal is to set up startups for success from a contractual perspective. I studied biomedical engineering in college, then became a patent attorney doing pharmaceutical patent litigation. After working in house for a life sciences company that partnered with companies across the globe to bring products to market in the United States, I switched career paths to become a corporate attorney and focus on licensing. My unique career path provides me with a vantage point a lot of other outside counsel do not have.

Launch moment: My favorite experiences have been working with earlier-stage companies to develop a strategy to license their platform technology. You can see how they're successful with continuing to license their technology to different companies for different uses – it’s been fun to see how they're able to monetize. I really like to try to understand my clients’ business model, because at the end of the day, I try to be more of a business partner. We want to avoid problems from a contractual perspective, but also not be a roadblock to getting things done.

Off the Clock: I ride horses for fun on the weekends (or really, whenever I can!). I grew up doing the hunters and equitation but now am learning more about jumpers and dressage. I am geekily interested in horse biomechanics. One of my favorite things about riding is that it is the only Olympic sport where men and women compete against each other, because there's no differential for the sexes. I’m also learning golf because I won’t always be able to ride a horse and I love the social and outdoor aspects of the sport.  

Old and new:  I’ve been rewatching Seinfeld, Schitt’s Creek and Parks & Recreation – and have recently started hiking with some old friends.