The NextGen VC Podcast

The Science of Company Building: A Conversation with Third Rock’s Noreen Rizvi

January 15, 2026·39 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

What does it take to turn breakthrough science into a breakthrough company? In this episode of the NextGen VC Podcast, we sit down with Noreen Rizvi, Principal at Third Rock Ventures, whose journey from chemical engineering to venture creation offers a rare look inside the art and science of biotech investing. Noreen discusses how she bridges science and strategy, what she’s learned from building companies like Trace Neuro and Faze Medicine, and why Third Rock spends years incubating ideas before launch. She also shares how mentorship, collaboration, and a “take the call” mindset have shaped her path. Tune in for a grounded, inside look at company creation, risk-taking, and the evolving biotech landscape from RNA therapeutics to the next generation of life science innovation.This episode may feature current or former clients of Wilson Sonsini. This podcast is for general informational purposes and is not intended to provide and should not be relied on as legal advice. The information in this podcast is not tailored to a particularized situation or jurisdiction, may not reflect the current state of the law, and should not be considered a substitute for the advice of your own legal counsel. You should not consider this podcast an invitation to form an attorney-client relationship, and no attorney-client relationship is created by your use of this podcast. Wilson Sonsini disclaims all liability in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this podcast and notes that prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This podcast may be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions.

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