StockWatch: Investment Banker Talks U.S.-Chinese Deals, IPOs, and a Tough Climate for Startups Seeking Capital
Geoff Meyerson addressed the growth of U.S.-Chinese licensing/collaboration deals, the recent growth of IPOs, and the still-chilly climate for startups seeking financing in a recent interview with GEN Edge. The post StockWatch: Investment Banker Talks U.S.-Chinese Deals, IPOs, and a Tough Climate for Startups Seeking Capital appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News .
Geoff Meyerson, CEO of investment bank Locust Walk and its associated investment firm Banyan BioInnovations, discussed the current state of U.S.-Chinese investment deals, IPO activity, and the challenging environment for startups seeking capital in a recent interview with GEN Edge. In 2026, biotech stocks have rebounded from the post-COVID doldrums, with the iShares Biotechnology ETF gaining 34% and the State Street SPDR S&P Biotech ETF rising 39%.
The surge in IPOs this year, totaling $7.776 billion, is a 573% increase from 2025's $1.155 billion. Locust Walk's third-quarter market conditions report shows a significant shift in licensing deals, with Chinese companies accounting for 58% of the value, up from 48% a year earlier, while the United States placed second at 26%. M&A activity totaled $42.1 billion across 30 transactions, down from a three-year high of $80.7 billion in 35 transactions during Q2.
Despite improving markets, startups are increasingly turning to licensing and collaboration deals, with PIPE activity growing to $3.808 billion across 14 deals, well above the $603 million in Q2 and $1.151 billion in Q3 2025.
Written by urgent.news from GEN Biotechnology's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
