Dr. Linda Grais joined InterWest's life sciences team in 2005, focusing on medical device and biopharmaceutical investments. She brings to InterWest over twenty years of experience as a physician, attorney and biotechnology entrepreneur. She is a board member of Arca Biopharma, Gynesonics, and Ocera Therapeutics. Additionally, she is board observer of Autonomic Technologies, Calypso Medical, Restoration Robotics and Sequel Pharmaceuticals. She previously was an observer on the board of NovaCardia (acquired by Merck).

Prior to joining InterWest, Dr. Grais was a founder and executive vice president of SGX Pharmaceuticals (SGXP), which was acquired by Eli Lilly. Prior to that, she practiced law at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she represented biotechnology and medical device companies in venture financings, public offerings and strategic partnerships. Before practicing law, she was an assistant clinical professor of internal medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. She has also served as a consultant to the Institute of Medicine and has served two terms on the Stanford Law School Board of Visitors.

Dr. Grais received an M.D. from Yale Medical School, training in internal medicine and critical care. In addition, she received her J.D. from Stanford Law School.

Previous Representative Investments

NovaCardia, acquired by Merck (MRK)

A Word from Linda

"What I enjoy most is sitting down with a management team and helping them think through complex issues — scientific, medical, financial, legal, strategic — all with the ultimate goal of creating new and better ways to help patients and help the company succeed. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with incredibly motivated, bright entrepreneurs and executives."