Rakesh Verma, Ph.D., MBA
Biotech and Translational Oncology Leader | Advisor, UC Berkeley SkyDeck
Dr. Rakesh Verma is a biotech executive and translational scientist with more than two decades of leadership in oncology, immunotherapy, and biologics development. His scientific journey began with translational research and cell therapy for multiple myeloma, a disease area that continues to shape his commitment to bringing new medicines to patients.
As a scientist, he discovered and named RHEX, a human gene regulating red blood cell development, and co-led development of the first humanized mouse model to support growth of multiple myeloma and precursor plasma cells in the bone marrow — enabling in vivo study of MGUS and smoldering myeloma. His work has been published in Nature Medicine, The Lancet Oncology, the Journal of Experimental Medicine, and Blood.
Dr. Verma has since led strategy and R&D for novel biologics and cell therapies, guiding programs from discovery through first-in-human studies. He has held senior R&D leadership roles, including SVP of R&D, Site Head at ARMO BioSciences, and Vice President at Eli Lilly. His company-building work spans cell therapy and immuno-oncology, cytokine and synthetic peptide therapeutics, and machine learning–driven antibody discovery.
For nearly a decade, alongside his operating roles, he has advised early-stage ventures at UC Berkeley’s SkyDeck accelerator and mentored founders through the NSF I-Corps West Coast Hub. He also serves as an expert reviewer for the NCI SBIR Investor Initiatives.
He holds a PhD in Medical Oncology and an MBA, with earlier training in toxicology and computer science.