Dr. Zina Affas Besse has been investing in and operating healthcare companies for over twenty-five years. Zina joined AXA IM Alts, a global leader in alternative investments, as Deputy Head of Healthcare Private Equity in 2022 after advising AXA IM Alts since April 2020. She has served as a Board Member for companies including ReproNovo, Biolinq, Limmatech, Axena Health, Eyenuk and Alydia Health (acquired by Organon (NYSE: OGN)).

Previously, Zina was Chief Business Officer at Novintum Bioscience, a small molecule company developing novel drugs for cancer. Prior to that, she worked with various healthcare companies supporting them with fundraising and business development. Zina was a co-founder of Orion Healthcare Equity Partners, a start-up life sciences venture capital company, where she was involved globally in fundraising as well as investment sourcing and structuring.

Earlier in her career, Zina spent six years as a Principal at Atlas Venture, beginning in 2002, focusing on the biopharmaceutical and medical device sectors globally and supporting all aspects of deal-making.

Dr. Zina Affas Besse earned a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacy degrees from The University of Nottingham.