BOSTON — Newleos Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders, announced that its founding chief executive officer, David H. Donabedian, Ph.D., has been recognized by Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) as one of the Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2025. Dr. Donabedian was honored at Goldman Sachs’ Builders and Innovators Summit in Healdsburg, California.
“We are pleased to recognize David as one of the most exceptional entrepreneurs of 2025,” said David Solomon, chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs. “The Newleos team has not only built a successful enterprise, but they are also redefining industry paradigms. This year’s Summit brings together many of the best business minds to discuss harnessing AI’s full potential and building the next generation of businesses.”
Goldman Sachs selected Dr. Donabedian from a diverse group of leaders across multiple industries for his proven record in founding, scaling, and leading groundbreaking biotechnology companies. Before launching Newleos, Dr. Donabedian co-founded and led Axial Therapeutics, DEM BioPharma, and Solu Therapeutics in partnership with the Longwood Fund. He also co-founded and serves on the board of Alcyone Therapeutics, which announced its acquisition by Biogen in September 2025.
A former managing director of a corporate venture fund valued at over $100 million, Dr. Donabedian brings deep investment expertise and a strong track record of advancing transformative medicines across multiple disease areas. Under his leadership, Newleos has in-licensed a portfolio of first- and best-in-class programs from Roche and advanced multiple assets into Phase 1b and Phase 2 trials in less than a year. The company has raised more than $93 million from a leading syndicate of investors to develop therapies for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, substance use disorder, and cognitive impairment.
“This recognition from Goldman Sachs is both humbling and inspiring,” said Dr. Donabedian. “It reflects the extraordinary dedication of the Newleos team and our shared commitment to advancing innovative therapies for individuals affected by serious neuropsychiatric conditions. We are driven by the belief that science, executed with urgency and precision, can offer hope to patients in areas that are underserved by today’s approved therapies.”
Now in its 14th year, Goldman Sachs’ Builders and Innovators Summit brings together founders and CEOs of high-growth companies for discussions, clinics, and sessions led by business leaders, entrepreneurs, and academics. Previous honorees have gone on to lead multi-billion-dollar enterprises in both private and public markets.
