ABOUT
Challenges which others have deemed unsolvable are the problems we are solving.
BUILDING COMPANIES THAT IMPROVE LIVES
In 2017, Jeff founded Paragon Biosciences, where he is chairman and chief executive officer. Paragon is among the life science industry’s most successful company creators, investing billions with its partners to build companies that focus on cell and gene therapy, biology engineering and advanced biotech businesses.
Paragon’s current portfolio of companies includes Harmony Biosciences (NASDAQ: HRMY), Castle Creek Biosciences, CiRC Biosciences, Emalex Biosciences, Evozyne and several early-stage businesses.
Jeff serves on corporate and civic boards including Discover Financial Services, The Aspen Institute and the Weizmann Institute of Science and is a member of The Commercial Club of Chicago.
BUILDING COMPANIES THAT IMPROVE LIVES
In 2017, Jeff founded Paragon Biosciences, where he is chairman and chief executive officer. Paragon is among the life science industry’s most successful company creators, investing billions with its partners to build companies that focus on: A) cell and gene therapy, B) biology engineering and C) advanced biotech businesses.
Paragon’s current portfolio of companies includes Harmony Biosciences (NASDAQ: HRMY), Castle Creek Biosciences, CiRC Biosciences, Emalex Biosciences, Evozyne and several early-stage businesses.
Jeff serves on corporate and civic boards including Discover Financial Services, The Aspen Institute and the Weizmann Institute of Science and is a member of The Commercial Club of Chicago.
HONORS
Throughout his career, Jeff has received accolades and honors for his entrepreneurship and unceasing dedication to life sciences, including:
- BIG Awards for Business: Entrepreneur Award and Executive of the Year Award
- Top 10 Inspiring CEOs by Insights Success magazine
- Best in Biz: Innovator of the Year
- Insights Care: One of the Most Influential Leaders in Healthcare
- Chicago Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Inductee
- EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- TITAN Business Award platinum recipient
- American Business Awards® Entrepreneur of the Year-Pharmaceuticals
PHILANTHROPY
As founder and chairman of MATTER – a health-technology startup incubator – Jeff has led one of Chicago’s most remarkable, philanthropic venture-innovation successes. MATTER has worked with more than 650 healthcare companies and more than 130 established organizations. Its startup members have raised more than $2B to fuel their growth.

MEMBERSHIP AND BOARDS
He is a member of the board of directors for Discover Financial Services and The Aspen Institute.
GLOBAL AND LOCAL
Through the Aronin Family Foundation, Jeff and his wife, Lisa, participate in and contribute to organizations that support entrepreneurs; encourage youth wellness, sports and achievement; improve community parks; promote tolerance and understanding through faith-based organizations; and preserve our history and its lessons.
Jeff serves as a mentor to students and young professionals and is a frequent lecturer at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business.
CONTACT
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