ABOUT
Challenges which others have deemed unsolvable are the problems we are solving.
BUILDING COMPANIES THAT IMPROVE LIVES
Jeff is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Paragon Biosciences, LLC, a global life science innovator that creates, builds and funds innovative biology-based companies in three key areas: cell and gene therapy, adaptive biology and advanced biotechnology.
Paragon has founded and built a dynamic portfolio of companies including: Castle Creek Biosciences, CiRC Biosciences, Emalex Biosciences, Evozyne, Harmony Biosciences, and Qlarity Imaging. It maintains a consistent flow of companies under development in Paragon’s Innovation Labs.
Since 2017, Paragon and its partners have invested more than $1.4 billion to build life science companies.
BUILDING COMPANIES THAT IMPROVE LIVES
Jeff is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Paragon Biosciences, LLC, a global life science innovator that creates, builds and funds innovative biology-based companies in three key areas: cell and gene therapy, adaptive biology and advanced biotechnology.
Paragon has founded and built a dynamic portfolio of companies including: Castle Creek Biosciences, CiRC Biosciences, Emalex Biosciences, Evozyne, Harmony Biosciences, and Qlarity Imaging. It maintains a consistent flow of companies under development in Paragon’s Innovation Labs.
Since 2017, Paragon and its partners have invested more than $1.4 billion to build life science companies.
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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