News & Press
San Diego Squared Welcomes Finance and Biotechnology Leader Arvind Kush to Board of Directors
Aug 12, 2025
San Diego Squared is excited to announce the addition of Arvind Kush, Chief Financial and Business Officer of Candid Therapeutics, to its Board of Directors. Arvind brings over 17 years of finance, investment banking, and biotechnology industry experience, along with a track record of guiding high-growth companies through transformative moments.
Prior to joining Candid Therapeutics, Arvind served as Chief Financial Officer at RayzeBio, where he played a pivotal role in securing more than $160 million in private financing in 2022, leading the company through a $350+ million IPO in 2023, and navigating its $4.1 billion acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb in February 2024.
Before his tenure at RayzeBio, Arvind was a Managing Director in the healthcare investment banking team at Bank of America Securities. Over his 13 years there, he advised biopharmaceutical companies on strategic and financing transactions, executing more than $100 billion in mergers and acquisitions and over $12 billion in equity and equity-linked financings. He began his career as an engineer at Caritor India Pvt. Ltd., bringing an analytical and problem-solving mindset that has been a hallmark throughout his career.
Arvind earned his Bachelor’s in Engineering in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University and an MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Arvind to the SD2 Board of Directors,” said Bill Rastetter, SD2 Founder and Board Chairman. “With his experience building some of San Diego’s most innovative companies, Arvind will help SD2 cement its role as the premier organization identifying and developing young talent across San Diego – preparing exceptional students for tomorrow’s workforce.”
“I’m honored to join the SD2 Board and support its mission of connecting talented students across San Diego County with opportunities in STEM,” said Arvind. “Ensuring our most innovative companies have the talent they need is essential to driving innovation and regional success.”
Arvind’s leadership and industry insight will strengthen SD2’s ability to connect students with life-changing opportunities in STEM and foster a more diverse, innovative workforce for the future.
About San Diego Squared (SD2)
SD2 connects underserved students to the power of STEM by providing education, mentorship, and workforce development, ensuring that exceptional talent, regardless of background – has the resources needed to lead within the STEM community.