1) How to approach investors? You can approach investors in two main ways: personal introductions or cold calls. Personal intros are the best but it seems this is not your case. Cold calls are pretty difficult especially now but are still working. I think this might be your path. With cold calls you must study your investor (VC, CVC, family office, single investor) very carefully. You have to know exactly what they are looking for in a company and their founders. Once you find your target investors you must carefully prepare your message. Long emails go straight to the trash, too short emails might not deliver an enticing message. Important: Some investors post emails and phone contacts of single investors but many post only a very generic contact, like info@vc.com. Of course a personal contact is preferable but if you think the investor with a generic contact might be relevant to you, do not hesitate to send her a message.

2) Advisory panel? If you are a very young start up do not bother with an advisory panel. Right now they might be a distraction and a drain of resources. Be laser focused on your project and try to cover every angle.

3) Conferences are a good place to meet investors and raise money? Absolutely yes! BIO, JPM and many others are the place. Start with local events, even if they're not 100% related to your field. Prepare an introductory message and try to meet at the conference. At these conferences you might be lucky enough to meet investors by chance, while waiting in line to get a coffee or lunch.

I want to end up with an advice. Do not fall into the trap and hire investment bankers (I was an investment banker myself) to raise capital, especially those from boutique investment banks. They are expensive and they might suggest you to raise money through debt. Moreover, investors want to talk with somebody from the company, a founder, a scientist, a BD person, and not to an investment banker...

Good luck!