In our latest episode of the Nucleate Podcast, we sit down with Joe Horsman, Investor at Madrona VC, to explore his unique path from academic researcher to biotech operator and ultimately to venture capital.
Joe shares how growing up in Seattle shaped his passion for science, why he pursued a PhD in biochemistry, and what it took to stand out when transitioning into industry. From early roles at NanoString and Stratos Genomics to the Roche acquisition, he reflects on lessons learned across startups and large companies alike.
We talk about:
🔹 His transition from academia to industry and the importance of differentiating a PhD resume
🔹 Lessons from NanoString, Stratos Genomics, and the Roche acquisition
🔹 Navigating culture shifts from startup to big pharma
🔹 Madrona’s investment thesis at the life sciences–tech intersection
🔹 How AI and data science are reshaping the drug development lifecycle
This one’s for anyone curious about where biotech meets computer science, and what it takes to build companies that endure
