Bridging the funding gap in biotech - Annick Verween (Biotope by VIB)

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

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This week, we’re joined by Annick Verween, Head of Biotope at VIB, where she backs early-stage biotech startups working to improve planetary health. With Biotope recently named one of Europe's leading startup hubs by the Financial Times, it's the perfect time to dig into what’s really going on in early-stage biotech.

In this episode, we explore:

* Why investors are hesitant to back early biotech startups

* How incubators like Biotope bridge the pre-seed funding gap

* The “valley of death” in biotech, and how to survive it

* What makes a startup fundable at the seed stage

* How scientists can become founders and sellers

* The growing opportunity in biotech x AI

* … and more!

If you’re a founder raising capital, an investor exploring biotech, or just curious about what’s next for the sector, this is a must-listen. 👇

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⌛TIMESTAMPS

* 00:00 Introduction to the episode

* 03:12 Early Stage Biotech Startups

* 05:35 Understanding the Funding Gap in Biotech

* 07:24 Supporting Early Stage BioTech

* 09:45 How Biotope Impacts Startups

* 11:49 What Makes a Biotech Startup Fundable?

* 15:13 Navigating the Valley of Death

* 18:50 Trends in Early Stage Biotech Investment

* 26:00 Approaching Investors for Funding

* 29:32 Investment Timelines in Biotech

* 30:51 Scientific Validation and Funding

* 32:17 Opportunities in Biotech Startups

* 38:18 The Role of Advisors in Biotech

* 40:51 Rapid Fire Questions on Biotech

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▶️ CONNECT WITH ANNICK

* Annick Verween (Head of Biotope at VIB) – LinkedIn

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📚 REFERENCES AND MENTIONS

* Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)

* “Valley of Death” in startup financing

* Pre-seed to seed funding gap

* VIB (Flemish Institute for Biotechnology)

* Biotope (early-stage investment and incubation arm)

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* Climate Change Is a Social Issue - Alina Klarner (Impact Shakers)

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💚 LEAVE A REVIEW

* Apple Podcasts - https://shorturl.at/HIDcg

* Spotify - https://shorturl.at/yDTfR

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