Nucleate Podcast Decoding the Future: Data, AI, and Biotech with Joe Horsman, Madrona Ventures
Sep 18, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Joe Horsman, an investor at Madrona Ventures, shares his fascinating journey from academia to venture capital. Growing up in Seattle ignited his scientific passion, leading to a PhD in biochemistry. Joe discusses key lessons from his roles at NanoString and Stratos Genomics, including the significant cultural shifts post-Roche acquisition. He delves into how AI is transforming drug development and what it takes to succeed in biotech today, emphasizing the importance of differentiation and building relationships.
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Why He Did A PhD
- Joe Horsman chose a PhD because he saw PhDs in the jobs he admired and wanted the deep training.
- He describes the PhD as a massive learning experience and essential for his career path.
Seattle's Unique Tech–Bio Advantage
- Seattle combines world-class biology with deep AI talent from Microsoft and Amazon.
- That proximity creates an opportunity to build tech-enabled biotech companies with unique advantage.
Life In An Early Sequencing Startup
- At Stratos Genomics Joe wore many hats in BD, product, and ops at a ~40–50 person startup.
- He describes the intense "foxhole" culture and long hours needed to push critical startup inflection points.