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The Foresight Institute Podcast
Dana Watt | A Neuroscientist's Guide to Starting a Company
Aug 2, 2024
Dana Watt, an investment associate at Ascension Ventures and co-founder of a personalized medicine startup, dives into the world of venture capital in neuroscience. She shares her journey from academia to VC, explaining the importance of strong teams and large markets in funding innovative companies. Watt highlights the unique challenges within the neuroscience sector, such as the complexities of brain science and hardware. She also discusses the growing role of PhDs in venture capital and offers insights on mastering pitch decks to attract investors.
52:09
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Quick takeaways
- Dana Watt illustrates how her academic background in neuroscience significantly enhances her investment strategies in the venture capital space.
- She emphasizes the importance of having a remarkable founding team and a defensible market space for neuroscience companies seeking venture capital.
Deep dives
Transition from Academia to Venture Capital
Dana Watt emphasizes the transition from an academic career in neuroscience to venture capital, illustrating how her background as a PhD-trained neuroscientist informed her investment strategies. Initially intending to continue in academia, Watt found success in a burgeoning bioentrepreneurship ecosystem and co-founded a company, gaining hands-on experience in startup dynamics. Transitioning to venture capital, she recognized the importance of understanding investor perspectives to enhance her capabilities as a founder. Today, Watt notes a growing presence of PhDs in the venture capital space, highlighting a shift in the industry towards valuing scientific expertise.
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Discover
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