Building Biotechs

This week I had a great conversation with Russ Peloquin, Managing Partner of LifeSci Catalyst Partners. We dive into Russ's unique journey from aspiring exterminator (yes, you read that right!) to leading life science entrepreneur, discussing his extensive experience in commercialization, mergers, and acquisitions. Russ shares invaluable insights on the importance of marketing, fundraising strategies for biotech startups, the phases of taking a company from idea to commercialization, and the critical steps toward securing regulatory approvals. We also touch on the intersection of genome sequencing, blockchain, and AI, exploring how this convergence is set to democratize and capitalize on personal DNA. Whether you're new to biotech or an industry veteran, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice on navigating the complex landscape of life sciences and startups.Get Russ's recommended book! Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of EverythingLearn more about LifeSci Catalyst Partners!Connect with Russ on LinkedIn!Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction and Early Aspirations02:04 Journey into Medical Sales03:37 Marketing and Commercialization Insights05:31 Navigating Early-Stage Startups08:39 Fundraising Strategies for Biotech Startups15:00 Acquisitions and Exits22:39 The Intersection of Genome Sequencing, Blockchain, and AI29:49 Future Goals and Recommendations31:47 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

This week I chatted with Renee Williams, Founder and Managing Partner at Williams Biotech Consulting. Renee is a seasoned fractional Chief Business Officer (CBO) for small and growing biotechnology companies. Renee shares her career path, insights into helping biotech startups secure funding and navigate partnerships, and the importance of adaptable strategies in a constantly evolving market. From term sheet negotiation to pitch deck reframes, Renee offers valuable advice and lessons for small companies. We also dissect her engagement tactics during major conferences like JP Morgan and the essential factors for biotech success.Get Renee's recommended book! The 3-Minute Rule: Say Less to Get More from Any Pitch or PresentationLink In with Renee!Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction and Childhood Dreams01:19 The Power of Dressing the Part01:49 Career Path and Consulting Firm03:20 Role of a Fractional CBO04:03 Navigating Startup Challenges06:07 Crafting Effective Pitch Decks08:32 Big Pharma vs. Biotech Mentality16:01 The Importance of a Strong Team in Biotech16:20 Approaching Pharma and Corporate Venture Capital17:20 Strategies for Biotech Companies to Gain Traction18:24 Types of Biotech CEOs and Their Approaches21:02 Navigating Conferences and Networking27:09 Future Goals and Aspirations28:59 Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

This week, I spoke with Natalie Nairn, co-founder and CEO of Cyclera Therapeutics. Natalie is also a Termeer Fellow, and listeners of this podcast know how much I love the Termeer Foundation. We discuss her transition from chemical engineering to biomedical applications. She describes her unexpected path into the fun and volatile startup space, which led to her founding Cyclera. Natalie explains the importance of focusing in biotech development, the promising applications of Cyclera's technology in CNS therapeutics, and the challenges and opportunities in the current funding landscape. She also highlights the value of the Termeer fellowship in her career, the contrast between Boston and Seattle's biotech scenes, and the essential aspects of leadership and team cohesion. Finally, Natalie discusses her future goals for Cyclera and offers valuable advice for aspiring biotech founders.Get Natalie's recommended book! The Book of Delights: EssaysCYpHER: catalytic extracellular targeted protein degradation with high potency and durable effect | Nature CommunicationsConnect with Natalie on LinkedIn!Learn more about Cyclera TherapeuticsConnect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction and Early Aspirations00:33 Journey into Biomedical Engineering01:19 First Startup Experience03:40 Founding Cyclera05:02 Focus on CNS Therapeutics13:35 Challenges and Strategies in Biotech15:39 The Termeer Foundation Fellowship21:26 Biotech Networks: Boston vs. Seattle26:50 Future of Cyclera and Personalized Medicine32:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, I had an engaging conversation with Stacie Frye, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of StimulusBio, a life sciences commercialization and venture studio for biotech startups. We discussed how StimulusBio aids startups in operational and commercialization aspects, leveraging Stacie's unique journey across marketing, chemical engineering, and her experience with successful biotech exits. Experience from previous startups profoundly informs StimulusBio’s approach to helping startups transition from incubation to market. We explored the critical stages of startup growth, emphasizing the importance of marketing, storytelling, team building, and experience-based advice. Stacie also shared her insights into the emerging trends in the biotech industry, particularly in Houston's growing biotech ecosystem, and the importance of balancing innovation with practical business needs.Get Stacie's recommended book! Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't KnowLearn about StimulusBioConnect with Stacie on LinkedIn!Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction to Stacie Frye and StimulusBio00:51 Stacie's Unique Career Path01:56 Early Career and Transition to Bioengineering03:32 Startup Experiences and Lessons Learned08:46 Challenges in Transitioning from Incubator to Market12:44 The Importance of Marketing and Team Building32:17 Emerging Trends and Future Goals37:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

This week, I had an insightful conversation with David Sans, PhD, FAARM, MBA, who heads healthcare investment banking at EF Hutton. We discussed the intricacies of different Public Offering strategies, including micro IPOs, which offer a unique avenue for biotech companies. David provides a deep perspective on the strategic implications of IPOs for biotech funding. He emphasized the importance of investor support and strategic banking partnerships, especially for micro IPOs. We also discussed the potential of AI in reshaping financial services and the future of outcome-based pricing models in investment. David's personal insights reveal the demanding yet rewarding nature of investment banking and highlight crucial aspects to consider for those pursuing a career in this field. Get David's recommended book: Barcelona, Catalonia: A View from the InsideLearn more about EF Hutton LLC!Link In with David!Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction to Biotech and Investment Banking00:48 David Sands' Background and Career Journey02:12 Transition from Biotech to Finance04:53 Understanding Micro IPOs06:37 Challenges and Strategies in Biotech IPOs16:38 The Role of the FDA in Biotech IPOs18:30 Understanding IPO Disparities18:42 Key Factors for a Successful IPO19:29 Aftermarket Support and Investor Relations20:59 The Role of Long-Term Investors21:34 Personal Investment Strategies22:29 Innovations in Financial Services24:40 Challenges for Biotech CEOs26:32 Career Path in Investment Banking28:50 Future of Financial Services and AI33:37 Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

This week I had a great conversation with Iva Toudjarska, founder and CEO of Zeal Therapeutics. From earning a PhD in molecular biology to a solid scientific career at Alnylam, to working in venture capital, to selling a successful SaaS company, Iva’s career that’s set her up well to enjoy this new challenge – founding a baby biotech. Her expertise marries business development, venture capital, and company-building. Iva shared valuable advice for biotech founders on securing funding, making strategic decisions, and building effective partnerships. Tune in to hear her experiences, lessons learned, and her current work leading Zeal Therapeutics, a precision kidney RNA therapeutics company.Get Iva's favorite book! The AlchemistLink In with Iva!Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 - Intro to Iva Toudjarska's Career00:48 - Career overview, Iva Toudjarska, Zeal Therapeutics04:26 - Successful biotech strategies, industry insights07:02 - Building successful partnerships, collaboration tips12:15 - Angel investing, funding strategies, biotech financing20:20 - Leveraging background, skills for biotech success24:38 - Setbacks in biotech, lessons learned, resilience27:20 - Bootstrapping a company, startup funding, entrepreneurship28:23 - Support for Eva, mentorship, biotech advice29:18 - Future goals, biotech vision, 10-year plan30:45 - Current reading, professional development, industry literature24:24 Lessons Learned and Future Goals28:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This week I had a fun conversation with Jason Cordeiro, Chief Operating and Innovation Officer at MassBio. We dissect MassBio's newly announced five-year strategic plan that includes a multi-pronged set of initiatives aimed at advancing the biotech industry. From supporting early-stage startups to advocating for policy changes and fostering talent development, Jason details the excellent resources available and in development. Whether you're based in Massachusetts or global, this session provides valuable information on how MassBio is working to catalyze innovation and growth in biotech, and how you can leverage these opportunities.00:00 - Intro01:24 - Jason Cordeiro, MassBio’s COO02:48 - What is MassBio05:54 - MassBio’s MassCONNECT Program08:15 - MassCONNECT Support for Non-Local Companies13:15 - How to Get Involved in MassBio17:24 - Next Level One Initiative19:58 - MassBio Align Summit Overview21:40 - Educating Investors through MassBio27:11 - MassBio Pharma Days Event31:00 - The Link Program34:54 - MassBio’s 5-Year Strategic Plan41:14 - Connecting with MassBio Resources42:11 - OutroLearn about Align Summit - MassBioLearn about Partnering Opportunities - MassBioLearn about the CEO & Founder Link - MassBioLearn about MassBio’s Vision 2030 strategic planLearn about MassBioDrive!Learn about MassBio InnovationLearn more about Massachusetts Biotechnology CouncilLinked In with Jason!Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub

In this episode, we revisit a fun conversation with Mike LaRhette, Chief Business Officer at LabCentral. Mike outlines the essentials for startups, including funding, lab space, mentorship, and resources. He shares his journey from aspiring architect to an architect of biotech ecosystems, detailing his experiences with MassChallenge and LabCentral. Mike offers insights into the key elements that make thriving ecosystems, like government support, industry collaboration, and a density of entrepreneurs. He also discusses how LabCentral supports startups through challenging markets, diverse talent acquisition, and successful graduations. The episode concludes with a lighthearted look at LabCentral's unique culture and the balance between hard work and fun.Learn about LabCentralConttect: Michael LaRhette - LabCentralConnect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:49 Meet Mike LaRhette: From Architect Aspirations to Ecosystem Builder01:59 Journey into the Biotech Sector04:34 A Day in the Life at LabCentral07:32 The Human Side of Biotech Entrepreneurship09:55 LabCentral Ignite: Bridging Talent and Opportunity12:08 Effective Communication Strategies at LabCentral18:13 Key Elements of a Successful Ecosystem24:30 Debunking Myths About Entrepreneurs25:58 Challenges in Post-COVID Event Engagement26:58 Navigating the Tight Market28:35 Golden Tickets Program30:40 Support for New Founders at LabCentral33:16 Transitioning Out of LabCentral36:22 Balancing Fun and Seriousness at LabCentral40:00 Future Directions and Personal Growth41:49 Favorite Books and Final Thoughts

Bogdan Knezevic, Co-founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope Bio, focuses on optimizing workflows in biotech. He discusses the need for clear goals and how to avoid distractions, like the shiny object syndrome. Bogdan emphasizes integrating existing tools to enhance efficiency while balancing short-term and long-term objectives. He also shares insights on navigating the challenges of scientific research and the importance of managing data effectively. Plus, he reflects on the impact of strategic investments in tools that enhance productivity.

This week I spoke with Jon Hu, CEO and co-founder of Pepper Bio, about his journey from pharma consulting and venture capital to founding a tech-enabled biotech company. Pepper Bio created an AI and machine learning platform accelerating drug discovery for untreatable diseases. In addition to the platform, Pepper is currently navigating their asset for liver cancer into phase 2 clinical trials. Jon highlighted the differences between tech and biotech, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big and aligning vision with employees. He shared insights on the importance of hiring, learning to learn, and overcoming challenges in transitioning from tech-enabled discovery to drug development. We also discussed Pepper Bio's computational platform, long-term strategy, and their Series A fundraising to support their clinical trial efforts. Jon’s personal story of family health challenges driving his passion for biotech underscored the company's mission to transform patient care.Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take ActionGet Jon's recommended book! What Do You Do With an Idea? New York Times best sellerLearn more about Pepper BioLink In with Jon!Connect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction to John Hu and Pepper Bio00:54 John's Early Aspirations and Career Path02:27 Founding Pepper Bio and Its Mission05:15 Tech vs. Biotech: Ambitions and Challenges10:42 Project Optimist and Pepper's Role11:53 Pepper's Computational Platform and Future Goals16:14 Navigating the Biotech Industry and Hiring Strategies33:35 Personal Motivations and Future Aspirations36:03 Book Recommendations and Closing Remarks