The Biotech Startups Podcast

Part 3 of 3. My guest for this week’s episode is Mike Stadnisky, Managing Director of Thielsen Capital. Thielsen Capital is a seed-stage financing syndicate network bringing together life science investors, operators, and innovators to drive exceptional outcomes for founding teams, investors, and science. Before Thielsen, Mike was the CEO of Phitonex, which Thermo Fisher acquired. He was also VP & GM of Informatics at BD Life Sciences and was the CEO of FlowJo before its acquisition by BD. He has also taught at MIT Sloan, authored 10 patents, and won the 2019 International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry Innovation Award.Join us as we conclude our conversation with Mike Stadnisky as he discusses the important lessons that he learned from going through the M&A process, and how knowing about them early can benefit founders. We also discuss why it is essential for you to have the mentality that someone will see your corporate “underwear,” and why proper documentation is tedious yet vital to your company’s success. Finally, we conclude our interview with Mike by reviewing Thielsen Capital’s unique investment philosophy and the exciting things that are on the horizon for them. Please enjoy my conversation with Mike Stadnisky.Find Our Guest, Mike Stadnisky, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikestadnisky/https://www.thielsencapital.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comTimestamps:00:55 “Wouldn’t it be nice,” approach to calling in a favor02:52 Be boldly innovative, but do not fake it till you make it05:27 Learning the pitfalls of overpromising, being honest about what can and cannot be done07:35 The importance of having loyalty and real excitement from your customer base09:16 How social media is underutilized in the life sciences and what founders can learn from going through the M&A process11:50 The importance of strategic optionality and other lessons learned from FlowJo’s acquisition 13:26 Decoding banker-speak and why you should always have the mentality that someone will see your corporate “underwear”15:31 Lawyers, proper documentation, and other vital, yet unsexy, company hygiene practices16:59 Write your own business case because you can never assume that another company understands it19:48 Advice to startups about defining how your business will succeed and scale22:13 Why a robust finance team and proper financial reporting are critical, even in the life sciences24:40 Another of Mike’s financial modeling sins and being honest about how much capital your company really needs27:01 How the M&A process inspired Mike to get into investing and start Thielsen Capital29:57 Thielsen Capital’s objectives, mission, and what sets them apart from other VCs31:44 Why Mike fundamentally disagrees with the 1:10 success rate model34:02 How to maintain that founder magic and convincing people to operate in their own best interest36:33 Paths other than the power law distribution VC route and why having optionality is important39:55 Dangers of being in an over-capitalized environment and what getting on the venture treadmill means42:29 Alignment and other important things founders must consider when they use alternatives fundraising sources44:55 Finding the right people to match where your company is and why Thielsen’s focused investment philosophy is not for everyone47:16 What's on the horizon for Thielsen Capital and the unique communal aspect of the life sciences industry50:06 Why the work life science companies do is amazing despite their struggles to explain it to the public clearly51:46 Mike shouts out his wife, mentors, and exceptional teams that he has worked with54:05 Advice and perspective Mike would share with his younger self 55:47 OutroSocial & WebsiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excedr/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@excedr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excedr_inc Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExcedrInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excedr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@excedr Podcast Website: https://www.thebiotechstartupspodcast.com/ Enriched Notes:Topics Mentioned:Thielsen Capital https://www.thielsencapital.com/ FlowJo Inc.  https://www.flowjo.com/ Phitonex https://www.linkedin.com/company/thermospectralcytometry/ Levi’s https://www.levistrauss.com/levis-history/ How Do Core Labs Support Life Science Research? https://www.excedr.com/blog/core-labs/Top Cities for Biotech https://www.excedr.com/blog/top-cities-for-biotech/What Should Investors & Founders Expect From Each Other? https://www.excedr.com/resources/investor-founder-expectations/What is Financial Modeling https://www.excedr.com/resources/what-is-financial-modeling Software Tools for Keeping Startup Costs in Check https://www.excedr.com/blog/tools-for-keeping-startup-costs-in-check Guide to Reducing Startup Costs & Expenses https://www.excedr.com/blog/startup-costs-and-expenses What Is Equity Crowdfunding https://www.excedr.com/resources/equity-crowdfunding-in-biotech How to get Funding for Lab Research https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-to-get-funding-for-lab-research Guide to Grant Funding for Biotech Startups https://www.excedr.com/resources/grants-public-funding-biotech-startups Biotech Startup Funding Options https://www.excedr.com/resources/biotech-startup-funding-options VC Term Sheets: What They Include & Why They Matter https://www.excedr.com/resources/venture-capital-term-sheets/ Multi-Omics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MultiomicsUltrarunning https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UltramarathonTerm sheets https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/termsheet.aspMergers and Acquisitions (M&A) https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mergersandacquisitions.asp Business Development https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/090815/basics-business-development.aspDecision-Makers vs. Technical Champions https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/champion-vs-decision-maker-whom-target-b2b-customer-frederik-vosberg/What are KOLshttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-kol-marketing-key-opinion-leaders-retailboss/ Go-to-Market Strategy https://www.cognism.com/blog/what-is-a-go-to-market-strategyPeople Mentioned:Mario Roederer https://www.flowjo.com/about/company/founders Alex Roederer https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-roederer-8562051b9/ Alvin Phitonex https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-lebeck-b626842/ Craig LaBonda https://www.linkedin.com/in/craiglaboda/The Biotech Startups Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the business and science of building a biotech. Hosted by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr, the show features honest conversations with founders, execs, and investors about their work, their companies, and how they got there. From scientific breakthroughs to startup lessons, each episode explores what it really takes to grow a life science company—from pre-seed to IPO.

Part 2 of 3. My guest for this week’s episode is Mike Stadnisky, Managing Director of Thielsen Capital. Thielsen Capital is a seed-stage financing syndicate network bringing together life science investors, operators, and innovators to drive exceptional outcomes for founding teams, investors, and science. Before Thielsen, Mike was the CEO of Phitonex, which Thermo Fisher acquired. He was also VP & GM of Informatics at BD Life Sciences and was the CEO of FlowJo before its acquisition by BD. He has also taught at MIT Sloan, authored 10 patents, and won the 2019 International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry Innovation Award.Join us as we sit down with Mike Stadnisky as he discusses his transition from academia to business and how he learned about business development. He also discusses the importance of your peer group, and how thoroughly you should do your research before meeting potential business partners. Lastly, Mike discusses the complexity of finding decision makers, and the importance of differentiating between decision makers and champions in business partnerships. Please enjoy my conversation with Mike Stadnisky.Find Our Guest, Mike Stadnisky, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikestadnisky/https://www.thielsencapital.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comTimestamps: 00:28 Intro01:10 Transitioning from academia to FlowJo and the importance of networking03:25 The usefulness of informational interviews, being pushy and following up06:04 Interviewing with FlowJo, checking out Ashland, and meeting the team08:43 How a significant others can provide the support and advice entrepreneurs need10:40 Business partners, first-hires, mentors, and investors who create value will help you succeed11:30 The importance of your peer group and who you surround yourself with13:21 Joining FlowJo and wearing many hats on a small team16:05 Defining business development and Mike’s advice for grad students interested in BD22:04 Do your homework before you meet with potential business partners25:05 The complexity of finding a decision-maker and the differences between technical champions29:17 Bringing decision-makers and technical champions together31:10 Mike’s additions to the recipe for successful business development33:13 OutroSocial & WebsiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excedr/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@excedr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excedr_inc Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExcedrInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excedr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@excedr Podcast Website: https://www.thebiotechstartupspodcast.com/Enriched Notes:Topics Mentioned:What Is Patent Licensing & How Does It Work? https://www.excedr.com/resources/how-patent-licensing-works/How Do Core Labs Support Life Science Research? https://www.excedr.com/blog/core-labs/Multi-Omics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MultiomicsUltrarunning https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UltramarathonTop Cities for Biotech https://www.excedr.com/blog/top-cities-for-biotech/What Should Investors & Founders Expect From Each Other? https://www.excedr.com/resources/investor-founder-expectations/Biotech Partnerships: Partnering with Big Pharma To Support R&D https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-biotech-partnerships-support-research/Business Development https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/090815/basics-business-development.aspGo-to-Market Strategy https://www.cognism.com/blog/what-is-a-go-to-market-strategyDecision-Makers vs. Technical Champions https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/champion-vs-decision-maker-whom-target-b2b-customer-frederik-vosberg/Term sheets https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/termsheet.aspVC Term Sheets: What They Include & Why They Matter https://www.excedr.com/resources/venture-capital-term-sheets/ The Biotech Startups Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the business and science of building a biotech. Hosted by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr, the show features honest conversations with founders, execs, and investors about their work, their companies, and how they got there. From scientific breakthroughs to startup lessons, each episode explores what it really takes to grow a life science company—from pre-seed to IPO.

Part 1 of 3. My guest for this week’s episode is Mike Stadnisky, Managing Director of Thielsen Capital. Thielsen Capital is a seed-stage financing syndicate network bringing together life science investors, operators, and innovators to drive exceptional outcomes for founding teams, investors, and science. Before Thielsen, Mike was the CEO of Phitonex, which Thermo Fisher acquired. He was also VP & GM of Informatics at BD Life Sciences and was the CEO of FlowJo before its acquisition by BD. He has also taught at MIT Sloan, authored 10 patents, and won the 2019 International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry Innovation Award.Join us as we sit down with Mike Stadnisky as he discusses his early exposure to leadership in business and the obsession that drew him to science. How he acquired critical and transformative skills as a student brand manager at Red Bull, his experience in Michael Brown’s lab at UVA, and his thoughts on the importance of lab culture and team dynamics in research environments. Please enjoy my conversation with Mike Stadnisky.Find Our Guest, Mike Stadnisky, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikestadnisky/https://www.thielsencapital.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comTimestamps:00:28 Intro02:03 Episode starts, Mike’s upbringing and early exposure to private enterprises and leadership skills07:46 How Mike’s early exposure to science sparked his obsession with it over business10:10 Mike attending Clemson for Biochem and his lab experience as an undergraduate15:14 Mike’s transformative experience working with Red Bull, learning the ability to interact with passionate people25:28 Mike’s realization that his time at Red Bull was ending and how he knew it was time to go back to the lab to finish his PhD31:07 Grad school at UVA and experiences in Michael Brown’s lab39:09 Mike’s decision to not go down the academic path42:28 Mike's advice on how to be successful in graduate school49:52 OutroSocial & WebsiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excedr/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@excedr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excedr_inc Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExcedrInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excedr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@excedr Podcast Website: https://www.thebiotechstartupspodcast.com/ Enriched Notes:Topics Mentioned:What Type of Equipment Is Used in Chemistry Research? https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-type-of-equipment-is-used-in-chemistry-researchLab Equipment https://www.excedr.com/category/lab-equipment?662a3058_page=2What Is Molecular Biology? https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-is-molecular-biologyLab Equipment List for Synthetic Biology Research https://www.excedr.com/blog/lab-equipment-list-for-synthetic-biology-researchBiology Lab Equipment List To Open Your New Lab in 2024 https://www.excedr.com/blog/biology-lab-equipment-listScience https://www.excedr.com/category/scienceWhat Is Flow Cytometry & How Do Flow Cytometers Work? https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-is-flow-cytometry-how-do-flow-cytometers-workHow Flow Cytometers Work & How We Save You Time & Money https://www.excedr.com/biotech-life-sciences/flow-cytometer17 Incubators for US-Based Biotech Startups in 2024 https://www.excedr.com/resources/biotech-incubatorsBiotech Startup Support https://www.excedr.com/resources-category/biotech-startup-supportA Guide to Grant Funding for Biotech Startups https://www.excedr.com/resources/grants-public-funding-biotech-startupsPeople Mentioned:Michael Brown https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brown-68843a10/The Biotech Startups Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the business and science of building a biotech. Hosted by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr, the show features honest conversations with founders, execs, and investors about their work, their companies, and how they got there. From scientific breakthroughs to startup lessons, each episode explores what it really takes to grow a life science company—from pre-seed to IPO.

Part 3 of 3. My guest for this week’s episode is Martin Brenner, CEO and CSO of iBio. iBio uses its AI drug discovery platform to tackle complex and challenging drug targets to develop safer and more effective immunotherapies for difficult-to-treat cancers. Rather than leaving drug discovery to chance, iBio guides the process using artificial intelligence, making therapeutic development smarter, faster, and more precise. Martin is a seasoned executive and drug hunter with a unique journey spanning electrical engineering to veterinary medicine to scientific leadership roles. He has led drug discovery teams at several top global pharma companies, including Eli Lilly, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Merck. Prior to his current role at iBio, Martin was VP and head of R&D at Stoke Therapeutics, CSO at Recursion, and CSO at Phoenix, which was eventually acquired by Ligon Pharmaceuticals. In part 3 of our conversation with Martin, we chat about his journey from working at large pharmaceutical companies to joining biotech startups. He discusses the importance of mental flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in the biotech industry and reflects on his experiences at Stoke Therapeutics, Recursion, and Pfenex Inc., highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building innovative biotech solutions. He also talks about the significance and importance of strong team dynamics, runway management, and the need to challenge long-held beliefs in the ever-evolving biotech landscape. Please enjoy my conversation with Martin Brenner.Find Our Guest, Martin Brenner, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinbrenner/https://ibioinc.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comTimestamps:00:00:29 Intro00:01:13 Transitioning from Big Pharma to the startup world; startup needs00:02:43 Joining the team at Stoke Therapeutics00:03:35 Resilience & adaptability playing a key role in startups00:04:34 Martin’s time working with Art Levin00:07:10 Asking for help & leveraging AppleTree’s family of companies00:10:45 Transitioning from Stoke Therapeutics to Recursion00:12:17 The challenges at Recursion & starting fresh00:13:33 Building a line-of-sight program00:15:52 The challenge of questioning established processes00:16:48 The idea & pitch behind Enveda Biosciences00:18:55 The differences & similarities between entrepreneurs00:20:16 Reflecting on processes & continuously learning00:24:04 Martins’ move from Recursion to Pfenex Inc. & building the team00:28:40 The importance of understanding personnel00:30:17 Martin’s team at Pfenex & the Merger with Ligand00:31:54 Going through the ups & downs of the M&A process00:33:47 Post-acquisition integration & cultural resonance00:35:05 Martin’s opportunity at iBio00:37:17 The challenges at iBio & their strategy shift00:41:17 iBio’s current technology & development of antibodies00:51:46 iBio’s new direction & search for strategic partnerships00:59:57 Martin’s experience running a publicly traded company01:03:35 The importance of development & succession plans01:05:56 Martin’s experience as CEO & learning how to speak finance01:09:46 Hitting major milestones on iBio’s horizon01:14:24 Martin thanks those who have supported him01:17:02 The things Martin would tell his younger self: get into biotech sooner01:19:02 OutroSocial & WebsiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excedr/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@excedr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excedr_inc Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExcedrInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excedr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@excedr Podcast Website: https://www.thebiotechstartupspodcast.com/ Enriched Notes:Topics Mentioned:SCN1A on Dravet syndrome: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8739186/In Vitro screening: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/in-vitro-screeningUnderstanding IND applications: https://www.excedr.com/blog/ind-application-processBiotech Funding Options: https://www.excedr.com/resources/biotech-startup-funding-optionsUnderstanding Debt & Equity Options for Your Funding: https://www.excedr.com/resources/debt-equity-options-funding-startupGuide to CMOs & CDMOs: https://www.excedr.com/blog/contract-manufacturing-organizationsGuide to Cash Runway: https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-is-cash-runwayMonoclonal Antibodies: https://www.excedr.com/blog/monoclonal-antibody-research-and-productionPrimary Antibody Overview: https://www.excedr.com/resources/primary-antibodySecondary Antibody Overview: https://www.excedr.com/resources/secondary-antibodyAntibody Drug Conjugates: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-022-00947-7Phage Display Overview: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3656071/Licensing in Biotech: https://www.excedr.com/blog/life-sciences-licensing-agreements-guidePeople Mentioned:Isabel Aznares: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-aznarez-aaa21417/Art Levin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/art-levin-5889034/Paul DaSilva-Jardine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-dasilva-jardine-9a791b65/Viswa Colluru: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viswacolluru/Eef Schimmelpennink: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eef-schimmelpennink-03b4a45/Shawn Scranton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-scranton-pharmd-15046ab3/Diane Retallack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-retallack-b311392/Jeff Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-allen-8128585/Matt Foehr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-foehr-3a47312/Rob Lutz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-lutz-bb587414/Lisa Middlebrook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamiddleb/Matt Greving: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgreving/Saswata Talukdar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saswata-talukdar-3b20942a/The Biotech Startups Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the business and science of building a biotech. Hosted by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr, the show features honest conversations with founders, execs, and investors about their work, their companies, and how they got there. From scientific breakthroughs to startup lessons, each episode explores what it really takes to grow a life science company—from pre-seed to IPO.

As a podcast listener, you can redeem exclusive discounts with a growing list of biotech vendors and get $500 off your first equipment lease by using promo code “TBSP” on https://www.excedr.com/rewards.Part 2 of 3. My guest for this week’s episode is Martin Brenner, CEO and CSO of iBio. iBio uses its AI drug discovery platform to tackle complex and challenging drug targets to develop safer and more effective immunotherapies for difficult-to-treat cancers. Rather than leaving drug discovery to chance, iBio guides the process using artificial intelligence, making therapeutic development smarter, faster, and more precise. Martin is a seasoned executive and drug hunter with a unique journey spanning electrical engineering to veterinary medicine to scientific leadership roles. He has led drug discovery teams at several top global pharma companies, including Eli Lilly, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Merck. Prior to his current role at iBio, Martin was VP and head of R&D at Stoke Therapeutics, CSO at Recursion, and CSO at Pfenex, which was eventually acquired by Ligand Pharmaceuticals. Over the next three episodes, we cover a wide range of topics, including Martin's upbringing in Germany, his decision to pursue a DVM and a PhD in pharmacology, and his deep expertise with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and diabetic complications. Martin will also discuss his experience leading a modified mRNA therapeutics collaboration with Moderna.Join us as we sit down with Martin Brenner as he talks about his transition from Eli Lilly to Boston where he rebuilt part of Pfizer, his move back overseas to Sweden with AstraZeneca, and his fascination with Moderna’s speedy biotech approach to pharmaceuticals. Martin discusses his vision of building a biotech within a large pharmaceutical company at Merck and how he ultimately decided to leave big pharma. Please enjoy my conversation with Martin Brenner.Find Our Guest, Martin Brenner, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinbrenner/https://ibioinc.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comTimestamps: 00:28 Intro01:27 Episode starts, opportunities at Eli Lilly shrinking, Martin relocating to the US, the decision to rebuild in Massachusetts with Pfizer08:11 The difference between Pfizer and Eli Lilly’s approaches12:08 The process of rebuilding at Pfizer16:09 Martin’s transition to AstraZeneca, a misalignment for big pharma employees18:28 Martin's move to Sweden and his opportunity at AstraZeneca22:28 The fascination with Moderna’s ability to develop, the personal decision to transition from AstraZeneca, moving back to the US25:36 How the opportunity at Merck started, another move from New Jersey back to Boston, ultimately getting out of big pharma and going into industry32:11 Changing the company environment and culture for the better, how to allow scientists freedom while staying on course35:48 OutroSocial & WebsiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excedr/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@excedr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excedr_inc Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExcedrInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excedr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@excedr Podcast Website: https://www.thebiotechstartupspodcast.com/Enriched Notes:Topics Mentioned:Biotech Startup Support https://www.excedr.com/resources-category/biotech-startup-supportBiotechnology Lab Essentials https://www.excedr.com/blog/biotechnology-lab-essentialsHow to Fund an R&D Startup https://www.excedr.com/resources/rd-startup-funding-first-stepsHow Partnering with Big Pharma Can Support R&D https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-biotech-partnerships-support-researchWhat Is Guide RNA (gRNA)? https://www.excedr.com/resources/grnaWhat Is DNA Extraction? https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-is-dna-extractionA Guide to Grant Funding for Biotech Startups https://www.excedr.com/resources/grants-public-funding-biotech-startupsUnderstanding the IND Application Process https://www.excedr.com/blog/ind-application-processPeople Mentioned:Saswata Talukdar https://www.linkedin.com/in/saswata-talukdar-3b20942a/Marcus Schindler https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-schindler-a9b843a/Carina Ämmälä https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceammala/Stéphane Bancel https://www.linkedin.com/in/st%C3%A9phane-bancel-8185251/Ying Zhang https://www.linkedin.com/in/ying-zhang-22b7988/Roger M. Perlmutter https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-m-perlmutter-73033920a/The Biotech Startups Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the business and science of building a biotech. Hosted by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr, the show features honest conversations with founders, execs, and investors about their work, their companies, and how they got there. From scientific breakthroughs to startup lessons, each episode explores what it really takes to grow a life science company—from pre-seed to IPO.

As a podcast listener, you can redeem exclusive discounts with a growing list of biotech vendors and get $500 off your first equipment lease by using promo code “TBSP” on https://www.excedr.com/rewards.Part 1 of 3. My guest for this week’s episode is Martin Brenner, CEO and CSO of iBio. iBio uses its AI drug discovery platform to tackle complex and challenging drug targets to develop safer and more effective immunotherapies for difficult-to-treat cancers. Rather than leaving drug discovery to chance, iBio guides the process using artificial intelligence, making therapeutic development smarter, faster, and more precise. Martin is a seasoned executive and drug hunter with a unique journey spanning electrical engineering to veterinary medicine to scientific leadership roles. He has led drug discovery teams at several top global pharma companies, including Eli Lilly, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Merck. Prior to his current role at iBio, Martin was VP and head of R&D at Stoke Therapeutics, CSO at Recursion, and CSO at Pfenex, which was eventually acquired by Ligand Pharmaceuticals. Join us as we sit down with Martin Brenner as he discusses his early years and upbringing in Germany, his transition from electrical engineering at Ulm University to veterinarian medicine at LMU Munich, and the practical experience he gained from working in veterinary clinics. Martin discusses the discovery of his passion for pharmacology, the pursuit of his Ph.D. at Hanover, and his exciting time and professional development at Eli Lilly. Please enjoy my conversation with Martin Brenner.Find Our Guest, Martin Brenner, at these links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinbrenner/https://ibioinc.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comTimestamps: 00:28 Intro02:14 Episode starts, Martin’s upbringing in Germany and how it influenced his leadership style and business philosophy06:23 Going to Ulm University for electrical engineering, then pivoting towards veterinarian medicine10:34 Experiences while in veterinary school at LMU Munich14:43 The difficulties of veterinarian school, his experiences with vet clinic work, Martin’s light-bulb inspiration about wanting to make medicine18:58 Jumping right into his Ph.D. at Hanover, his decision to pursue pharmacology and a job opportunity with Eli Lilly20:55 Jumping into practical work at Eli Lilly while still finishing coursework at Hanover23:53 Deciding to stay with Eli Lilly instead of going toward academia26:01 The comparative unusualness of a grad student finding mentors and resources easily29:02 His evolution in professional development managing 20 people, how to be a great VP/CEO34:32 OutroLong-Form Video Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:46 Episode starts, Martin’s upbringing in Germany and how it influenced his leadership style and business philosophy07:25 Going to Ulm University for electrical engineering, then pivoting towards veterinarian medicine13:50 Experiences while in veterinary school at LMU Munich18:47 The difficulties of veterinarian school, his experiences with vet clinic work, Martin’s light-bulb inspiration about wanting to make medicine23:11 Jumping right into his Ph.D. at Hanover, his decision to pursue pharmacology and a job opportunity with Eli Lilly25:34 Jumping into practical work at Eli Lilly while still finishing coursework at Hanover29:11 Deciding to stay with Eli Lilly instead of going toward academia31:42 The comparative unusualness of a grad student finding mentors and resources easily35:16 His evolution in professional development managing 20 people, how to be a great VP/CEO40:31 OutroSocial & WebsiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excedr/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@excedr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excedr_inc Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExcedrInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excedr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@excedr Podcast Website: https://www.thebiotechstartupspodcast.com/ Enriched Notes:Topics Mentioned:LMU Munich https://www.lmu.de/en/ Biotech Startup Support https://www.excedr.com/resources-category/biotech-startup-supportBiotechnology Lab Essentials https://www.excedr.com/blog/biotechnology-lab-essentialsHow to Fund an R&D Startup https://www.excedr.com/resources/rd-startup-funding-first-stepsHow Partnering with Big Pharma Can Support R&D https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-biotech-partnerships-support-researchUnderstanding Tissue Culture https://www.excedr.com/blog/tissue-culture Top Cities for Biotech https://www.excedr.com/blog/top-cities-for-biotechGuide to the FDA Drug Approval Process https://www.excedr.com/blog/fda-drug-approval-process-guideUnderstanding the NDA Process https://www.excedr.com/blog/new-drug-application-processUnderstanding the Abbreviated New Drug Application https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-is-abbreviated-new-drug-application Lab Equipment Leasing https://www.excedr.com/leasing People Mentioned:Rohit Kulkarni https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-kulkarni-5a0a4b24/Mike Coghlan https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-coghlan-1a64a146/The Biotech Startups Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the business and science of building a biotech. Hosted by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr, the show features honest conversations with founders, execs, and investors about their work, their companies, and how they got there. From scientific breakthroughs to startup lessons, each episode explores what it really takes to grow a life science company—from pre-seed to IPO.

As a podcast listener, you can redeem exclusive discounts with a growing list of biotech vendors and get $500 off your first equipment lease by using promo code “TBSP” on https://www.excedr.com/rewards.Part 3 of 3. My guest for this week’s episode is Jeff Kim, co-founder and CEO of Slingshot Biosciences. Slingshot designs and manufactures synthetic cells for R&D, clinical diagnostics, and engineered cell therapies, aiming to overcome supply chain and cost barriers that restrict access to advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. Jeff is a serial entrepreneur, having co-founded and run multiple successful companies, including Radiant Genomics, which was eventually acquired by Zymergen, and Pattern Ag, a company mapping soil microbes to help farmers grow their bottom line. Before Radiant, Jeff was a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and was the project lead for jet fuel development at Amyris Biotechnologies. Join us as we sit down with Jeff as he discusses how he assembled his team at Slingshot in the early days, what it was like raising venture capital during the peak of COVID-19, and how as a team, they came up with their company culture and found their North Star. Jeff talks about his experiences working with distributors as part of their global expansion, and how the idea of picking distributors relies on forming a solid partnership. Lastly, Jeff discusses the exciting future in store for Slingshot and gives us a sneak peek into the growth of the business. Please enjoy my conversation with Jeff Kim.Find Our Guest, Jeff Kim, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimjeff/https://slingshotbio.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comTimestamps: 00:28 Intro01:20 How the team at Slingshot came to be, early days and the state of the market - how Slingshot bucked the status quo06:19 Raising venture capital and fundraising during peak COVID08:11 Slingshot’s company culture, finding/maintaining great talent13:26 Expanding globally and this expansion coinciding with peak COVID15:53 Picking distributors and cultivating partnerships, biggest challenges and triumphs of Slingshot21:37 A sneak peek of the future of Slingshot23:52 Shoutouts to supporters across his journey27:29 OutroLong-Form Video Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:52 How the team at Slingshot came to be, early days and the state of the market - how Slingshot bucked the status quo06:35 Raising venture capital and fundraising during peak COVID09:13 Slingshot’s company culture, finding/maintaining great talent15:28 Expanding globally and this expansion coinciding with peak COVID18:14 Picking distributors and cultivating partnerships, biggest challenges and triumphs of Slingshot24:47 A sneak peek of the future of Slingshot27:28 Shoutouts to supporters across his journey31:38 OutroSocial & WebsiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excedr/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@excedr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excedr_inc Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExcedrInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excedr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@excedr Podcast Website: https://www.thebiotechstartupspodcast.com/Enriched Notes:Topics Mentioned:How to Start a Lab in 2024 https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-to-start-a-labBiotech Startup Support https://www.excedr.com/resources-category/biotech-startup-supportGuide to Reducing Startup Costs & Expenses https://www.excedr.com/blog/startup-costs-and-expensesWhat Should Investors & Founders Expect From Each Other? https://www.excedr.com/resources/investor-founder-expectationsFirst Steps a Founder Can Take https://www.excedr.com/resources/rd-startup-funding-first-stepsFunding https://www.excedr.com/category/fundingSeries Funding Explained https://www.excedr.com/resources/series-funding-explainedHow to Bootstrap Your Biotech Startup & Scale https://www.excedr.com/resources/how-to-bootstrap-biotech-startupVC Firms for Biotech in 2024 https://www.excedr.com/blog/top-vc-firms-for-biotechNeed a Co-founder? https://www.excedr.com/resources/do-you-need-a-co-founder-for-your-startupHow to Spin Out of Academia & Into a Startup in 2024 https://www.excedr.com/resources/how-to-spin-out-of-academia-and-into-a-startupBiotech Funding for Startups https://www.excedr.com/resources/biotech-startup-funding-optionsWhat Is Startup Valuation & Why Is It Important? https://www.excedr.com/resources/startup-valuationsStaffing Your Startup: Hiring Slowly & Intentionally https://www.excedr.com/blog/staffing-your-startupHow VC-Backed Startups Win When They Lease https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-vc-backed-startups-win-when-they-leaseCost of Capital: Definition, Significance, & Formula https://www.excedr.com/blog/cost-of-capitalPeople Mentioned:Brian Shoichet https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-shoichet-0024061/ Andrej Sali https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrej-sali-113470273/Tarun Kapoor https://www.rockefeller.edu/our-scientists/heads-of-laboratories/1187-tarun-kapoor/The Biotech Startups Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the business and science of building a biotech. Hosted by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr, the show features honest conversations with founders, execs, and investors about their work, their companies, and how they got there. From scientific breakthroughs to startup lessons, each episode explores what it really takes to grow a life science company—from pre-seed to IPO.

As a podcast listener, you can redeem exclusive discounts with a growing list of biotech vendors and get $500 off your first equipment lease by using promo code “TBSP” on https://www.excedr.com/rewards.Part 2 of 3. My guest for this week’s episode is Jeff Kim, co-founder and CEO of Slingshot Biosciences. Slingshot designs and manufactures synthetic cells for R&D, clinical diagnostics, and engineered cell therapies, aiming to overcome supply chain and cost barriers that restrict access to advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. Jeff is a serial entrepreneur, having co-founded and run multiple successful companies, including Radiant Genomics, which was eventually acquired by Zymergen, and Pattern Ag, a company mapping soil microbes to help farmers grow their bottom line. Before Radiant, Jeff was a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and was the project lead for jet fuel development at Amyris Biotechnologies. Join us as we sit down with Jeff as he discusses his transition to the West Coast to work for Amyris and his pivot from academia to industry. Jeff brings up how a personal loss pushed him to start not one, but two startups from his basement, including Radiant Genomics. He speaks to the acquisition discussions he had with Zymergen about merging Radiant Genomics into their portfolio. Jeff also discusses the slow growth and learning curve with his current company, Slingshot Biosciences. Please enjoy my conversation with Jeff Kim.Find Our Guest, Jeff Kim, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimjeff/https://slingshotbio.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comTimestamps:00:28 Intro01:20 Episode starts, a fascinating opportunity moved Jeff to the West Coast, working as a team toward one goal in industry rather than competing in academia05:28 Amyris job offer, the opportunity to work autonomously, and meeting his wife while there06:53 Personal loss pushed him to start two startups, Radiant merging with Zymergen, getting into venture funding09:51 Slingshot growing slowly out of Jeff’s basement, meeting with the Arch venture fund12:17 Advising at Lawrence Berkeley, early days and business model of Radiant Genomics19:28 The reason why Slingshot became a 12-year business instead of a 6-month build and sell21:51 How an anecdote about going from the basement to the lab helped shape company infrastructure26:07 First major sale with Zymergen, learning from hard lessons30:19 OutroLong-Form Video Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:52 Episode starts, a fascinating opportunity moved Jeff to the West Coast, working as a team toward one goal in industry rather than competing in academia05:34 Amyris job offer, the opportunity to work autonomously, and meeting his wife while there07:10 Personal loss pushed him to start two startups, Radiant merging with Zymergen, getting into venture funding10:40 Slingshot growing slowly out of Jeff’s basement, meeting with the Arch venture fund13:53 Advising at Lawrence Berkeley, early days and business model of Radiant Genomics22:30 The reason why Slingshot became a 12-year business instead of a 6-month build and sell26:22 How an anecdote about going from the basement to the lab helped shape company infrastructure32:10 First major sale with Zymergen, learning from hard lessons29:51 OutroSocial & WebsiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excedr/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@excedr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excedr_inc Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExcedrInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excedr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@excedr Podcast Website: https://www.thebiotechstartupspodcast.com/Enriched Notes:Topics Mentioned:An Equipment Leasing Program for Scientists & Researchers https://www.excedr.com/leasingCommon Lab Equipment https://www.excedr.com/blog/common-lab-equipmentTypes of Equipment Leases https://www.excedr.com/blog/types-of-equipment-leasesPurchasing Used Lab Equipment https://www.excedr.com/blog/used-lab-equipment-equipnetHow to Apply for an Equipment Lease https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-to-apply-for-an-equipment-leaseHow to Start a Lab in 2024 https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-to-start-a-labBiotech Startup Support https://www.excedr.com/resources-category/biotech-startup-supportGuide to Reducing Startup Costs & Expenses https://www.excedr.com/blog/startup-costs-and-expensesDelivery Methods to Maximize Genome https://www.excedr.com/resources/crispr-delivery-methodsOverview of Recombinase https://www.excedr.com/resources/recombinase-overviewWhat Is DNA Methylation? https://www.excedr.com/resources/what-is-dna-methylationDNA Modification: Processes, Significance, & Implications https://www.excedr.com/resources/dna-modification-explainedWhat Should Investors & Founders Expect From Each Other? https://www.excedr.com/resources/investor-founder-expectationsFirst Steps a Founder Can Take https://www.excedr.com/resources/rd-startup-funding-first-stepsFunding https://www.excedr.com/category/fundingSeries Funding Explained https://www.excedr.com/resources/series-funding-explainedHow to Bootstrap Your Biotech Startup & Scale https://www.excedr.com/resources/how-to-bootstrap-biotech-startupThe Biotech Startups Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the business and science of building a biotech. Hosted by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr, the show features honest conversations with founders, execs, and investors about their work, their companies, and how they got there. From scientific breakthroughs to startup lessons, each episode explores what it really takes to grow a life science company—from pre-seed to IPO.

As a podcast listener, you can redeem exclusive discounts with a growing list of biotech vendors and get $500 off your first equipment lease by using promo code “TBSP” on https://www.excedr.com/rewards.Part 1 of 3. My guest for this week’s episode is Jeff Kim, co-founder and CEO of Slingshot Biosciences. Slingshot designs and manufactures synthetic cells for R&D, clinical diagnostics, and engineered cell therapies, aiming to overcome supply chain and cost barriers that restrict access to advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. Jeff is a serial entrepreneur, having co-founded and run multiple successful companies, including Radiant Genomics, which was eventually acquired by Zymergen, and Pattern Ag, a company mapping soil microbes to help farmers grow their bottom line. Before Radiant, Jeff was a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and was the project lead for jet fuel development at Amyris Biotechnologies. Join us as we sit down with Jeff as he discusses his upbringing as the child of Korean immigrants, and how their hands-off approach fostered his curiosity and self-teaching mentality that led to his current path. Jeff talks about how he pivoted from pre-med, instead choosing to attend Rockefeller University where he had great opportunities and experiences as an undergrad. He also discusses his involvement in the thriving artist community in New York City while at university, and the role that music and art played in balancing his research pursuits. Please enjoy my conversation with Jeff Kim.Find Our Guest, Jeff Kim, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimjeff/https://slingshotbio.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comTimestamps: 0:28 Intro2:00 Episode starts, early days and upbringing, Korean immigrant parents teaching self-learning and curiosity4:14 Music passion blooms and how it has helped in adult life, undergrad, and pre-med direction7:41 Pivoting from med school to work in a lab in New York while pursuing music, Jeff’s independent research opportunity10:28 Excellent undergraduate lab experiences, the ability to learn and explore like a grad student 12:50 RA opportunity at Rockefeller in New York, unstructured science experiences at Princeton15:50 Natural progression to grad work and a Ph.D., his parents’ perspective on educational freedom18:26 Determining med school wasn’t a fit, GRE, the last-minute decision between Rockefeller and UCSF20:55 Joining Sean Brady’s lab, studying genes and DNA, experience as part of a startup lab24:56 Finding a balance between non-profit passion for music and the grueling demand of grad research 27:33 Outro Social & WebsiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excedr/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@excedr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excedr_inc Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExcedrInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excedr TikTok: khttps://www.tiktok.com/@excedr Podcast Website: https://www.thebiotechstartupspodcast.com/ Enriched Notes:Topics Mentioned:An Equipment Leasing Program for Scientists & Researchers https://www.excedr.com/leasingCommon Lab Equipment https://www.excedr.com/blog/common-lab-equipmentTypes of Equipment Leases https://www.excedr.com/blog/types-of-equipment-leasesPurchasing Used Lab Equipment https://www.excedr.com/blog/used-lab-equipment-equipnetHow to Apply for an Equipment Lease https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-to-apply-for-an-equipment-leaseHow to Start a Lab in 2024 https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-to-start-a-labBiotech Startup Support https://www.excedr.com/resources-category/biotech-startup-supportGuide to Reducing Startup Costs & Expenses https://www.excedr.com/blog/startup-costs-and-expensesDelivery Methods to Maximize Genome https://www.excedr.com/resources/crispr-delivery-methodsOverview of Recombinase https://www.excedr.com/resources/recombinase-overviewWhat Is DNA Methylation? https://www.excedr.com/resources/what-is-dna-methylationDNA Modification: Processes, Significance, & Implications https://www.excedr.com/resources/dna-modification-explainedPeople Mentioned:Tarun Kapoor https://www.rockefeller.edu/our-scientists/heads-of-laboratories/1187-tarun-kapoor/Alison Gammie https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-gammie-45072811/George McLendon https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-mclendon-899a81150/Brian Shoichet https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-shoichet-0024061/ Andrej Sali https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrej-sali-113470273/Sean Brady https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-brady-4b365823a/ The Biotech Startups Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the business and science of building a biotech. Hosted by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr, the show features honest conversations with founders, execs, and investors about their work, their companies, and how they got there. From scientific breakthroughs to startup lessons, each episode explores what it really takes to grow a life science company—from pre-seed to IPO.

Part 3 of 3. My guest for this week’s episode is Stephanie Sirota, Partner, and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, a full lifecycle life sciences investment firm dedicated to solving the most challenging unmet patient needs. Stephanie is a seasoned expert and leader in business development, strategic partnerships, communications, and investor relations. Prior to joining RTW, she was a director at Valhalla Capital Advisors. She worked in the New York and London offices of Lehman Brothers, where she advised on various mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and capital market financing transactions for the firm's global corporate clients. Her deep insights into investment banking, strategic partnerships, and business development, offer founders many lessons.Join us as I sit down with Stephanie to discuss RTW’s interest and investments into gene therapy and the biotech industry. Steph also touches on company development, and specifically why working with biotech companies as an investor is so important. Steph talks about RTW's approach to building an investment thesis that is laid out for both the investors and the entrepreneurs. She also speaks to the importance of transparency and trust between investors and founders. Finally, we also touch on why the biotech industry is on the brink of something special right now. Please enjoy my conversation with Steph Sirota. Find Our Guest, Stephanie Sirota, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephsirotahttp://www.rtwfunds.com Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comTimestamps: 00:28 Intro01:24 Episode starts, RTW’s early development, growth, and the emergence of the crossover round03:55 Investing heavily in gene therapy, despite many challenges, selling the company for nearly 9 billion06:34 Focusing on building a single company, which would become Rocket Pharma09:29 Developing companies at extremely early stages and how RTW did this in China11:32 How to form and then gain conviction in your investment thesis14:08 Building a 5 billion dollar fund, explaining your thesis and getting LPs to say “yes”17:48 Having a .600 batting average fund, managing investors through bear and bull markets20:03 Why we might be living in a Berkshire Hathaway or Warren Buffet moment, excitement for the next few years24:18 Investing in resiliency and why Steph is optimistic about the biotech industry 26:03 Shout outs to old tennis coaches, parents, mentors, and colleagues28:25 Advice to Steph’s younger self about not being afraid to think ahead29:42 EndSocial & WebsiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excedr/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@excedr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excedr_inc Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExcedrInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excedr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@excedr Podcast Website: https://www.thebiotechstartupspodcast.com/ As a podcast listener, you can redeem exclusive discounts with a growing list of biotech vendors and get $500 off your first equipment lease by using promo code “TBSP” on www.excedr.com/rewards.Enriched Notes:Topics Mentioned:Crossover Investing https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/crossoverinvestor.asp Rocket Pharma https://rocketpharma.com/ JiXing Pharmaceuticals https://www.jixing.com/ Top Biotech Seed and Angel Investors 2024 https://www.excedr.com/blog/biotech-seed-and-angel-investors What is Molecular Biology https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-is-molecular-biology Top Pharma New Sites https://www.excedr.com/blog/top-pharma-blogs-websites-for-biopharma Top Medical News Sites https://www.excedr.com/blog/medical-news-sites Biology Lab Equipment List https://www.excedr.com/blog/biology-lab-equipment-listWhat Type of Equipment You Need for Molecular Biology Lab https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-type-of-equipment-is-used-in-molecular-biology-research Importance of Preventative Maintenance https://www.excedr.com/blog/laboratory-equipment-maintenance-guide Top VC Firms for Biotechs https://www.excedr.com/blog/top-vc-firms-for-biotech VC Term Sheets https://www.excedr.com/resources/venture-capital-term-sheets VC Term Sheet Clauses: A Glossary of Key Terms https://www.excedr.com/resources/vc-term-sheet-clauses-and-terms What are Your Funding Options https://www.excedr.com/resources/biotech-startup-funding-options Getting Funding for Lab Research https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-to-get-funding-for-lab-research Post vs Pre Money Valuations https://www.excedr.com/resources/pre-money-vs-post-money Marketing and Sales for Startups https://www.excedr.com/blog/marketing-sales-strategies-for-biotechs What is Capital Outlay? https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-is-capital-outlay People Mentioned:Gaurav Shah  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaurav-shah-md-a435baaNing Lin https://www.linkedin.com/in/ning-lin-31b5155/ Rod Wong https://www.linkedin.com/in/roderick-wong-543aa64/ Bryan Fiedler https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-fiedler-525485164/ The Biotech Startups Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the business and science of building a biotech. Hosted by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr, the show features honest conversations with founders, execs, and investors about their work, their companies, and how they got there. From scientific breakthroughs to startup lessons, each episode explores what it really takes to grow a life science company—from pre-seed to IPO.