The Biotech Startups Podcast

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 4. My guest for this week’s episode is Derek Hennecke, a veteran biotech entrepreneur and board member with over 30 years of experience in the CDMO industry, whose mission is to support the biotech revolution and create value for patients, customers, and investors.In addition to his Board work, Derek previously held leadership positions at DSM and was the Founder and CEO of Xcelience, which he eventually sold to Capsugel Lonza in 2016. Xcelience was a Florida-based CDMO specializing in preformulation, micronization, analytical services, formulation development, cGMP manufacturing, and more. His extensive pharma and cell therapy expertise makes for an insightful conversation that founders can learn from.Join us this week and hear about:Derek’s transition from commercial roles to Operations, managing a challenging site in Egypt, and the teamwork that turned it aroundHis move to a Biologics site in Montreal and the hurdles he faced there overseeing GMP OperationsThe start of his entrepreneurial journey: buying a portion of a business and founding Xcelience.Please enjoy my conversation with Derek Hennecke.Find Our Guest, Derek Hennecke, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennecke/https://kincellbio.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comSocial & 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:MDS Pharma Services: https://www.mdsps.com/Xcelience: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xcelience-llc/GMP Operations Roles: https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-do-you-identify-common-gmp-roles-responsibilities-skills-gmpGMP Practices: https://safetyculture.com/topics/gmp/GMP vs. GLP: https://www.excedr.com/resources/gmp-vs-glp-whats-the-differenceMatrix Organizations: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/matrix-organization-structure-reason-evolution-1837Sales-Leasebacks (SLB): https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-is-a-sale-leasebackEquipment Leasing: https://www.excedr.com/leasingTimestamps:00:00 Intro01:50 Starting a role in Operations04:01 Derek’s move to Egypt; Improving safety, performance, and cost structure08:03 Scaling the Egypt site and expanding into other markets; Improving product quality and employee safety10:01 Moving back to Montreal, Canada; Dealing with a site failure, deciding to leave the company13:50 Lessons learned from leaving, the importance of saying “no,” and communicating clearly20:16 Becoming VP of GMP Operations of MDS Pharma; Overseeing multiple locations25:08 Navigating the hurdles of a closing business; Buying one of the units in Tampa, Florida27:45 Derek’s jump into entrepreneurship: Founding Xcelience30:00 Early days of running the company, looking into a sales-leaseback, and securing capital38:21 OutroThe 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 4. My guest for this week’s episode is Derek Hennecke, a veteran biotech entrepreneur and board member with over 30 years of experience in the CDMO industry, whose mission is to support the biotech revolution and create value for patients, customers, and investors.In addition to his Board work, Derek previously held leadership positions at DSM and was the Founder and CEO of Xcelience, which he eventually sold to Capsugel Lonza in 2016. Xcelience was a Florida-based CDMO that specialized in preformulation, micronization, analytical services, formulation development, cGMP manufacturing, and more. His extensive expertise in pharma and cell therapy makes for an insightful conversation that founders can learn from.Join us this week and hear about:Derek’s early challenges and financial hurdles he faced after moving to Europe for his MBAHis first role in business developmentHis managing transition, learning the ropes of leadership, and his joint venture experience in MexicoDerek’s intricacies of managing a matrix organization and his experience as a product managerPlease enjoy my conversation with Derek Hennecke.Find Our Guest, Derek Hennecke, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennecke/https://kincellbio.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comSocial & 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/ Timestamps:00:28 Intro01:50 Episode starts, starting with business development with Gist-brocades and then quickly moving to area business development manager03:00 Derek’s definition of business development and tips and tricks06:27 The trials of traveling back and forth to North America and Derek’s first time managing a team11:20 The challenges of moving and running a joint venture in Mexico, the willingness to do new things16:47 The balancing act of leading a 50/50 venture, communication, and building trust24:18 Strategy to expand almost worldwide, buying a penicillin factory in Mexico City26:59 Becoming a product manager and the roles it entailed, defining a matrix organization31:18 OutroThe 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 4. My guest for this week’s episode is Derek Hennecke, a veteran biotech entrepreneur and board member with over 30 years of experience in the CDMO industry, whose mission is to support the biotech revolution and create value for patients, customers, and investors.In addition to his Board work, Derek previously held leadership positions at DSM and was the Founder and CEO of Xcelience, which he eventually sold to Capsugel Lonza in 2016. Xcelience was a Florida-based CDMO that specialized in preformulation, micronization, analytical services, formulation development, cGMP manufacturing, and more. His extensive expertise in pharma and cell therapy makes for an insightful conversation that founders can learn from.Join us this week and hear about:Derek’s childhood and his early interest in history and scienceHis academic journey in microbiology at the University of Alberta, where he shifted from chemistry to biology, and his eventual move into sales.His MBA experience in the Netherlands and his current outlook on the degree.Please enjoy my conversation with Derek Hennecke.Find Our Guest, Derek Hennecke, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennecke/https://kincellbio.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comSocial & 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/ Timestamps00:28 Intro02:13 Episode starts, Derek's early upbringing as a military kid and learning how to adapt to moving every 4 years06:33 Having an interest in history but ultimately falling in love with science, Studying microbiology as an undergraduate at the University of Alberta08:50 Undergraduate lab experience14:04 Professors and mentors who were influential15:40 Next steps after Undergraduate microbiology, going from academia to sales at Boehringer Mannheim22:02 Introvert vs. Extrovert in Sales24:28 Decision to move to the Netherlands to pursue a masters in business28:20 The rarity of getting an MBA and using it to move into a new country to network30:18 OutroThe 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 4 of 4. My guest for this week’s episode is Doug Drysdale, CEO at Cybin. Cybin is a clinical-stage biopharma company on a mission to create safe and effective psychedelic-based therapeutics. Doug is an experienced investor, Corporate Director and CEO, who has chaired the Board of a NASDAQ-listed company and, as a CEO for the past 12 years, has built and turned around 3 pharma companies. During his 30+ years of experience in the healthcare sector, he has formed cohesive management teams, recruited board members, completed 16 corporate acquisitions across three continents and has raised and invested around $4 billion of both public and private capital. Before Cybin, Doug was Commercial Products Manager at DuPont Merck, Director of BD at Elan, VP of M&A at Actavis Group, CEO of Norwich Pharmaceuticals and Alvogen, CEO of Pernix Therapeutics, and CEO of Tedor Pharma. His extensive background as a seasoned executive, investor, and turn-around specialist gives him a wide range of experiences that founders can learn from. Join us this week and hear about:Doug’s first-time experience running a public company: the challenges of hitting quarterly numbers and juggling the pressure of share price volatilityHis move to Cybin, a startup transforming psychiatric treatments through psychedelic compoundsCybin’s recent progress, including some key acquisitions, taking the company public, and their breakthrough therapies in depression and anxiety.Please enjoy my conversation with Doug Drysdale.Timestamps:00:28 Intro01:50 Doug’s first experience running a public company, Pernix Therapeutics06:51 Leaving Pernix for a private company and a break from public scrutiny08:22 Joining Cybin, going public, and raising $300MM; quickly developing therapy and IP assets11:34 Cybin’s mission and focus; the co-founders and the team behind the technology15:08 The DEA’s outlook on psychedelics and the development of SSRI alternatives17:26 Doug’s experience working with the FDA19:39 Cybin’s IP and partnership strategies; building out a core team and retaining talent24:00 Cybin’s 2-year vision24:58 Shoutouts and advice to 21-year old self26:37 OutroFind Our Guest, Doug Drysdale, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougdrysdale/https://cybin.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comSocial & 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:Pernix Therapeutics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pernix_Therapeutics_HoldingsCybin: https://cybin.com/Intellectual Property 101: https://www.excedr.com/resources/intellectual-property-guideSSRIs: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/ssris/art-20044825Psychedelic Compounds for Therapies: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4592297/Pharmacokinetics: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557744/Understanding Psilocybin and DMT Treatments for Depression: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2022/02/psilocybin-treatment-for-major-depression-effective-for-up-to-a-year-for-most-patients-study-showsCybin’s Developmental Pipeline: https://cybin.com/development-pipeline/DEA’s outlook on psychedelics: https://www.cato.org/regulation/spring-2023/psychedelics-dea-regulating-religionGuide to FDA Drug Approval Process: https://www.excedr.com/blog/fda-drug-approval-process-guide IP Strategy for Biotechs: https://www.excedr.com/resources/intellectual-property-strategy-for-biotechsBiotech Partnerships: https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-biotech-partnerships-support-researchThe 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 4. My guest for this week’s episode is Doug Drysdale, CEO at Cybin. Cybin is a clinical-stage biopharma company on a mission to create safe and effective psychedelic-based therapeutics. Doug is an experienced investor, Corporate Director and CEO, who has chaired the Board of a NASDAQ-listed company and, as a CEO for the past 12 years, has built and turned around 3 pharma companies. During his 30+ years of experience in the healthcare sector, he has formed cohesive management teams, recruited board members, completed 16 corporate acquisitions across three continents and has raised and invested around $4 billion of both public and private capital. Before Cybin, Doug was Commercial Products Manager at DuPont Merck, Director of BD at Elan, VP of M&A at Actavis Group, CEO of Norwich Pharmaceuticals and Alvogen, CEO of Pernix Therapeutics, and CEO of Tedor Pharma. His extensive background as a seasoned executive, investor, and turn-around specialist gives him a wide range of experiences that founders can learn from.Join us this week and hear about:Doug’s transition from BD to leading M&A at ActavisHis insights on leveraging debt for acquisitionsThe importance of cultural fit in successful dealsDoug’s strategic acquisitions at Actavis and the turnaround at Norwich Pharmaceuticals & AlvogenHis challenges and successes at Pernix Therapeutics, the first public company Doug worked forPlease enjoy my conversation with Doug Drysdale.Timestamps:00:28 Intro01:48 How to get into M&A as a scientist; what makes a successful M&A transaction?05:19 Doug’s experience raising credit facilities to support M&A activity07:46 Memorable challenges and triumphs at Actavis12:24 How do you find good investment opportunities? Things to keep an eye out for14:36 Doug’s move from Actavis to Norwich Pharmaceuticals and Alvogen18:10 Growth strategies at Norwich/Alvogen: M&A and Licensing19:14 Key lessons and takeaways from Doug’s time at Norwich/Alvogen; the importance of people and cultural fits24:33 Turning things around with Pernix Therapeutics, a public company26:50 OutroFind Our Guest, Doug Drysdale, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougdrysdale/https://cybin.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comSocial & 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:Actavis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ActavisNorwich Pharmaceuticals: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwich_Pharma_ServicesAlvogen: https://www.alvogen.com/Debt Financing: https://www.excedr.com/blog/lease-financing-vs-debt-financingCredit Facility: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/creditfacility.aspCredit facilities for M&A activity: https://cpcp.ca/opinion/6-common-debt-financing-options-in-ma/R&D Licensing: https://www.excedr.com/blog/life-sciences-licensing-agreements-guideM&A Activity in Life Sciences: https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/answer/Understanding-the-Value-of-Mergers-and-Acquisitions-in-Life-SciencesIP Assets in Life Sciences: https://www.excedr.com/resources/intellectual-property-rights-for-biotechsSales and Marketing Strategies for Startups: https://www.excedr.com/blog/marketing-sales-strategies-for-biotechsThe 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 4. My guest for this week’s episode is Doug Drysdale, CEO at Cybin. Cybin is a clinical-stage biopharma company on a mission to create safe and effective psychedelic-based therapeutics. Their goal is to address the large unmet need for new and innovative treatment options for people who suffer from mental health conditions. Doug is an experienced investor, Corporate Director, and CEO, who has chaired the Board of a NASDAQ-listed company and, as a CEO for the past 12 years, has built and turned around 3 pharma companies. During Doug’s 30+ years of experience in the healthcare sector, he has formed cohesive management teams, recruited board members, completed 16 corporate acquisitions across three continents, and raised and invested around $4 billion of public and private capital. Before Cybin, Doug was Commercial Products Manager at DuPont Merck, Director of BD at Elan, VP of M&A at Actavis Group, CEO of Norwich Pharmaceuticals and Alvogen, CEO of Pernix Therapeutics, and CEO of Tedor Pharma. Doug’s extensive background as a seasoned executive, investor, and turn-around specialist gives him a wide range of experiences that founders can learn from.Join us this week and hear about:Doug’s experience in business developmentHis move from crunching numbers to leading dealsThe challenges of global BD strategiesDoug’s move from the UK to San DiegoHis intricacies of licensing and acquisitions in the pharma industry, and his experiences with Elan, Alpharma, and Actavis Please enjoy my conversation with Doug Drysdale.Timestamps:00:28 Intro01:48 Episode starts, Doug defines business development and how a scientist can break into BD04:21 Global vs. Regional BD, Immersing in travels 3 months at a time, Moving to the US08:09 Memorable deals at Elan, getting a crash course in financing while going through a layoff period14:34 Determining when to move on from Elan and start Alkensa18:33 Next journey after Alkensa to Forest Laboratories, Doug's first experience of bureaucracy in the workplace22:31 Moving from big pharma to generics at Alpharma, becoming head of M&A27:28 Doug's advice on identifying what you want to license and what makes for a good licensing deal, fundraising types at Alpharma29:15 Sell side vs. acquisition side30:23 OutroFind Our Guest, Doug Drysdale, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougdrysdale/https://cybin.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comSocial & 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 Fund an R&D Startup: First Steps a Founder Can Take https://www.excedr.com/resources/rd-startup-funding-first-stepsBiotech Funding for Startups: What Are Your Options? https://www.excedr.com/resources/biotech-startup-funding-optionsFinance https://www.excedr.com/category/financeEquipment Leasing vs. Financing: What's the Difference? https://www.excedr.com/blog/equipment-leasing-vs-financingTop VC Firms for Biotech in 2024: Supporting Innovation & Growth https://www.excedr.com/blog/top-vc-firms-for-biotechHow VC-Backed Startups Win When They Lease https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-vc-backed-startups-win-when-they-leaseVC Term Sheets: Definition, Key Components & More https://www.excedr.com/resources/venture-capital-term-sheetsWhat Is Series A, B, & C Funding? Series Funding Explained https://www.excedr.com/resources/series-funding-explainedThe 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 4. My guest for this week’s episode is Doug Drysdale, CEO at Cybin. Cybin is a clinical-stage biopharma company on a mission to create safe and effective psychedelic-based therapeutics. Their goal is to address the large unmet need for new and innovative treatment options for people who suffer from mental health conditions. Doug is an experienced investor, Corporate Director and CEO, who has chaired the Board of a NASDAQ-listed company and, as a CEO for the past 12 years, has built and turned around 3 pharma companies. During Doug’s 30+ years of experience in the healthcare sector, he has formed cohesive management teams, recruited board members, completed 16 corporate acquisitions across three continents and has raised and invested around $4 billion of both public and private capital. Before Cybin, Doug was Commercial Products Manager at DuPont Merck, Director of BD at Elan, VP of M&A at Actavis Group, CEO of Norwich Pharmaceuticals and Alvogen, CEO of Pernix Therapeutics, and CEO of Tedor Pharma. Doug’s extensive background as a seasoned executive, investor, and turn-around specialist gives him a wide range of experiences that founders can learn from.Join us this week and hear about:Doug’s upbringing in a working-class settingHis life-changing scholarship and his early passion for the life sciencesDoug’s pivotal moments in the lab and his transition to sales at DuPont MerckHis time at Elan, where he combined his scientific and commercial expertise to excel in BDPlease enjoy my conversation with Doug Drysdale.Timestamps:00:28 Intro02:33 Episode starts, Doug’s early upbringing and how a teacher helped change his life and perspective at only 10 years old06:40 Doug finding his spark for science, his gravitation toward biology, working a government job in a hospital pathology lab out of high school11:53 Getting a degree in molecular biology and being able to work with the cutting-edge human genome project13:13 Transitioning out of government wet lab and into full-time study at University of East Anglia15:38 Mentors and professors who inspired Doug’s journey in STEM, a family loss swaying Doug to get out of academia and go into sales20:36 How an opportunity at DuPont Merck came about and the joint venture experience at this startup23:04 Memorable challenges and triumphs in pharmaceutical sales26:44 First-time experience as a commercial marketing manager, being recruited into Elan in a marketing role30:10 OutroFind Our Guest, Doug Drysdale, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougdrysdale/https://cybin.com/Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comSocial & 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:Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups https://www.excedr.com/blog/marketing-sales-strategies-for-biotechsHow to Fund an R&D Startup: First Steps a Founder Can Take https://www.excedr.com/resources/rd-startup-funding-first-stepsBiotech Partnerships: How Partnering with Big Pharma Can Support R&D https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-biotech-partnerships-support-researchGuide to Life Sciences Licensing Agreements https://www.excedr.com/blog/life-sciences-licensing-agreements-guideThe 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 4 of 4. My guest for this week’s episode is Noam Solomon, CEO and co-founder at Immunai, a pioneering biotech company that is comprehensively mapping and reprogramming the immune system with single-cell biology and AI to power new therapeutic discoveries, accelerate drug development, and improve patient outcomes. Prior to co-founding Immunai, Noam had a career in both industry and academia. Noam has a double PhD in math and computer science and served as a postdoctoral researcher at MIT and Harvard. Noam also worked as an algorithms developer, consultant, and head of data science in several high-tech companies in Israel. Noam's extensive background in math, computer science, AI, and machine learning gives him a unique depth of experience that founders can learn from.Join us this week and hear about: Noam's unique dynamics of working with academic institutions and the alignment of incentives that come with collaborating with top researchersThe importance of strategic partnerships and the meticulous analysis involved in selecting the right collaboratorsNoam’s fundraising journeyThe technological advancements at ImmunaiThe application of AI in optimizing drug development processesPlease enjoy my conversation with Noam Solomon.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:35 Episode starts, screening for the right business partners and determining what projects to take on and which ones to pass07:40 Noam’s philosophy and tips on fundraising15:47 What to expect of Immunai in the next year or two19:30 Shout outs for help along his journey21:47 Advice to your 21-year old self24:15 OutroFind Our Guest, Noam Solomon, at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noam-solomon-142393129/https://www.immunai.com/ Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comSocial & 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-supportBiotech Funding for Startups: What Are Your Options? https://www.excedr.com/resources/biotech-startup-funding-optionsHow to Get Funding for Lab Research in 2024 https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-to-get-funding-for-lab-researchHow to Raise Money from Angel Investors https://www.excedr.com/resources/angel-funding-and-angel-investorsWhat Is Series A, B, & C Funding? Series Funding Explained https://www.excedr.com/resources/series-funding-explainedHow to Fund an R&D Startup: First Steps a Founder Can Take https://www.excedr.com/resources/rd-startup-funding-first-stepsBiotech Partnerships: How Partnering with Big Pharma Can Support R&D https://www.excedr.com/blog/how-biotech-partnerships-support-researchWhat Should Investors & Founders Expect From Each Other? https://www.excedr.com/resources/investor-founder-expectationsPeople MentionedLuis F. Voloch https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisvoloch/Ansu Satpathy https://www.linkedin.com/in/ansu-satpathy-67a5a9193/Danny Wells https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-wells-bb03453a/Dan Littman https://www.pfizer.com/people/leadership/board-of-directors/dan_littman-md-phdThe 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 4. My guest for this week’s episode is Noam Solomon, CEO and co-founder at Immunai, a pioneering biotech company that is comprehensively mapping and reprogramming the immune system with single-cell biology and AI to power new therapeutic discoveries, accelerate drug development, and improve patient outcomes. Prior to co-founding Immunai, Noam had a career in both industry and academia. Noam has a double PhD in math and computer science and served as a postdoctoral researcher at MIT and Harvard. Noam also worked as an algorithms developer, consultant, and head of data science in several high-tech companies in Israel. Noam's extensive background in math, computer science, AI, and machine learning gives him a unique depth of experience that founders can learn from.Join us this week and hear about: How the human genome project gave us the alphabet to read the book that is the human immune systemImmunai’s philosophy of doing what's right even if they don’t know what they’re doingBalancing a CEO’s naivete with being selective about who’s advise to takeWhat single cell multi-omics, the technology behind Immunai, really meansWhy working with different pharma companies is like dancing with a gorillaPlease enjoy my conversation with Noam Solomon.Timestamps: 00:28 Intro02:04 Episode starts, the human genome project and the alphabet used to read the book of the human immune system05:10 Bringing an outsider's perspective to Immunai and their unique approach08:07 Building the the Immunai team with both immunology and computer science experts who are not afraid to ask the stupid questions12:10 Observing the hospital, pharma, AI landscape and how that shaped their philosophy of doing what's right even if they don’t know what they’re doing19:00 Balancing both your naivete as a CEO with judging who’s advice to take20:03 What is single cell multi-omics, the technology behind Immunai and what they learned from Netflix24:44 How to embrace failure without creating a failure culture and other lessons learned from setting up their first lab28:22 “Do you know how you dance with a gorilla?” and how to work with different pharma companies33:05: OutroFind Our Guest, Noam Solomon, at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noam-solomon-142393129/https://www.immunai.com/ Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comSocial & 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:Immunai https://www.immunai.com/ Human Genome Project https://www.genome.gov/human-genome-project Single Cell Multi-Omics https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5303816/ Recommender Systems https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recommender_system What Is Bioinformatics https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-is-bioinformatics-and-computational-biology New Drug Application https://www.excedr.com/blog/new-drug-application-process Guide to the FDA Drug Approval Process https://www.excedr.com/blog/fda-drug-approval-process-guide Equipment Leasing for Laboratories https://www.excedr.com/leasingBiotech Startup Support https://www.excedr.com/resources-category/biotech-startup-supportPeople Mentioned:Louis Voloch  https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisvoloch Ansuman Satpathy https://www.linkedin.com/in/ansuman-satpathy-3b386639/ Danny Wells https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-wells-bb03453a/ 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 4. My guest for this week’s episode is Noam Solomon, CEO and co-founder at Immunai, a pioneering biotech company that is comprehensively mapping and reprogramming the immune system with single-cell biology and AI to power new therapeutic discoveries, accelerate drug development, and improve patient outcomes. Prior to co-founding Immunai, Noam had a career in both industry and academia. Noam has a double PhD in math and computer science and served as a postdoctoral researcher at MIT and Harvard. Noam also worked as an algorithms developer, consultant, and head of data science in several high-tech companies in Israel. Noam's extensive background in math, computer science, AI, and machine learning gives him a unique depth of experience that founders can learn from.Join us this week and hear about: The impact of attending prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT on his career and networking opportunitiesThe genesis of Immunai, inspired by personal experiences and focused on precision medicine in cancer treatmentExplaining AI and Machine Learning, their distinctions, and the current state of AI in biology and drug developmentThe complexity of the immune system and Immunai's ambitious goal to map it completelyThe convergence of technological advancements (single-cell technology, computing power, and AI models) that created the "perfect storm" for founding ImmunaiPlease enjoy my conversation with Noam Solomon.Timestamps:00:28 Intro02:00 Episode starts, Noam’s decision to pursue postdoctoral studies at Harvard and MIT03:31 The value of pedigree and superficial evaluations in business04:33 Moving to Boston and the cultural experience at Harvard and MIT06:47 Humility in mathematics and the inspiration from academic environments08:19 Incubation of Immunai and the motivation behind its founding11:41 The role of AI and ML in life sciences and common misconceptions14:39 Progress in AI, ML, and their implications in drug development18:46 Early days of Immunai and developing the technology platform24:03 Mapping the human immune system and the complexity involved25:05 OutroFind Our Guest, Noam Solomon, at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noam-solomon-142393129/https://www.immunai.com/ Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncheehttps://www.excedr.comSocial & 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:MIT https://www.mit.edu/Harvard University https://www.harvard.edu/Immunai https://www.immunai.com/ What Is Bioinformatics https://www.excedr.com/blog/what-is-bioinformatics-and-computational-biology New Drug Application https://www.excedr.com/blog/new-drug-application-process Guide to the FDA Drug Approval Process https://www.excedr.com/blog/fda-drug-approval-process-guide Equipment Leasing for Laboratories https://www.excedr.com/leasingBiotech Startup Support https://www.excedr.com/resources-category/biotech-startup-supportThe 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.