Building Biotechs

Recruitomics Consulting

5.0 (25)
LIFE SCIENCES
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Building Biotechs

From the ground floor to the C-Suite, Building Biotechs offers a behind-the-scenes look into the strategy that goes into launching and scaling successful biotech and life science companies. We talk with biotech executives, founders, HR leaders, and culture builders to learn how they think about growing companies with intention, and discuss the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way.

OCT 11

Small Offerings, Big Impact: Demystifying Micro-IPOs in Biotech with David Sans, Head of Healthcare Investment Banking at EF Hutton

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 Carina Subscribe here: AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feed Learn more about Recruitomics Consulting Check out our reading list Download our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficiently If you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction to Biotech and Investment Banking 00:48 David Sands' Background and Career Journey 02:12 Transition from Biotech to Finance 04:53 Understanding Micro IPOs 06:37 Challenges and Strategies in Biotech IPOs 16:38 The Role of the FDA in Biotech IPOs 18:30 Understanding IPO Disparities 18:42 Key Factors for a Successful IPO 19:29 Aftermarket Support and Investor Relations 20:59 The Role of Long-Term Investors 21:34 Personal Investment Strategies 22:29 Innovations in Financial Services 24:40 Challenges for Biotech CEOs 26:32 Career Path in Investment Banking 28:50 Future of Financial Services and AI 33:37 Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

37 min
OCT 9

Not All Who Wander Are Lost: with Iva Toudjarska, founder and CEO of Zeal Therapeutics

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 Carina Subscribe here: AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feed Learn more about Recruitomics Consulting Check out our reading list Download our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficiently If you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 - Intro to Iva Toudjarska's Career 00:48 - Career overview, Iva Toudjarska, Zeal Therapeutics 04:26 - Successful biotech strategies, industry insights 07:02 - Building successful partnerships, collaboration tips 12:15 - Angel investing, funding strategies, biotech financing 20:20 - Leveraging background, skills for biotech success 24:38 - Setbacks in biotech, lessons learned, resilience 27:20 - Bootstrapping a company, startup funding, entrepreneurship 28:23 - Support for Eva, mentorship, biotech advice 29:18 - Future goals, biotech vision, 10-year plan 30:45 - Current reading, professional development, industry literature 24:24 Lessons Learned and Future Goals 28:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

33 min
OCT 1

From Seed to Success: How MassBio is Boosting Biotech

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 - Intro 01:24 - Jason Cordeiro, MassBio’s COO 02:48 - What is MassBio 05:54 - MassBio’s MassCONNECT Program 08:15 - MassCONNECT Support for Non-Local Companies 13:15 - How to Get Involved in MassBio 17:24 - Next Level One Initiative 19:58 - MassBio Align Summit Overview 21:40 - Educating Investors through MassBio 27:11 - MassBio Pharma Days Event 31:00 - The Link Program 34:54 - MassBio’s 5-Year Strategic Plan 41:14 - Connecting with MassBio Resources 42:11 - Outro Learn 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 Carina Subscribe here: AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feed Learn more about Recruitomics Consulting Check out our reading list Download our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficiently If you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub

44 min
SEP 25

Building Biotechs Better: Inside LabCentral's Culture of Innovation with Mike LaRhette, Chief Business Officer at LabCentral

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 - LabCentral Connect with us! Link In with Carina Subscribe here: AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feed Learn more about Recruitomics Consulting Check out our reading list Download our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficiently If you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:49 Meet Mike LaRhette: From Architect Aspirations to Ecosystem Builder 01:59 Journey into the Biotech Sector 04:34 A Day in the Life at LabCentral 07:32 The Human Side of Biotech Entrepreneurship 09:55 LabCentral Ignite: Bridging Talent and Opportunity 12:08 Effective Communication Strategies at LabCentral 18:13 Key Elements of a Successful Ecosystem 24:30 Debunking Myths About Entrepreneurs 25:58 Challenges in Post-COVID Event Engagement 26:58 Navigating the Tight Market 28:35 Golden Tickets Program 30:40 Support for New Founders at LabCentral 33:16 Transitioning Out of LabCentral 36:22 Balancing Fun and Seriousness at LabCentral 40:00 Future Directions and Personal Growth 41:49 Favorite Books and Final Thoughts

47 min
SEP 10

How to Build a Lean, Mean Biotech Machine: with Bogdan Knezevic, founder of Kaleidoscope Bio

This week I spoke with Bogdan Knezevic, founder of Kaleidoscope Bio, about optimizing biotech workflows and achieving milestones efficiently. Bogdan shared insights into how his platform helps companies manage research and development processes, reducing operational inefficiencies and saving time, resources, and money. He discussed the importance of setting clear goals, breaking down complex workflows, and avoiding shiny object syndrome (a common ailment among scientists). Bogdan also emphasized the value of keeping teams focused and aligned, leveraging automation, and integrating existing tools to minimize manual work. We explored how to empower teams, balance short-term and long-term goals, and pivot gracefully when needed. Additionally, Bogdan touched on the importance of understanding the true cost of operations and making strategic investments in tools that drive productivity. Exhalation: StoriesGet Bogdan's recommended book! Stories of Your Life and OthersBiotech inflection points framework resource:Biotech fundraising milestones resourceLearn more about Kaleidoscope!Link In with Bogdan! Connect with us! Link In with Carina Subscribe here: AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feed Learn more about Recruitomics Consulting Check out our reading list Download our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficiently If you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction to Systems and Workflow 01:10 Meet Bogdan Knezevic: From Childhood Dreams to Biotech CEO 02:22 The Frustration and Vision Behind Kaleidoscope Bio 04:01 Use Cases and Value Propositions for Biotech Companies 07:50 Empowering Teams and Setting Priorities 11:38 Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals 18:22 Reducing Operational Overhead and Streamlining Processes 31:07 Common Mistakes and Lessons for Biotech Leaders 36:19 Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

41 min
AUG 15

Dream Big Dreams to Solve Big Problems: with Jon Hu, CEO and co-founder of Pepper Bio

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 Carina Subscribe here: AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feed Learn more about Recruitomics Consulting Check out our reading list Download our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficiently If you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction to John Hu and Pepper Bio 00:54 John's Early Aspirations and Career Path 02:27 Founding Pepper Bio and Its Mission 05:15 Tech vs. Biotech: Ambitions and Challenges 10:42 Project Optimist and Pepper's Role 11:53 Pepper's Computational Platform and Future Goals 16:14 Navigating the Biotech Industry and Hiring Strategies 33:35 Personal Motivations and Future Aspirations 36:03 Book Recommendations and Closing Remarks

40 min
JUL 23

Grow by Experimenting with Cheri Ackerman, Cofounder & CEO of Concerto Biosciences

This week we chatted with Cheri Ackerman, PhD, Cofounder & CEO of Concerto Biosciences. During her postdoctoral work at MIT, she developed the groundbreaking kChip technology that led to the formation of Concerto Biosciences. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of building a company during the pandemic and the importance of learning the business side of biotech as a scientific founder. As always, we trumpet the value of building a network to leverage during the growth process. Cheri gives really great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, which is to keep learning and embrace asking questions when you don’t know something. I also loved her views on adapting and experimenting in business, which is one of the key values at Concerto. 00:00 Introduction and Early Career Aspirations 00:09 Journey to Becoming a CEO 01:12 Founding Concerto Biosciences 02:31 Understanding the Microbiome 04:56 Concerto's Innovative Approach 07:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Building a Company 08:58 Navigating the Funding Climate 13:00 Building a Strong Team 21:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 29:34 Future Goals and Aspirations 31:55 Conclusion and Contact Information Get Cheri's recommended books! Measure What MattersThe Founder's Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Sink a Startup (The Kauffman Foundation Series on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 13)No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of ReinventionGood to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don'tWhoLearn more about Concerto BiosciencesLink In with Cheri! Connect with us! Link In with Carina Subscribe here: AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feed Learn more about Recruitomics Consulting Check out our reading list Download our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficiently If you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub

35 min
JUL 19

Better Communication in Biotech with Krysta Pellegrino

This week I sat down with Krysta Pellegrino, Chief Client Officer at Health+Commerce, a public relations and marketing agency specifically focused on healthcare. Krysta shared her unique perspective on how biotech companies can leverage communications strategies to tell their stories effectively, attract talent, and navigate complex challenges. She offered insights on the importance of integrated communications, the evolving landscape of media, and how agencies like H+C can help startups and established companies alike build their brands and communicate their innovations. We also touched on the importance of media training, investor pitch decks, and future trends in biotech communications, including the growing role of AI and integrated digital strategies. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:15 Early Career Aspirations and Path 01:03 Journey in Healthcare Communications 03:23 Role and Impact of PR in Biotech 05:40 Talent Acquisition and Company Culture 07:43 Leveraging Social Media and Video 10:52 Strategies for Startups and Established Companies 18:16 Investor Relations and Pitch Decks 22:02 Media and Presentation Training 27:01 Future Trends in Biotech Communications 31:37 Crisis Management and Scenario Planning 35:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get Krysta's recommended book: An Instance of the FingerpostLearn more about Healthcare Digital Marketing Agency | Health+CommerceLink In with Krysta! Connect with us! Link In with Carina Subscribe here: AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feed Learn more about Recruitomics Consulting Check out our reading list Download our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficiently If you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub

40 min

5

out of 5

25 Ratings

Love it

10/06/2023

Volodarik

Listened to a few episodes and they are great!
Great pod

10/06/2023

Pete N K

Lot of good info!
Great Podcast

09/14/2023

AngelaMarieW

Very Informative!
Fabulous

09/14/2023

Patrick LW

Great Podcast!

From the ground floor to the C-Suite, Building Biotechs offers a behind-the-scenes look into the strategy that goes into launching and scaling successful biotech and life science companies. We talk with biotech executives, founders, HR leaders, and culture builders to learn how they think about growing companies with intention, and discuss the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Creator

Recruitomics Consulting
Years Active

2023 - 2024
Episodes

51
Rating

Clean
Copyright

Copyrights © 2023 All Rights Reserved by Recruitomics Consulting
Show Website

Building Biotechs