OCT 21

E49 #StartupStory “Actionable Approaches to Accelerating Market Validation" w. Line Holst Graves, CEO of Longest Straw

Excited to share the latest episode featuring Line Holst Graves, CEO of Longest Straw, where she shares her inspiring journey from a corporate career to founding her own consultancy, which focuses on guiding biotech and planetary health founders through commercial expansion to secure high-value customers and strategic partnerships. Line discusses the common challenges scientific entrepreneurs face when commercializing their innovations, offering actionable advice for accelerating market validation. Key discussion points include the importance of building a strong commercial foundation, adopting a structured approach to client engagement, and leveraging external expertise to fuel business growth. Timestamps: 00:47 Line's Background and Career Journey 01:45 Starting the Longest Straw 05:10 Challenges and Support in Entrepreneurship 10:07 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 18:44 Common Gaps in Scientific Startups 20:24 Bridging the Commercial Experience Gap 20:56 Balancing Multiple Roles as a Founder 22:17 The Importance of Market Validation 24:34 Structured Approach to Client Engagement 25:45 The Value of Commercial Leadership 28:16 Practical Tips for Accelerating Market Validation 36:30 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Opportunities 39:55 Final Advice for Founders Resource Mentioned: Line's email: line@longestdraw.com Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡 We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes. Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼 (It's also ok to invite yourself 😉) Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach

38 min

OCT 10

E48 #StartupStory “NVP's Product Market Fit Journey: When To Pivot & Fractional Strategies To Extend Runway” with Jan Dideriksen, CEO of Nordic Virtual Pastures

In the latest episode of Life Science Talent Talks, our host sits down with Jan Dideriksen, CEO and Founder of Nordic Virtual Pastures, to explore the company's fascinating journey. Jan shares how his team has navigated pivotal shifts in strategy and embraced an innovative approach by utilizing fractional hires to extend runway and optimize progress. A key focus of the discussion is Nordic Virtual Pastures' unique use of sustainably sourced cell media products from bio-waste streams to support cellular agriculture, cultivated meat, and mammalian cell growth. Jan shares insights on the importance of customer feedback, the company's strategic pivots and the role of fractional hires such as CCO Line Holst Graves in achieving milestones more efficiently. The conversation provides practical tips for startups on navigating pivots, engaging with investors, and leveraging fractional talent to achieve business goals. For startup leaders, investors, and innovators, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on managing pivots, engaging with investors, and building lean yet highly effective teams. Timestamps: 01:05 Overview of Nordic Virtual Pastures 01:12 Product Details and Technology 03:11 Market and Competitive Advantage 05:44 Journey to Entrepreneurship 07:25 First Pivot: From Cell Growth to Cultivated Meat 10:15 Second Pivot: Focusing on Media Components 13:20 Current Strategy and Market Fit 16:32 Feedback and Adaptation 20:43 Innovative Strategies for Product Market Fit 21:03 The Role of a Chief Commercial Officer 22:45 Importance of Customer Feedback 25:26 Fractional Hiring: A Strategic Approach 25:50 Building and Evolving the Team 32:58 Challenges and Benefits of Fractional Hiring 38:44 Future Plans and How to Support 39:50 Final Thoughts and Invitation to Connect Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡 We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes. Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼 (It's also ok to invite yourself 😉) Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach

43 min

OCT 4

E47 #Leadership “Beyond Survival: Thriving as a Founder in High-Pressure Environments” with Executive Coach Cecilie Willer Founder Coach & Head of Mental Health & Leadership Program

In this insightful discussion, Cecilie Willer, whos executive coach specializing and founder mental health expert, shares her journey and professional expertise. The conversation dives into the psychological challenges faced by startup founders, including emotional regulation, identity fusion with their work, and active recovery. Cecilie provides practical tools and techniques for founders to manage stress, enhance self-awareness, and maintain a sustainable work-life balance. She emphasizes the importance of mental health in building successful and sustainable companies. She also discusses her upcoming book, "Built Without Burnout" which offers concrete tools and insights for founders and investors to support mental health in the startup world. Timestamps: 02:06 Cecilia's Journey to Focusing on Founders' Mental Health 05:54 The Importance of Mental Health for Founders 07:25 Writing 'Built Without Burnout' 08:43 Challenges and Solutions for Founders' Mental Health 14:49 Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation 25:00 Balancing Life and Startup Demands 29:11 Balancing Personal Life and Startup Growth 29:48 The Importance of Recovery for Founders 30:38 The Science Behind Burnout and Recovery 31:18 Implementing a Four-Day Work Week 32:22 Practicing Presence and Mindfulness 36:49 Dealing with Feelings of Inadequacy 44:48 Practical Tools for Self-Compassion 49:02 Conclusion and Resources Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡 We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes. Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼 (It's also ok to invite yourself 😉) Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach Resource Mentioned In the episode: Changetoday.io Founder Tools

51 min

SEP 23

E46 #StartupStory “Innovations in 3D Imaging and Spatial Biology” with Jacob Heckscher Sorensen Director - Scientific sales and imaging innovation

In this episode, Jacob Heckscher Sorensen, Director of Scientific Sales and Imaging Innovation at Gubra. Gubra, a biotech firm, specializes in clinical contract research organization services and proprietary drug discovery programs. Jacob delves into his career trajectory, from his educational background in developmental biology at Roskilde University and the University of Edinburgh to his groundbreaking work at Novo Nordisk and the Broad Institute. He shares insights on the development and application of quantitative 3D imaging and spatial biology in preclinical drug development. Jacob discusses the challenges and innovations in imaging, including the use of AI, automating microscopy processes, and the importance of building a virtual brain map for studying diseases like obesity, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. The conversation highlights the evolving technology's potential impact on future pharmaceutical and biotech research, emphasizing the synergy between scientific passion and business development in advancing the field. Timestamps: 00:51 Jacob's Academic Journey and Early Career 02:27 Transition to Novo Nordisk and Imaging Innovations 04:10 Current Role at Gubra and Imaging Applications 06:34 Innovative Applications in Quantitative 3D Imaging 08:48 Challenges and Future Directions in Imaging 12:00 The Role of Imaging in Preclinical Drug Development 12:30 Transition from Science to Sales 13:42 Daily Activities and Collaborations 16:37 Future of Neuroscience and Imaging 18:40 Challenges in the Life Science Industry 26:55 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Scientists Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡 We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes. Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼 (It's also ok to invite yourself 😉) Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach Resource Mentioned In the episode: Novo Nordisk Foundation Bioinnovation Institute (BII) Venture Lab & Venture House University of Copenhagen https://www.triptobio.com

31 min

SEP 18

E45 #StartupStory “Revolutionizing the asphalt industry with fungi-based technology — Visibuilt’s growth from 0 to 10 employees in just 18 months! ” with Line Kloster Pedersen founder & CEO Visibuilt

In this episode of Life Science Talent Talks, we sit down with Line Kloster Pedersen, CEO and founder of Visibuilt. Line shares the inspiring story behind Visibuilt’s founding — from the spark of an idea during a run to securing funding and building a lab. She also dives into the challenges of scaling from 0 to 10 employees and how her team is working toward transforming the global asphalt industry. Looking ahead, Visibuilt is targeting a soft launch in 2026, with a fully commercial product by 2028. This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, including funding strategies, the importance of timing, and the realities of scaling a life sciences startup. This episode is packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs, including how to navigate funding challenges, the importance of timing in startups, and the realities of scaling a life sciences company. Whether you're an aspiring founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, Line's story offers inspiration and practical takeaways. Timestamps: 00:05:09 - The Dirty Process of Asphalt Production 00:05:20 - Visibit's Innovative Solution 00:05:57 - Early Prototypes and Laboratory Phase 00:08:09 - Securing Early Funding and Building a Lab 00:10:26 - First Funding Successes 00:11:24 - Growth and Hiring the First Employees 00:12:35 - Building the Team and Securing Patents 00:16:07 - Future Goals and Commercialization Timeline 00:20:59 - Transitioning from Solo Founder to Team Leader 00:24:04 - Balancing Collective Perspective and Speed 00:25:08 - Deciding on Personal vs. Delegated Tasks 00:26:10 - One-on-One Meetings and Their Benefits 00:28:09 - Avoiding Problems Through Regular Check-ins 00:29:48 - Organizational Leadership Challenges 00:34:08 - Team Building Activities 00:36:25 - Hiring Strategies and Learnings 00:38:10 - Balancing Hires and Consultants 00:41:35 - Facility and Location Importance 00:43:11 - Most Rewarding Aspects of the Journey Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡 We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes. Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼 (It's also ok to invite yourself 😉) Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach

56 min

AUG 29

E44 #TechBBQ-preview "What to expect and how to prepare? Discover TechBBQ 2024's Life Science Track" with Jan Thordsen Project Manager, Life Science at TechBBQ

In this special edition of Life Science Talent Talks, Søren brings listeners an exclusive preview of TechBBQ 2024, with a focus on the Life Science Without Borders stage. They spotlight four innovative startups set to pitch groundbreaking ideas in planetary and human health. Joining them is Jan Thordsen, the organizer of the TechBBQ life science track, who shares insights into the event's growth, the importance of life science in the tech world, and what attendees can expect. TechBBQ 2024 promises to be an exciting and transformative event for the life science and technology sectors, with a special focus on innovation, startups, and the intersection of healthcare and technology. This year, the event will showcase cutting-edge advancements in life science, providing a platform for startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to connect, collaborate, and explore new opportunities. The event will feature a diverse range of speakers, including thought leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and industry pioneers who will share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of life sciences. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, attend workshops, and participate in networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and inspire new ideas. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to launch your startup, an investor seeking the next big opportunity, or a professional interested in the latest trends in life science innovation, TechBBQ 2024 is an event you won't want to miss. Timestamps: 02:56 What is TechBBQ Life Science Track?: Jan gives an overview of TechBBQ 04:54 Target Audience for the Life Science Track: The types of startups that can benefit from the life science track at TechBBQ 07:04 The top reasons why startups should participate in TechBBQ 08:45 Integration of AI and machine learning in life science, highlighting the relevance of these areas in the current TechBBQ context. 09:12 The theme for TechBBQ 2024, “One Giant Leap,” and the improvements made from last year, including a more structured approach to the life science track. 11:00 Discussion about the life science stage, the increase in speakers from last year, and the focus on delivering valuable content from the stage 12:17 Various ways attendees can engage at TechBBQ, 13:00 A new feature for this year, the Nordic Life Science Investor Dinner, designed to foster connections between startups and investors. 14:31 Success stories from startups that participated in previous TechBBQ events Resource Mentioned: Media Overview for TechBBQ 2023. Media Overview for TechBBQ 2022 Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡 We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes. Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼 (It's also ok to invite yourself 😉) Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach

23 min

AUG 29

E43 #TechBBQ-preview “Innovating Tube Feeding: How Bellyfood's Real Food Blends are Revolutionizing Patient Care” with Line Lindhardt Pedersen Founder and CEO of Bellyfood

In this special edition of Life Science Talent Talks, Nehar features Line Petersen, the founder of Bellyfood, a pioneering startup that creates real food blends for individuals with feeding tubes. Line shares the inspiring story behind Bellyfood, which began when her son Otto, who required a feeding tube, started experiencing severe issues with traditional tube feeding formulas. Motivated by a desire to improve her son's health, Line embarked on a journey of extensive research and kitchen experimentation, eventually developing nutritious, real-food alternatives that transformed Otto's well-being. Line discusses Bellyfood’s evolution from a personal project to a growing startup, detailing the challenges of product development, gaining regulatory approval, and scaling the business. Now a key player in the Danish market, Bellyfood is looking to expand into other European markets. The episode also highlights Bellyfood’s participation in TechBBQ 2024, where they aim to network with industry professionals and raise awareness about the importance of real food in tube feeding. Listeners are encouraged to follow Bellyfood on social media to support their mission and stay updated on their progress. Timestamps: 01:15 Line shares her background and the story behind Bellyfood 02:38 Success story: How Otto's condition improved dramatically with Bellyfood's real food blends. 04:00 Product Development and Challenges 05:00 Scaling and Market Expansion 06:00 Comparison with major competitors like Nestlé and Danone. 08:00 Participation in Tech Barbecue 2024 08:24 How Listeners Can Support Bellyfood Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡 We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes. Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼 (It's also ok to invite yourself 😉) Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach

10 min

AUG 29

E42 #TechBBQ-preview “Exo360's Revolutionary Approach to Non-Surgical Fracture Care” with Mads Terndrup Co-Founder of Exo360

In this special edition of Life Science Talent Talks, Nehar sat down with Mads Terndrup, the founder of Exo360, a groundbreaking startup focused on transforming non-surgical treatment options for fractures. This episode is part of a collaboration with TechBBQ 2024, where Exo360 will pitch on the Life Science Without Borders stage. Mads shares his journey from a promising career in orthopedic surgery to founding Exo360, a company that aims to replace outdated plaster casting methods with innovative, standardized solutions using metamaterials. The discussion covers the challenges of merging clinical expertise with entrepreneurial ambition, the development of their first product—the XO360 wrist—and their plans to address diabetic foot ulcers. Timestamps: 01:14 Meet Mads, founder of Exo360 01:57 The Problem Exo360 is Solving 03:00 The transition from an orthopedic surgeon to an entrepreneur. 03:53 Mads persuaded Michael, a branding and marketing expert, to join Exo360 04:48 Exo360’s First Product 06:48 Discussion on the challenges of developing a medical device. 09:00 Launching a new funding round to accelerate the development of a solution for diabetic foot ulcers. Ideas for future podcast guests or themes? 💡 We want to co-create this podcast with you. We'd therefore love to hear your suggestions for future podcast guests or themes. Feel free to share in a private message or leave a comment below 🙏🏼 (It's also ok to invite yourself 😉) Join Our Life Science Talent Ecosystem We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach

11 min

Life Science Talent Talks

E49 #StartupStory “Actionable Approaches to Accelerating Market Validation" w. Line Holst Graves, CEO of Longest Straw

E48 #StartupStory “NVP's Product Market Fit Journey: When To Pivot & Fractional Strategies To Extend Runway” with Jan Dideriksen, CEO of Nordic Virtual Pastures

E47 #Leadership “Beyond Survival: Thriving as a Founder in High-Pressure Environments” with Executive Coach Cecilie Willer Founder Coach & Head of Mental Health & Leadership Program

E46 #StartupStory “Innovations in 3D Imaging and Spatial Biology” with Jacob Heckscher Sorensen Director - Scientific sales and imaging innovation

E45 #StartupStory “Revolutionizing the asphalt industry with fungi-based technology — Visibuilt’s growth from 0 to 10 employees in just 18 months! ” with Line Kloster Pedersen founder & CEO Visibuilt

E44 #TechBBQ-preview "What to expect and how to prepare? Discover TechBBQ 2024's Life Science Track" with Jan Thordsen Project Manager, Life Science at TechBBQ

E43 #TechBBQ-preview “Innovating Tube Feeding: How Bellyfood's Real Food Blends are Revolutionizing Patient Care” with Line Lindhardt Pedersen Founder and CEO of Bellyfood

E42 #TechBBQ-preview “Exo360's Revolutionary Approach to Non-Surgical Fracture Care” with Mads Terndrup Co-Founder of Exo360

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Life Science Talent Talks

Episodes

E49 #StartupStory “Actionable Approaches to Accelerating Market Validation" w. Line Holst Graves, CEO of Longest Straw

E48 #StartupStory “NVP's Product Market Fit Journey: When To Pivot & Fractional Strategies To Extend Runway” with Jan Dideriksen, CEO of Nordic Virtual Pastures

E47 #Leadership “Beyond Survival: Thriving as a Founder in High-Pressure Environments” with Executive Coach Cecilie Willer Founder Coach & Head of Mental Health & Leadership Program

E46 #StartupStory “Innovations in 3D Imaging and Spatial Biology” with Jacob Heckscher Sorensen Director - Scientific sales and imaging innovation

E45 #StartupStory “Revolutionizing the asphalt industry with fungi-based technology — Visibuilt’s growth from 0 to 10 employees in just 18 months! ” with Line Kloster Pedersen founder & CEO Visibuilt

E44 #TechBBQ-preview "What to expect and how to prepare? Discover TechBBQ 2024's Life Science Track" with Jan Thordsen Project Manager, Life Science at TechBBQ

E43 #TechBBQ-preview “Innovating Tube Feeding: How Bellyfood's Real Food Blends are Revolutionizing Patient Care” with Line Lindhardt Pedersen Founder and CEO of Bellyfood

E42 #TechBBQ-preview “Exo360's Revolutionary Approach to Non-Surgical Fracture Care” with Mads Terndrup Co-Founder of Exo360

About

Information