Building Biotechs

Putting the “Tech” in Biotech: An Unconventional Path to Building a Therapeutics Company, with Federico Paoletti, PhD

Federico Paoletti, co-founder of Exogene, founded his biotech company immediately after finishing his PhD, which led to a steep learning curve and many valuable lessons he now shares with other founders. He and his co-founder learned to operate like a tech startup inside biotech: validate the market before the product, iterate fast, and let customer discovery shape the platform thesis. He shares how a tough SF fundraising trip reframed their pitch from an asset-only story to a bigger, platform-driven vision that fits the right investor audience. We dig into non-dilutive funding tactics, using a success-fee grant writer, building a lab-in-the-loop data flywheel without overhiring, and hiring senior talent creatively with part-time plus equity to reach milestones without burning runway. We also cover the founder mindset: asking “dumb” questions to accelerate learning, leveraging mentors who understand both tech and biotech, tracking macro signals to time raises, and pushing back on default VC expectations when they don’t serve the company’s stage.Exogene – Unlocking curative TCR-based therapiesConnect with Federico on LinkedInConnect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Founder arc and why market-first beats tech-first in biotech06:30 The SF trip that reframed the story: asset vs. platform, and pitching the right investor2:45 Building a non-dilutive funding stack: six UK grants, early platform revenue, friends-and-family as match18:10 Success-fee grant writer playbook and how non-scientist reviewers evaluate22:00 Hiring to milestones: part-time senior talent + equity, geo-distributed team to extend runway27:30 Mentors who span tech and biotech, and the cadence that compounds31:40 Founder mindset: ask “dumb” questions, iterate in public, push back on default VC expectations36:20 Watching macro signals (e.g., NVDA) to time raises and plan runway

Accelerating Drug Development is a Moral Imperative with Dr. Gabi Hanna, MD

For our first episode of season three, I sat down with Gabi Hanna, MD, CEO and co-founder of Lamassu Biotech, where he leads the development of innovative therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases. A physician-scientist and serial entrepreneur, Dr. Hanna previously founded the first academic drug development center at Duke University and has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications. Under his leadership, Lamassu is advancing two novel therapeutics—RABI-767, now in Phase II trial, and SA53, a first-in-class oncology compound currently in Phase I/II trial. He also oversees Lamassu Pets, which is developing a canine therapy for pancreatitis. Dr. Hanna’s work is driven by a commitment to rapid, cost-effective drug development that addresses unmet clinical needs.We discuss the mission of Lamassu Biotech, as well as the importance of academic accelerator programs, overcoming regulatory roadblocks, and the moral duty to accelerate drug development for patient care. Gabi emphasizes the need for efficient operations, strategic partnerships, and a patient-centric approach in biotech. We also explore the potential for policy changes to improve collaboration between universities and biotech companies, as well as the importance of ethical considerations in drug development. Dr. Hanna’s's insights provide valuable guidance for both entrepreneurs and those working in the biotech industry.Connect with Dr. Gabi Hanna on LinkedInFollow Lamassu Biotech on LinkedInLearn More about Lamassu BiotechConnect with us!Link In with CarinaSubscribe here:AppleSpotifyGoogle PodcastRSS feedLearn more about Recruitomics ConsultingCheck out our reading listDownload our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficientlyIf you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub 00:00 Introduction00:13 Mission and Work at Lamassu Biotech01:24 Previous Experience at Duke University03:50 Challenges and Strategies in Biotech06:48 Accelerating Drug Development08:24 Navigating Regulatory Hurdles14:19 The Role of the FDA and Knowledge Sharing18:01 Maintaining US Biotech Leadership27:15 Entrepreneurial Insights and Team Building35:47 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Biotech, Blockchain, and Building Companies with Russ Peloquin, Managing Partner of LifeSci Catalyst Partners

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

Funding, Partnerships, and Growth: Strategies for Startup Biotech Success with Fractional Chief Business Officer Renee Williams

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

Trust, Teamwork, and Innovation, with Natalie Nairn, Co-founder and CEO of Cyclera Therapeutics

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