Building Biotechs

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 therapies
• Connect with Federico on LinkedIn

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00:00 Founder arc and why market-first beats tech-first in biotech

06:30 The SF trip that reframed the story: asset vs. platform, and pitching the right investor

2:45 Building a non-dilutive funding stack: six UK grants, early platform revenue, friends-and-family as match

18:10 Success-fee grant writer playbook and how non-scientist reviewers evaluate

22:00 Hiring to milestones: part-time senior talent + equity, geo-distributed team to extend runway

27:30 Mentors who span tech and biotech, and the cadence that compounds

31:40 Founder mindset: ask “dumb” questions, iterate in public, push back on default VC expectations

36:20 Watching macro signals (e.g., NVDA) to time raises and plan runway

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 LinkedIn
• Follow Lamassu Biotech on LinkedIn
• Learn More about Lamassu Biotech

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00:00 Introduction

00:13 Mission and Work at Lamassu Biotech

01:24 Previous Experience at Duke University

03:50 Challenges and Strategies in Biotech

06:48 Accelerating Drug Development

08:24 Navigating Regulatory Hurdles

14:19 The Role of the FDA and Knowledge Sharing

18:01 Maintaining US Biotech Leadership

27:15 Entrepreneurial Insights and Team Building

35:47 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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 Everything
• Learn more about LifeSci Catalyst Partners!
• Connect with Russ on LinkedIn!

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00:00 Introduction and Early Aspirations

02:04 Journey into Medical Sales

03:37 Marketing and Commercialization Insights

05:31 Navigating Early-Stage Startups

08:39 Fundraising Strategies for Biotech Startups

15:00 Acquisitions and Exits

22:39 The Intersection of Genome Sequencing, Blockchain, and AI

29:49 Future Goals and Recommendations

31:47 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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 Presentation
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00:00 Introduction and Childhood Dreams

01:19 The Power of Dressing the Part

01:49 Career Path and Consulting Firm

03:20 Role of a Fractional CBO

04:03 Navigating Startup Challenges

06:07 Crafting Effective Pitch Decks

08:32 Big Pharma vs. Biotech Mentality

16:01 The Importance of a Strong Team in Biotech

16:20 Approaching Pharma and Corporate Venture Capital

17:20 Strategies for Biotech Companies to Gain Traction

18:24 Types of Biotech CEOs and Their Approaches

21:02 Navigating Conferences and Networking

27:09 Future Goals and Aspirations

28:59 Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

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: Essays
• CYpHER: catalytic extracellular targeted protein degradation with high potency and durable effect | Nature Communications
• Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn!
• Learn more about Cyclera Therapeutics

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00:00 Introduction and Early Aspirations

00:33 Journey into Biomedical Engineering

01:19 First Startup Experience

03:40 Founding Cyclera

05:02 Focus on CNS Therapeutics

13:35 Challenges and Strategies in Biotech

15:39 The Termeer Foundation Fellowship

21:26 Biotech Networks: Boston vs. Seattle

26:50 Future of Cyclera and Personalized Medicine

32:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, I had an engaging conversation with Stacie Frye, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of StimulusBio, a life sciences commercialization and venture studio for biotech startups. We discussed how StimulusBio aids startups in operational and commercialization aspects, leveraging Stacie's unique journey across marketing, chemical engineering, and her experience with successful biotech exits. Experience from previous startups profoundly informs StimulusBio’s approach to helping startups transition from incubation to market. We explored the critical stages of startup growth, emphasizing the importance of marketing, storytelling, team building, and experience-based advice. Stacie also shared her insights into the emerging trends in the biotech industry, particularly in Houston's growing biotech ecosystem, and the importance of balancing innovation with practical business needs.

• Get Stacie's recommended book! Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
• Learn about StimulusBio
• Connect with Stacie on LinkedIn!

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00:00 Introduction to Stacie Frye and StimulusBio

00:51 Stacie's Unique Career Path

01:56 Early Career and Transition to Bioengineering

03:32 Startup Experiences and Lessons Learned

08:46 Challenges in Transitioning from Incubator to Market

12:44 The Importance of Marketing and Team Building

32:17 Emerging Trends and Future Goals

37:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 Inside
• Learn more about EF Hutton LLC!
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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

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 Alchemist
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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

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 - MassBio
• Learn about Partnering Opportunities - MassBio
• Learn about the CEO & Founder Link - MassBio
• Learn about MassBio’s Vision 2030 strategic plan
• Learn about MassBioDrive!
• Learn about MassBio Innovation
• Learn more about Massachusetts Biotechnology Council
• Linked In with Jason!

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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 LabCentral
• Conttect: Michael LaRhette - LabCentral

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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