What does it really take to build a biotech startup from scratch?

In this episode, Natalie Binns speaks with Georgia Witchel, founder of Mantis Biotech, about her journey from early programming to launching a company focused on biomedical infrastructure.

Georgia shares how she identified a gap in the biotech space, why she prioritised sales from day one, and how cold outreach helped her secure early customers. She also breaks down the reality of startup execution, why everything takes longer than expected and why growth is rarely linear.

They discuss her experience with Y Combinator, building as a solo founder, and the mindset required to keep moving forward in a demanding and competitive space.

If you’re building a startup or considering it, this episode offers a grounded and practical perspective on what it really takes.