The NFX Podcast

By NFXTechnology

The NFX Podcast episodes

January 10, 2023 NFXBio: Deal or Die – A Guide to TechBio Business Development and Strategy
There are two parts to building a bioplatform: you have to focus on the science, then you have to think about the business side. When do you partner? When do you develop your own products? How can you determine the real value of a deal? How do you build a strategic network? What avenues are Founders overlooking right now? These are questions our companies ask us all the time. Today, Head of NFXBio Omri Amirav-Dory, Yael Gruenbaum-Cohen, a venture partner at aMoon Fund, and Peter Nell, former Chief Business Officer and head of Therapeutics at Mammoth Biosciences, are charting a roadmap for successful bioplatform business development.
(0:00) Introduction by Omri Amirav-Drory and Guest Introductions: Peter Neil and Yael Gruenbaum-Cohen
(4:06) Discussion on NFX's Investment Focus and the Role of Business Development in Startups
(11:33) Importance of Strategic Partnerships and the Right Deals for Company Growth
(17:19) Building Trust and Relationships in Business Development, Importance of Patience
(23:13) The Role of Soft Skills, Evidence Required for Partnerships and the Relevance of Animal Models in Funding
(30:04) Common Mistakes Founders Make During Deal-Making and a Hypothetical Case Study Discussion
(36:29) The Potential and Challenges of Commercializing Technology as a Service in Platform Companies
(38:48) The Dilemma of Balancing Pipeline Advancement and Financial Opportunities in Startups
(41:00) Exploring New Avenues for Business Development: Partnering and Competition
(43:49) Final Thoughts on Business Development in the Current Funding Climate and Closing Remarks by Omri Amirav-Drory
47 min
January 05, 2023 NFXBio: Tech Founders, Don’t Be Afraid of Bio
There’s huge value in integrating tech and bio. But many tech entrepreneurs don’t realize what they can bring to the field. Tech entrepreneurs: you can come to bio, if you learn to speak the language. Today, head of NFX Bio Omri Amirav-Drory sits down with his former co-founder at Genome Compiler, and Founder of Mana.bio Yogev Debbi. Yogev has bridged the gap between tech and bio several times in his career. Here’s how to build a culture of trust, leverage your fresh perspective, and build impactful companies at the intersection of tech and bio.
(0:00) Omri Amirav-Drory introduces the episode and guest, Yogev Debbi
(5:59) Debbi's experience with Twist Biosciences and the impact of CRISPR
(10:15) Debbi's decision to start MannaBio and its mission
(12:45) The complexity and challenges of developing new delivery vehicles in biotherapeutics
(17:28) The importance of automation and efficiency in biotech
(22:33) Applying tech concepts to improve efficiency in bio
(26:30) Building the right team for a tech-bio startup
(32:25) Bridging the gap between tech and bio teams for innovation
(38:06) The evolution of problem-solving in startups
(41:17) The crucial elements of a successful startup: Team, Technology, and Market
(43:26) The potential of biology in solving world problems
45 min
December 21, 2022 Ep 11: Network Effects In TechBio (NFX Masterclass)
Biology is the most advanced technology on earth. It’s a nanotechnology that actually works, and it scales. The rest of the world will benefit when there are more TechBio founders and investors in the space and this sector has never been more central to shaping a better future. The next significant phase of human progress is going to be led by these Scientist-Founders who build TechBio companies capable of unlocking that future. In this episode, general partner Omri Drory explores how network effects are helping TechBio companies cure diseases, fight climate change, and tackle some of the biggest issues facing humanity today.
This is an audio version of final episode from The Network Effects Masterclass, curated for audio and listening on the go. For the full video experience, transcripts, and recommended reading, join the free Network Effects Masterclass at - NFX.com/masterclass.
(0:00) Introduction and Omri Amirav-Drory's Background
(1:24) The Intersection of Biology and Entrepreneurship
(2:40) Deep Dive: Mammoth Biosciences and Importance of IP in Bio
(5:57) Transition from Biotech to Tech Bio and Power of Regulation
(7:25) The Power Law in VC and NFX's Investment Criteria
(9:11) Conclusion and Encouragement for Tech Entrepreneurs to Enter Tech Bio
10 min
December 14, 2022 Ep 10: Network Effects In Gaming (NFX Masterclass)
We are in the first wave of web3 games, and some believe that games don't have network effects built into their development or long-term strategy. In this episode, listen to NFX partner Gigi Levy-Weiss as he dives into the world of defensibility within the gaming industry, sharing the 4 layers of network effects, the future of virtual goods, and a case study on Steam - the leading platform for video game development.
This is an audio version of episode 10 from The Network Effects Masterclass, curated for audio and listening on the go. For the full video experience, transcripts, and recommended reading, join the free Network Effects Masterclass at - NFX.com/masterclass.
(0:00) Introduction to the episode and foundation of NFX
(2:38) Understanding network effects in games and misconceptions
(3:29) Game liquidity, player matching, and personal networks
(5:15) Layers of network effects in games: Game network and personal utility
(6:29) The marketplace layer of network effects and the bandwagon effect
(8:16) Defensibility and longevity of top games due to network effects
(9:39) Introduction to Steam and its marketplace network effect
(12:34) User-generated content and virtual goods in Steam's marketplace
(14:40) Network effects in Steam, the bandwagon effect, and its 30% rake on transactions
(16:50) The challenge for competitors to replicate Steam's network effects
(17:13) Concluding remarks and a preview of the next episode
18 min
December 07, 2022 Announcing: The Beller Family Web3 Show
Coming soon: The Beller Family Web3 Show, a new podcast from NFX.
For the Bellers, Web3 is a family affair. Morgan Beller, her dad Michael, and her baby brother Drew have more in common than their last name: they are each dedicated to building the future of Web3. Together they’ve been through all the dumpster fires, from Mt. Gox to FTX, and now they're inviting founders everywhere to join them at the dinner table as they discuss how to lead crypto and web3 ever forward.
2 min
December 07, 2022 Ep 9: Why Network Effects Are (Even) More Powerful In Web3 (NFX Masterclass)
In Web3, network effects are fundamental and critical to survival. If you’re building in Web3 properly, then it should automatically include network effects. Listen in as General Partner Morgan Beller acts like the river guide of network effects for Web3 as she shares her experience and insights on how to be defensible in this new world. Eventually, we will see Web3 swallow Web2 - look how much we’ve learned since that white paper for BTC arrived in 2009. Founders on the frontlines of the Web3 world are educating us on how to remain defensible and retain growth amongst competitors.
This is an audio version of episode 9 from The Network Effects Masterclass, curated for audio and listening on the go. For the full video experience, transcripts, and recommended reading, join the free Network Effects Masterclass at - NFX.com/masterclass.
(0:00) Introduction to the episode and Morgan Beller
(1:26) Overview of Web 3 and its product building path
(5:23) Importance of product standard and platform risk in Web 3
(9:10) Applying Web 2 lessons to Web 3 development
(11:32) Integrating network effects into your Web 3 business
(14:29) The role of tokens in network bonding and social network effects
(18:05) Navigating towards the center of the circle for a more defensible position
(20:43) Application of Web 3 ethos in the creation of Libra
(22:18) The importance of network effects in Web 3's early stage
(23:34) Closing remarks and subscription invitation
24 min
December 06, 2022 NFXBio: The Promise of Synthetic Embryos with Dr. Jacob Hanna of Renewal Bio
We're highlighting a breakthrough moment - this summer, Dr. Jacob Hanna, a professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science published a paper demonstrating that synthetic mouse embryos could be grown outside the womb, without an egg or sperm. This is a major advance that was covered by Nature, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and others. Today, the head of NFXBio Omri Amirav-Drory is sitting down with Dr. Hanna to discuss how we reached this milestone, what it means for science, and how entrepreneurship can help bring this technology out of the lab.
(0:00) Introduction to synthetic embryos and Dr. Jacob Hanna
(4:25) Discussion on growing mouse embryos outside the uterus
(7:48) Self-organizing stem cells and their role in synthetic embryos
(14:15) Future possibilities and limitations of synthetic embryo development
(17:04) Potential treatment of diseases with synthetic embryo technology
(20:47) Scientist founder's journey and commercialization of synthetic embryo technology
(25:01) Closing remarks and thanks
26 min
November 30, 2022 Ep 8: Your Life Is Driven By Network Effects (NFX Masterclass)
What city you live in. Who you date or marry. Which job you choose. What clothes you wear. We all think we make these choices ourselves. It certainly feels like we’re in full control. The unseen hand in them all is the networks that surround us and the powerful math they exert on us. This episode outlines how we see network effects impacting nearly every aspect of your life. It will hopefully help you make decisions that are more true to the kind of life you want to lead. This is an audio version of episode 8 from The Network Effects Masterclass, curated for audio and listening on the go.
For the full video experience, transcripts, and recommended reading, join the free Network Effects Masterclass at - NFX.com/masterclass.
(0:00) Introduction to network effects in your life
(1:36) Utilizing network forces in life
(3:25) Decision-making role of our networks
(5:10) Formation of network bonds
(6:24) Understanding degrees of separation in networks
(7:38) Layers where networks form
(9:26) The seven crossroads moments in life
(12:19) Merging of networks in marriage
(13:06) Influence of location on lifestyle and network
(14:01) Advice for recent graduates: Choosing city and job based on network
(14:53) Conclusion and announcement of the next episode
16 min
November 23, 2022 Ep. 7 - Network Problems Demand Network Solutions (NFX Masterclass)
In this episode, James Currier delves into the power law in network effects and its impact. He explores the transition from an agrarian to a networked economy, discusses the perception of status in this new system, and examines the social and economic impacts of network effect businesses. He also discusses changing social contracts and the role of an ombudsman in network effect businesses.
We spend a lot of time teaching Founders how to use network effects to create these giant, world-changing businesses, but we think that too little has been said about how society should adapt to these new network effect behemoths we’re helping create.
This episode is hosted by general partner James Currier as he discusses how network effect businesses are reshaping the world, why it's our responsibility to design and thoughtfully set up social contracts with our different constituents, and the need to have a perspective about what you are giving and getting from the people on these networks.
This is an audio version of episode 7 from The Network Effects Masterclass, curated for audio and listening on the go. For the full video experience, transcripts, and recommended reading, join the free Network Effects Masterclass at - NFX.com/masterclass.
(0:00) Introduction to the episode and network effects
(1:12) The power law in network effects and its impact
(3:03) Transition from agrarian to networked economy
(5:50) Perception of status in the networked economy
(7:24) Impact of network effect businesses on society and economy
(10:17) Changing social contracts in the networked economy
(14:21) Ongoing social contract between businesses and network users - Part II
(15:19) Role of an ombudsman in network effect businesses
(16:50) Closing remarks and promotion for upcoming episodes
17 min
November 22, 2022 NFXBio: TechBio Platforms Developing a Universal Vaccine & Beating Treatment-Resistant Cancer
In this episode, Nick Goldner and Jacob Glanville share their founder journeys and discuss platform technologies in biotech. They delve into the business models of Resistance Bio and Sentivax, strategies for infectious diseases, and the challenges of scientific entrepreneurship. The conversation shifts to fundraising experiences and understanding investor feedback, concluding with visions for the future of biotech.
In biology we have a saying: what doesn’t kill you mutates and tries again.
Cancer. Deadly viruses. These problems are so hard to tackle because the goalposts are always moving. Thanks to evolution, these diseases often outpace therapies and vaccines.
Today, NFX General Partner and Head of NFX Bio Omri Amirav-Drory is sitting down with two Founders using platforms to stay a step ahead of evolution. Jacob Glanville, Founder of Centivax, has developed a platform to create broad spectrum vaccines capable of arming the immune system against rapidly mutating viruses (like COVID-19 or influenza). Nick Goldner, Founder of resistanceBio, discusses his approach for mapping all the possible resistance paths a cancer can take in the human body – and developing therapies to shut those escape routes down.
Here’s why we need platforms to tackle biology’s biggest problems, what it takes to build a platform company, and their advice for fundraising in Techbio.
(0:00) Introduction to the episode and guests
(1:45) Founders' journeys: Nick Goldner and Jacob Glanville
(8:19) Discussion on platform technologies in biotech
(23:30) In-depth look at Resistance Bio and Sentivax's platforms and business models
(28:45) Strategies for addressing infectious diseases
(34:15) Overcoming challenges in scientific entrepreneurship
(34:59) Transition to discussing fundraising experiences
(43:42) Understanding the investor's perspective and adapting based on feedback
(47:34) Vision for the future of their platforms and the intersection of biology and technology
(51:33) Outro and podcast reminders
52 min

About The NFX Podcast

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We believe creating something of true significance starts with seeing things others do not. NFX is a venture firm exclusively focused on pre-seed & seed stage startups.