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
• Link In with Renee!

Connect with us!

Link In with Carina

Subscribe here:

• Apple
• Spotify
• Google Podcast
• RSS feed

Learn more about Recruitomics Consulting

Check out our reading list

Download our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficiently

If you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub

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

Connect with us!

Link In with Carina

Subscribe here:

• Apple
• Spotify
• Google Podcast
• RSS feed

Learn more about Recruitomics Consulting

Check out our reading list

Download our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficiently

If you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub

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