Venkatramana Pegadaraju

“From Incubation to Acquisition: The growth Journey of an Early-Stage Company” - the story of Serotiny from inception through the turbulations of a biotech startup to an acquisition by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine to bring their technology for oncology patients. Session led by Melinda Richter Global Head Johnson & Johnson innovation - JLABS, with Serotiny co-founder Colin F. (Also present is other co-founder Justin Farlow), Eric Moessinger Matthew Lorenzi and Leo MacDonald Serotiny started at JLABS section of the MBC incubator and through this connection got access to Johnson & Johnson experts who got excited despite the early stage and willingly joined the journey, shared insights about the killer experiments that needed to be done to get the data package for validation and helped in multiple other ways. Serotiny’s technology held the promise to allow Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine to tailor the design of cell therapy with diverse cell types. Multiple collaborations followed over several years to problem solve together, working closely as a team (“impossible to tell who is from Serotiny and who is from J&J), and an investment by J&J’d venture arm #JJDC. A strong and deep cultural fit became apparent in addition to the potential benefit of the technology, eventually leading to an acquisition just before new year’s 2023 aligned with the original vision of making the most impact through J&J’s big corporate engine and financial power. Post-acquisition and celebration, Serotiny remains in JLABS in the Bay Area. The team is key together, working on the same projects, keeping the same culture and focus on the science and plugged into the larger J&J organization. From an investor perspective (Eric Moessinger): excellent outcome. Colin’s learnings: talk to potential partners earlier and more. JLABS environment was a valuable resource - attended many programs in both Bay Area and DC JLABS locations to learn as much as possible about what’s awaiting downstream. Advice to startups: - See the many “no”s you’ll hear as opportunities to learn, polish your proposition, avoid mistakes. - be open about issues and problems. The right partner will see it as a sign of seriousness and humility - a recipe for success, rather than a liability, and roll up their sleeves to problem-solve. - articulate the differentiation of your company from all others. #mycompany is proud of its offering to innovators that attempts to respond to the needs of young startups: incubation and access to expertise, strategic venture funding at any stage that is aligned with desire to bring products to patients, ability to enter into early stage collaborations and licensing facilitated by a local team that is focused on building long term relationships and appreciates the challenges faced by our partners.

98

1 Comment

🌱 Unlocking the Future of Biotech with the BioE3 Policy! 🚀 Ready to dive into a $1 billion biotech industry in India? The BioE3 policy is paving the way for high-performance biom manufacturing and abundant job opportunities. 💰 Dive into substantial financial backing! Startups and research in the biotech field can access up to Rs 1.5-2 crores in support, alongside attractive loan options. 🌿 From biochemicals to smart proteins, the BioE3 policy's focus areas are diverse and promising. Get ready for a wave of innovation in biofuels, precision biotherapeutics, and more! 🌍 Environmental champions, this one's for you! Implementation of the policy will boost exports, slash carbon emissions, and spur economic growth. Let's make a difference. Want to know more? Check out the full scoop at https://lnkd.in/g4zaG23W 🌐 #BioE3Policy #BiotechRevolution

12

Looking forward to interact with #Global #Scientific Fraternity, Young #Researchers, #Innovators, #Entrepreneurs. I will be sharing my views on #Bioeconomy Potential. Looking forward to meet all at Bengaluru Tech Summit #Viksitbharat2047 #BiotechInnovation #HealthtechInnovation

183

1 Comment

Nice (and sharp) article on ways to add value on Corporate Performance by Bharat Anand and David Collis from Harvard Business School; Only 4 business strategies to do it : Verticalization, Horizontal synergies, Portfolio rebalancing, and reduce corporate overhead. "Cut through the rhetorical clutter—the corporate references to strategies as M&A-led, organic growth, disruptive innovation, customer-centric, and so on—and all approaches boil down to one of the four described. These are the only ways to add value." #corporateperformance #businessstrategy #MBA https://lnkd.in/e3vugjnj

13

1 Comment

America’s Seed Fund, powered by the U.S. National Science Foundation, focuses on transforming scientific and engineering discoveries into products and services with commercial and societal impact. Each year, we award $200+ million in research and development (R&D) funding to about 400 startups across the United States. We invite you to attend a virtual question and answer session titled Office Hours: Intro to America’s Seed Fund at NSF: Thursday, Jan. 16, 2-3 p.m. EST In this session, an NSF Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program director will answer questions about how to get started, the basics of eligibility, and what we look for when we review Project Pitches. REGISTER Before joining the webinar, we recommend that you: Visit the How It Works section to learn more about America's Seed Fund, powered by NSF, and the Project Pitch submission process Watch a recording of Introduction to America's Seed Fund, powered by NSF We invite you to share the Zoom link with colleagues you think may be interested in attending the webinar. Thank you, America's Seed Fund, powered by NSF, staff About America's Seed Fund powered by NSF America’s Seed Fund powered by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) awards more than $200 million annually to startups and small businesses, transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial and societal impact. Startups working across virtually every discipline of science and technology can receive up to $2 million in non-dilutive funds to support research and development (R&D), helping de-risk technology for commercial success. America’s Seed Fund is congressionally mandated through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. About NSF TIP The NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) engages all Americans in accelerating critical and emerging technologies to advance U.S. competitiveness. The directorate partners across sectors to advance three primary focus areas – accelerating technology, fostering innovation and economic growth, and preparing the American workforce for better-quality, higher-wage jobs. For more information about NSF TIP, visit new.nsf.gov/tip/latest.

1

Thoughtful and insightful podcast on H5N1 and related topics, Arnab Chatterjee. Thanks for taking the time to share your wisdom, especially the part about needing more and better antivirals. https://lnkd.in/eMB-mta8

14

🚀 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬—𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐇𝐮𝐛 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 2! 🎉 Episode 1 drops this Wednesday! 😲🔥 Why not kick off with the industry's biggest buzzword—AI? 🤖 Join us as Tushar Pandey, co-founder and CEO of SimBioSys, Inc., shares his unique insights and visionary outlook on the industry. 👇 Take a little sneak peek at our discussion below - and don't forget to subscribe! Link in my bio. 😊 #TheBioHub #AIinHealthcare #PrecisionMedicine #CancerResearch #Podcast #SeasonPremiere

11

2 Comments

In India, where #cancer cases are rapidly rising, access to advanced diagnostics like Next-Generation Sequencing (#NGS) is often limited to urban centers. However, the establishment of an NGS-based molecular #genetics lab in Bihar has proven that with the right approach, cutting-edge cancer #diagnostics can reach even remote corners of the country​ . Key Outcomes: Over 146 NGS and qRT-PCR tests were conducted, with 71% focusing on lung cancer. Actionable driver #mutations were identified in 52% of #lungcancer cases, allowing #targetedtherapy to improve survival outcomes. Faster diagnostics and reduced turnaround time empowered clinicians to make informed decisions swiftly. This initiative demonstrates how affordable and accessible biomarker testing #kits can revolutionize cancer care in tier-3 towns by improving diagnosis, optimizing treatment strategies, and reducing the financial burden on patients. As we bridge the urban-rural healthcare gap, such models can be scaled to other underserved regions, transforming cancer care across the country. #PrecisionOncology #NGS #CancerCare #HealthcareInnovation #RuralHealthcare #4baseCare #CancerDiagnostics

16

I formed CNTRL Ventures to lead a round into Aanika… While pitching VCs on Aanika Biosciences, Inc. over this past fall, we started gaining incredible traction with customers who essentially control the global ag system. Just massive companies coming to us because of we have a proprietary tech that allows to write risk in new ways. So much so, that at one point when I was laying out our value proposition to a potential investor I thought: “Holy $#it, this is going to be massive…and it’s working”. I think pitch decks are total BS. I think companies need to CHEAPLY try a bunch of things to figure out what works and then go all in. When VCs debate market size it’s silly - everything is so non-linear you just can’t predict. You need to find crazy asymmetric opportunities. All this to say, I RE-sold myself hard on Aanika. We have guys on our cap table that have built multiple Billion dollar + startups in the ag space and exited, and very smart people who manage tens of billions in AUM across sectors. EVERY silicon valley VC we spoke to had nowhere near the domain expertise we have and therefore would just be a check and some good branding. Given that and the fact and that Aanika could be profitable next year, I had to change the plan. And thats why I formed Cntrl Ventures.. We are leading a round in Aanika becsuse I see massive upside Maybe at some point down (very very down) the road we’d invest in other companies and if we did there are a few ways I’d run it: 1. We’d be very controlling over the companies we invested in, like incredibly controlling and force commercializing their idea from day one.Id run it more like a prop trading firm where we allocate resources to highly talented people rather waste everyone’s time on pitch decks and “narratives”. 2. we would never ghost anyone. Just say you think the idea sucks but be direct about it. Hedge fund people much better in this respect because a one word email like “pass” says eveything. 3. Id never utter the words “be helpful”. It makes me want to 🤮. 4. No saving the world BS. You can’t make the world a better place if you never bring your thing to market. To do that is requires getting your hand dirty not networking. 5. Being seriously imbalanced would probably also be a requisite.

38

3 Comments

🌿 Seeking Expertise in Precision Fermentation? 🌿 Are you a precision fermentation SME looking to incorporate renewable feedstocks into your process flow but unsure where to start? At C-Source Renewables Limited, we specialize in helping companies like yours transition to sustainable, renewable inputs, optimizing your production while reducing environmental impact. Our team brings deep expertise in integrating renewable feedstocks seamlessly into existing processes, ensuring efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Let us guide you through the transition to a greener future. Connect with us today at [email protected] and let's explore how we can support your journey toward sustainable innovation. 🌱 #PrecisionFermentation #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #SMEs #Innovation #GreenTech #CircularEconomy

9

The biggest drivers of diseases are those which we still struggle to quantify and detect. Lead (Pb) is the tip of the spear for the broader topic of pollution's impact on the biosphere. So to start mobilizing people and funding toward the challenge, we wrote a Target Product Profile for Lead Detection technology. This is the result of dozens of interviews with experts around the world, and shoutout to Sarah Daniels Ariana Caiati and Parth Ahya for driving this awesome effort.

26

1 Comment

Each month, America's Seed Fund powered by the U.S. National Science Foundation shares exciting news stories from NSF-funded startups. Below find August 2024 news highlights from a few companies formerly and currently funded by the NSF Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program: Nth Cycle Recycling company Nth Cycle (NSF-2112301) develops a low-cost process to recycle and refine lithium-ion batteries from out of service electric vehicles and consumer electronics. The company recently opened a new cobalt and nickel recycling refinery in Fairfield, Ohio. Article via WCBD News 2 JuneBrain To improve remote monitoring of neurological and retinal diseases, JuneBrain (NSF-2053315) develops medical imaging devices and artificial intelligence-powered software. Its automated, high-speed retinal imaging system helps monitor patients at home or in clinical settings. Article via BioBuzz HeroWear HeroWear (NSF-2139480) designs lift-assist exosuits to reduce back strain by helping workers lift heavy objects. Recent data collected over 280,000 hours of work found that individuals wearing the exosuits reported zero bank injuries, a 25% percent decrease in work-related bodily discomfort, and a 20% reduction in work-related fatigue, according to HeroWear. Article via Modern Materials Handling Grain Weevil On a mission to reduce grain bin accidents and entrapments, Nebraska-based and family-owned company Grain Weevil (NSF-2321441) uses robots with augers that can level grain, break up crusts, perform inspections, and conduct other tasks to keep farmers safe. Article via Rural Radio Network Electroninks Texas-based Electroninks (NSF-1534755) manufactures cost-effective, highly conductive, and sustainable metal complex inks for printed electronics, including medical devices and semiconductors. The company recently launched new copper ink for advanced packaging for semiconductor manufacturing and other use cases. Article via AZoMaterials Bloomlife To ease anxiety during pregnancy, Bloomlife (NSF-1843361) develops a wearable that remotely monitors both maternal and fetal heart rates in home and clinical settings. The wearable device can also track contractions in real time to improve maternal health outcomes. Bloomlife recently raised $12.2M. Article via Femtech Insider Aventusoft Aventusoft (NSF-1456401) develops medical devices to improve early detection and monitoring of heart disease. The company’s product “Hemotag” is designed to help doctors avoid invasive procedures when evaluating a patient. The device provides non-invasive, 30-second measurements to assess structural heart health. Article via Refresh Miami Atom Computing Atom Computing (NSF-1951188) is partnering with Microsoft to build a new generation of quantum hardware. Atom Computing’s neutral atom technology will integrate with Microsoft’s Azure Quantum platform to develop fault-tolerant quantum supercomputers. Article via The Quantum Insider

3

Over the past two decades, India has become one of the top twelve biotechnology hubs globally, featuring a vibrant ecosystem with over 2,500 participants. India, today, is on the cusp of transitioning from a ‘volume-driven bioeconomy’ to a ‘value-driving bioeconomy’ in manufacturing and process development. This shift, coupled with a growing pool of skilled talent, will further strengthen its research, development, and innovation capabilities.   During today’s discussion at the 6th Confederation of Indian Industry Pharma & Life Science Summit, it was an honor to contribute to the panel about how we can collectively fuel India’s evolution from a generics leader to a high-value drug hub. We explored industry focus areas and highlighted government support through groundbreaking policies such as the BioE3 policy.   I extend my gratitude to Dr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary of the Department Of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers; Dr. Sanjay Singh, CEO of Genova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd; Mr. Lakshminarayana Neti, COO of Biological E Limited; and Mr. Manoj Ramakrishnan, Managing Director for India & South Asia at Cytiva, for their thought-provoking contributions.   It was valuable to discuss how we can energize the industry by being partners-in-progress with the government, particularly to support emerging biotech companies and ensure their sustainability beyond critical challenges, facilitated by pro-industry policies by the government and by upskilling the R&D community.   It was heartening to hear Honorable Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology, underscoring the importance of industry-academia partnership to further innovation, technological advancement, and high-skill development among science and technology talent. At Merck, we are committed to empowering the scientists and researchers of tomorrow, thereby advancing the pharma and biopharma sectors through essential skill development. We look forward to collaborating with the government and academia to achieve our vision of propelling the economy to $5 trillion by 2027.

404

12 Comments

My heartfelt gratitude to the 51 Pharma and Biotech companies, as well as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), for engaging in insightful discussions during the One-on-One Partnering Program at BIO2024. Their keen interest in our Multiomics and Biomimetic Digital Twin Ecosystem analysis is truly inspiring, underscoring the importance of collaborative innovation in the healthcare industry. Through the publication of peer-reviewed papers, we have showcased the transformative impact of our work: - Enhanced pathophysiology understanding of diseases - Commencement of reclassification of variants of unknown clinical significance (VUSs) - Potential reduction in drug development time and costs by approximately 25-35% A significant milestone in our journey is the establishment of a partnership with the NIH for groundbreaking research on rare diseases. Looking forward to continued collaboration and advancements in healthcare that benefit patients worldwide. #Biotech #Pharma #HealthcareInnovation #Collaboration #Research #BIO2024

17

1 Comment

The right partners amplify impact—and we are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), reinforcing our shared commitment to bringing cutting-edge biological solutions to farmers across India. This collaboration combines Bioprime’s advanced technology with IIL’s extensive market presence and deep understanding of Indian agriculture, creating a powerful synergy to drive sustainable farming practices at scale. From Nature, For Nature—together, we are dedicated to empowering farmers, enhancing productivity, and championing the cause of sustainable agriculture for a greener future. Ending the year on a high note! #SustainableFarming #Biologicals #Partnership #AgricultureInnovation #Bioprime #IIL Rajesh Aggarwal Onkar Nath Mayur Umap Ajay Kulshreshtha Dushyant Sood DR SHEKHAR BISHT Dr. Ritika Pathak Pravin Jadhav

68

10 Comments

It's been almost a decade since I began my journey at Diverse Genomics Pvt. Ltd., and the transformations I've witnessed have been nothing short of remarkable. Here are some invaluable learnings I've gathered along the way about the rapid evolution of #technology Here's an overview of how these changes are shaping various fields: 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫: The processing power of computers doubles approximately every two years, following a trend known as Moore's Law. This means that the capabilities of our computers are rapidly expanding, allowing for more complex and faster computations. This is crucial for fields like genomics, where large datasets need to be analyzed quickly. 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐀𝐈) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐌𝐋): #AI and #ML are transforming industries by enabling computers to learn from data and make decisions or predictions. In healthcare, AI is used for predictive analytics, personalized medicine, and improving diagnostic accuracy. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of genetic data to identify patterns and biomarkers that would be impossible for humans to detect manually. 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Cloud services provide scalable and flexible computing resources over the internet. This allows companies to store large datasets and run complex analyses without the need for expensive on-site hardware. Cloud computing also facilitates collaboration by making data and tools accessible from anywhere in the world. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 (𝐈𝐨𝐓): IoT involves connecting everyday devices to the internet, allowing them to collect and exchange data. #IoT devices can monitor patient health in real-time, providing valuable data for personalized treatment plans and early disease detection. 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚: The ability to collect and analyze large volumes of data is revolutionizing many fields. In #genomics, big data analytics helps in understanding genetic variations and their implications for health and disease. The integration of AI with #bigdata allows for more accurate and comprehensive analyses. 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: Blockchain provides a secure way to record transactions and manage data. In #healthcare, it can be used to ensure the privacy and security of patient data, making it easier to share information across different platforms while maintaining confidentiality. These technological advancements are interrelated and collectively contribute to rapid innovation and efficiency improvements across industries. Companies that leverage these technologies can stay ahead of the curve, innovate faster, and deliver more effective solutions. It's important to remain flexible and adaptive, using asset-light strategies to take full advantage of the latest advancements without being bogged down by outdated infrastructure. #Biotech #Innovation #CloudComputing #Blockchain #PersonalizedMedicine #DecadeInGenomics

19

Happy to be a part of the CEOs Round Table on 12th September, 2024, during Global Bio-India 2024, New Delhi. This year's discussion will focus on India's bioeconomy, which has experienced an extraordinary growth trajectory, surging from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024—a remarkable 13-fold increase over the past decade! As we delve into this dynamic sector, we’ll explore how India's burgeoning bioeconomy is addressing pressing challenges across healthcare, agriculture, environment, and sustainability. This growth not only highlights the potential within our biotech industry but also underscores the need for continued innovation and collaboration. Looking forward to engaging with fellow leaders and exploring how we can further accelerate this transformative journey! #GlobalBioIndia2024 #Bioeconomy #Innovation #Biotechnology #Leadership #Sustainability

205

8 Comments

As we celebrate Aryastha Life Sciences First Anniversary, this past year has been incredibly inspiring. Since our inception, we've maintained a unique position, securing Series A funding and establishing India's leading CRDMO. This milestone has empowered us to pursue our mission and vision with confidence, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and top-tier talent, allowing us to deliver unparalleled services. Our robust scientific expertise has attracted strategic clients from the US, Canada, Europe, and India, nurturing enduring business relationships. We extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated team and strategic clients worldwide for their trust in our scientific credibility. This trust enables us to make informed, strategic decisions to achieve project goals and ensure shared success. We deeply appreciate all who have supported us and those seeking to collaborate with Aryastha Life Sciences as essential resources and strategic partners. Together, we are poised to achieve significant success in advancing global healthcare for patients. #AryasthaLifeSciences #Anniversary #LifeSciences #CRDMO #SeriesAFunding #Innovation #Healthcare #AryasthaLifeSciencesAnniversary #GlobalImpact #ScientificExcellence #StrategicPartnerships #Teamwork #ClientSuccess #CuttingEdgeResearch #HealthcareAdvancement #Milestone #Inspiration #GlobalHealthcare #IndiaInnovates #Biotech #PharmaInnovation

209

25 Comments

"🌾 The future of farming is being rewritten—one gene at a time! 🚀 Agritech companies are on the hunt for innovators who can blend science, technology, and strategy to revolutionize agriculture. From CRISPR and gene editing to mastering data-driven insights and sustainability, the demand for cutting-edge skills has never been higher. Which skill do YOU think will lead the next big agricultural breakthrough? 🌱 💬 Drop your thoughts below and join the conversation shaping tomorrow’s food systems! 👇 #Agritech #PlantBreeding #Genomics #FarmingInnovation"

6

2 Comments