Seven biotech startups with very different CEOs, products, and outcomes

When you join a biotech startup make sure you don't just evaluate the company based on the science. They should also have a competent CEO and there should be a need in the world for their products/services.

I have worked with seven different CEOs at seven different startup life science companies and the experience is always different. Some only knew the science, and tried to wing it when it came to the business side of things.

Startup 1
CEO - Technical Founder, no biz experience
Product/Tech/Sci – A
Market needs – D
Management skills – C
Fundraising skills – D
Outcome – few customers, pivot, eventual failure

Startup 2
CEO - Previously led other biotech startups
Product/Tech/Sci – B
Market needs – B
Management skills – A
Fundraising skills – A
Outcome – acquired, positive for investors

Startup 3
CEO - Clinician, experienced nonprofit leader
Product/Tech/Sci – D
Market needs – C
Management skills – C
Fundraising skills – C
Outcome – acquired, fire sale, no one made money

Startup 4
CEO - New, but worked their way to position
Product/Tech/Sci – B
Market needs – A
Management skills – C
Fundraising skills – F
Outcome – acquired, fire sale, no one made money

Startup 5
CEO - Founded other companies, but never led
Product/Tech/Sci – D
Market needs – D
Management skills – C
Fundraising skills – C
Outcome – dissolved

Startup 6
CEO - Founder, no business experience
Product/Tech/Sci – B
Market needs – D
Management skills – F
Fundraising skills– F
Outcome – dissolved

Startup 7
CEO - Founder, big pharma biz experience, previous startup failed
Product/Tech/Sci – B
Market needs – D
Management skills – C
Fundraising skills – F
Outcome – doesn’t look good