Federico Paoletti, co-founder of Exogene, founded his biotech company immediately after finishing his PhD, which led to a steep learning curve and many valuable lessons he now shares with other founders. He and his co-founder learned to operate like a tech startup inside biotech: validate the market before the product, iterate fast, and let customer discovery shape the platform thesis. He shares how a tough SF fundraising trip reframed their pitch from an asset-only story to a bigger, platform-driven vision that fits the right investor audience. We dig into non-dilutive funding tactics, using a success-fee grant writer, building a lab-in-the-loop data flywheel without overhiring, and hiring senior talent creatively with part-time plus equity to reach milestones without burning runway. We also cover the founder mindset: asking “dumb” questions to accelerate learning, leveraging mentors who understand both tech and biotech, tracking macro signals to time raises, and pushing back on default VC expectations when they don’t serve the company’s stage.

• Exogene – Unlocking curative TCR-based therapies
• Connect with Federico on LinkedIn

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00:00 Founder arc and why market-first beats tech-first in biotech

06:30 The SF trip that reframed the story: asset vs. platform, and pitching the right investor

2:45 Building a non-dilutive funding stack: six UK grants, early platform revenue, friends-and-family as match

18:10 Success-fee grant writer playbook and how non-scientist reviewers evaluate

22:00 Hiring to milestones: part-time senior talent + equity, geo-distributed team to extend runway

27:30 Mentors who span tech and biotech, and the cadence that compounds

31:40 Founder mindset: ask “dumb” questions, iterate in public, push back on default VC expectations

36:20 Watching macro signals (e.g., NVDA) to time raises and plan runway

For our first episode of season three, I sat down with Gabi Hanna, MD, CEO and co-founder of Lamassu Biotech, where he leads the development of innovative therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases. A physician-scientist and serial entrepreneur, Dr. Hanna previously founded the first academic drug development center at Duke University and has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications. Under his leadership, Lamassu is advancing two novel therapeutics—RABI-767, now in Phase II trial, and SA53, a first-in-class oncology compound currently in Phase I/II trial. He also oversees Lamassu Pets, which is developing a canine therapy for pancreatitis. Dr. Hanna’s work is driven by a commitment to rapid, cost-effective drug development that addresses unmet clinical needs.

We discuss the mission of Lamassu Biotech, as well as the importance of academic accelerator programs, overcoming regulatory roadblocks, and the moral duty to accelerate drug development for patient care. Gabi emphasizes the need for efficient operations, strategic partnerships, and a patient-centric approach in biotech. We also explore the potential for policy changes to improve collaboration between universities and biotech companies, as well as the importance of ethical considerations in drug development. Dr. Hanna’s's insights provide valuable guidance for both entrepreneurs and those working in the biotech industry.

• Connect with Dr. Gabi Hanna on LinkedIn
• Follow Lamassu Biotech on LinkedIn
• Learn More about Lamassu Biotech

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00:00 Introduction

00:13 Mission and Work at Lamassu Biotech

01:24 Previous Experience at Duke University

03:50 Challenges and Strategies in Biotech

06:48 Accelerating Drug Development

08:24 Navigating Regulatory Hurdles

14:19 The Role of the FDA and Knowledge Sharing

18:01 Maintaining US Biotech Leadership

27:15 Entrepreneurial Insights and Team Building

35:47 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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!

Connect with us!

Link In with Carina

Subscribe here:

• Apple
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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

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