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🚀 About This Episode

Are you a biotech founder ready to scale in Europe—or an investor scouting your next unicorn? Then don’t miss this masterclass with Annick Verween, Head of Biotope, one of Europe’s top biotech startup hubs (Financial Times-ranked).

Hosted by Joe Menninger of Startuprad.io, this candid conversation explores Annick’s unique path from “derailed marine biologist” to biotech investor and community builder.

💡 Why You Should Listen

This isn’t just another interview—it’s a strategic deep dive packed with biotech startup insights, founder advice, and real-world funding tactics:

🧬 Biotech Startup Ecosystems

How hubs like Biotope are bridging the gap between innovation and investment, fostering next-gen biotech ventures.

📈 Scaling Biotech Ventures

From regulatory minefields to IP protection and operational excellence—learn what it really takes to scale.

🧠 What Investors Really Look For

Annick unpacks her selection formula: People. Science. IP. And why listening is the #1 founder trait.

🎯 Key Takeaways for Biotech Founders

• 💥 Love the problem—not the tech.

• 🤝 It’s a people business.

• 🏗️ Operational excellence is non-negotiable.

• 🧾 Combine investment and grants for a winning strategy.

💼 For Investors

Annick shares how Biotope scouts and selects biotech startups using:

• 🔍 Deep due diligence on science & IP

• 🧗 A hands-on "base camp" selection process

• ⚖️ Balancing bold innovation with calculated risk

💎 Hidden Gems You’ll Hear:

• Annick’s journey from BASF factory to biotech leader

• How EIT Food's Rising Foodstars shaped Europe's agri-food scene

• Biotope’s impact in planetary health, sustainable materials & more

• Why Zymofix is a biotech success story to watch

• Annick’s top productivity hack (and why it’s so effective)

🧠 Final Advice for Founders:

“Don’t just focus on VC. Combine grants and investments into a smart, hybrid funding model.” – Annick Verween

#biotech #biotechstartup #biotechfunding #scalingbiotech #biotechhub #planetaryhealth #agrifoodtech #founderadvice #startupeurope #venturecapital #seedround #EITFood #innovation #IPstrategy #startups #VCfunding

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 🌐 Startuprad.io

• 🌐 Blog Post

• 👤 Annick Verween on LinkedIn