What It Really Takes to Build a Biotech Startup: Lessons from Seven Founders | Building Biotech

What does it really take to turn a biotech innovation into a company?

In this special episode of the Hatch Podcast, producer Tim Scott revisits conversations with founders who completed the Hatch Biotech Accelerator and brings together some of the most valuable lessons they shared along the way.

From taking the first step before every answer is clear to navigating fundraising, staying focused through difficult seasons, and finding a community of founders who understand the journey, these conversations offer an honest look at the realities of building a startup.

Chris Danek, founder of Bessel, also explains how an accelerator helps founders prepare for the challenges ahead through strategy, mentorship, investor preparation, and connections with other entrepreneurs.

Applications are now open for the 2027 Hatch Biotech Accelerator cohort.

In This Episode

• Why founders should not wait until everything is figured out before getting started
• The mental and emotional pressure that comes with building a company
• How a clear vision helps founders navigate uncertainty
• Why mentorship, partnerships, and founder community matter
• How the accelerator helps companies prepare for fundraising and investment
• The value of learning from founders at different stages of the startup journey

Featured in This Episode

Chris Danek, Bessel

Marlo Young, New Mindset Consulting and Mentalocity

David Nelson, SpectroTherm

Brayden Gibson, Southern Rooted

Yuan Tian, Vivosphere

Shiva Sharareh, Rekovar

Vipul Kashyap, MedHive.ai

Michelle Scott, Gulf Sterilization

Learn more and apply for the Hatch Biotech Accelerator.

Learn more about Hatch.

Produced by Tim Scott

Interested in starting a podcast? Learn more at timscott.me.