April 3, 2020 | From the Trenches

Confessions Of A Planner

I am a planner. I like to plan most things well in advance; in fact, maybe too far in advance for some. This has often been an asset for me, yet I am pretty sure it can also drive people crazy. A teenager doesn’t like to be asked for the plan to complete a project that is due in 2 weeks. A scientist doesn’t always like to think in decision trees to map out the path of possible outcomes from an assay or a study – and from the assay or study after that.

This blog was written by Samantha Truex, CEO of Quench Bio, as part of the From The Trenches feature of LifeSciVC.

March 30, 2020 | From the Trenches

The Balancing Act: Taking A Systematic Approach To Hard Decisions In Times Of Rapid Change

If CEOs have empowered their teams effectively, they have three roles during times of rapid change:

Motivator in chief (Championing culture & values, ensuring the team stays true to these)
Focuser in chief (Setting strategy and ensuring that stakeholders align around it)
Balancer in chief: Decisions that balance benefits and costs to the enterprise using a unique, multi-disciplinary vantage point

This blog was written by Ankit Mahadevia, CEO of Spero Therapeutics, as part of the From The Trenches feature of LifeSciVC.

March 27, 2020 | In the News

Biotech in the time of the coronavirus: With China returning to work, preclinical companies ramping back up

For Bruce Booth, partner at Cambridge, Mass.-based Atlas Venture, data are the “ultimate currency of progress and market value” for the biotech startups that he creates and funds.

March 26, 2020 | LifeSciVC

Strategic Planning In Biotech During A Pandemic Crisis

By Bruce Booth, DPhil, Partner

In the throes of a full COVID-19 pandemic, most business leaders’ top priority is rightfully the health and safety of their employees, families, and communities. Even though business disruptions are significant and overwhelming, the primary efforts focused on both safety and the control of the spread of SARS-CoV-2, like social distancing and working remotely, are paramount.

March 23, 2020 | From the Trenches

Coming Together While Staying Apart

I have never participated in trench warfare and I am sure it was pretty grim for those who lived and suffered through it. I have spent plenty of time however ‘in the trenches’ in biotech. Just like the stories of war, I have made it through the tough times because of the comradery of colleagues who are right there beside me, covered in mud and blood, fighting. We tend to find the presence of others comforting so one of the most difficult things about the current COVID-19 pandemic is that we need to deal with it while being physically separated from our team.

This blog was written by Aoife Brennan, CEO of Synlogic, as part of the From The Trenches feature of LifeSciVC.