The BIA and KQ Labs host Techbio Boost

On 11 September 2024, the BIA partnered with KQ Labs to host the first event of the Techbio Boost programme, bringing together a variety of techbio entrepreneurs to allow them to network and learn practical business skills. Supported by the Mayor of London and funded by the UK Government and London & Partners, the BIA and KQ labs were selected to lead this initiative due to our deep expertise and strong network connections. The programme, which will last for 12 weeks with an average of 2-4 hours of in-person and online sessions per week, is tailored towards more established London-based techbio seed and pre-series A companies looking to grow. It is significant as the mentoring and guidance offered, in addition to the networking provided, is unrivalled. 

After a careful selection process, we selected these companies:  

• CC Biotech Ltd 

• CareLoop Health Ltd 

• IntelligenceQ 

• Oppilotech Ltd 

• Mitra Bio 

• Ignota Labs Ltd 

• SökerData Ltd 

• Exogene Limited 

• Tuune 

• Cortirio Limited 

• PentaBind 

• ConsoneAI 

• MultiplAI 

• PharmEnable Tx 

• XenosBio 

• Base Immune 

• Jiva.ai 

• Plurify Bio 

• Kuma Health 

• Store Gene 

• Macusoft 

• Octiocor 

• Genevation 

• Rarecan 

• Flow 

• Kuano 

• Outsee 

• Deep Mirror 

• Vivan Therapeutics 

• Vesynta 

After each entrepreneur spent a minute introducing themselves, we hosted business founders and guest speakers, before engaging in a negotiation workshop. 

Key takeaways from the TechBio Boost kick-off event for techbio founders and entrepreneurs: 

• Networking at events is critical to future success. Toby Basey-Fisher, Founder and CEO of Entia, provided participants with an insightful overview of the key milestones and challenges faced during the development of his start-up. He shared how he met his co-founder by chance at an event, where they discovered complementary skill sets which led to their ultimate partnership. Additionally, at another event, a conversation with a fellow attendee resulted in an introduction six months later to a strategic partner, now integral to the success of the business. 

• Values are vital for success. A panel consisting of ARCH Venture Partners’ Sean Kendall, Molten Ventures’ Inga Deacon, o2h group’s Prashant Shah and Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst’s Jackie Hunter, hosted by KQ Labs’ Barbara Domayne-Hayman, communicated on an array of topics. Jackie noted the need for CEOs to be aware of the skill gaps which exist within their team, while Barbara commented that the complexity of businesses in techbio means that the diversity of talent firms require is greater. However, perhaps the most valuable insight from the discussion came from the shared reflections on the foundational role values play in any organisation. In addition, a culture must be created in which people aren't afraid to speak up and constructively challenge elements of the organisation, the way in which this would occur was proposed. Founders, by setting out the precise values which matter to them, crate a culture which permeates the entire organisation. 

• The future is bright. The panellists concluded that the outlook for biotech start-up founders in the UK is positive. Though it may be harder to raise capital than a few years ago, our panellists concurred that this is a brilliant time to build a techbio company in the UK and that the best businesses are normally built in eras such as these. ​

If you were present then we hope you enjoyed this event. The next workshop will be held on Thursday 26 September. For more details, visit www.techbioboost.org