Our guest today is Dr. Ivan Liachko, the CEO of Seattle-based Phase Genomics, a company whose core technology is ultra-long genome sequencing. He’s also the founder of Genome Startup Day, dedicated to helping new biotech entrepreneurs transition from academic settings into industry and entrepreneurship.
We’ll hear from Ivan about:
What it was like spinning off a startup having been in academic for 20 years
What the motivation was for his startup
What long range sequencing is, in DNA sequencing, and why it matters in decoding the genome.
What “Multiomics” is, and why it is important to biology
What “scaffolding” is, and why it is important to biology
The challenges of creating a business plan to realize the value of their platform
Why he founded Genone Startup Day - the importance of being surrounded by entrepreneurial scientists who are motivated to found companies and take action
The Gates Foundation grant and the task of delivering proteins to a billion cows
Why the ability to manage “the chaos spark” is essential to the entrepreneurship process
The role that grit plays, over scientific talent, in getting you to roll the rock up the hill
The startup stuff that has to happen in the heart before the slide decks happen
His #1 piece of advice - talk to everyone and ask questions – and how to ask for the meeting
Enjoy the show!
About Dr. Ivan Liachko
Dr. Liachko received his Ph.D. at Cornell University in 2007 and has worked in the genetic/genomic research field for over 25 years. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed papers and created multiple patents specializing in the field of microbial genomics and synthetic biology. He is one of the original inventors of Phase’s core technology and has served as CEO & CSO of Phase Genomics since its founding.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website and podcast are purely informational and not considered investment recommendations. Tim Dougherty’s participation in Biotech Insights is separate and apart from his role as an investment advisor representative. Nothing contained herein may be construed as a recommendation or endorsement of any of the companies discussed. Tim Dougherty has no financial affiliation with any of the companies mentioned in this communication. Tim Dougherty makes no representation that the information conveyed in this material is accurate and is under no obligation to update this information as changes occur.