The Biotech Pulse S1E7 - Trust, translation, and therapeutics: The story of complement therapeutics

Originally published here.

In the seventh episode of The Biotech Pulse, Forbion General Partner Dmitry Hristodorov is joined by Daniela Couto, General Partner at BioGeneration Ventures (BGV), and Professor Dr. Simon Clark, co-founder of Complement Therapeutics. Together, they explore the dynamics of building biotech companies from academia, using Complement Therapeutics as a case study. The discussion provides a unique, triangulated perspective, blending scientific discovery, early-stage investment, and the critical role of tech transfer offices in translating academic innovation into therapeutic reality.

Listeners will gain insight into how successful collaborations between academic founders and venture capital can enable transformative science to progress toward clinical application. The episode highlights the trust and mutual understanding required to navigate the challenges of company formation, licensing, team building, and fundraising. With practical advice for aspiring biotech entrepreneurs and stories from the founding journey of Complement Therapeutics, this episode offers both inspiration and strategic guidance for the next generation of biotech leaders.

Forbion is a leading life sciences venture capital firm founded in the Netherlands, helping companies bridge research and development through our team's expertise in drug development and company building. For over 15 years, we have invested in over 100 companies backing exciting therapies that we believe have the potential to impact the future of medicine. The Biotech Pulse is a forum where we speak about all things biotech with diverse stakeholders in the life sciences industry.