Rufus Scientific Ltd.

Most of the biotechnology industry depends on investor finance to build new enterprises. It is rare for a company to be started with only the founders' savings. But where does the money come from? A long-standing research project has been to examine how new companies are financed, where the funds come from to build new companies, and how the source of funds affects how companies grow.

This is critical to deciding what to do with a new technology. How much is needed to turn a neat idea or a fascinating discovery into a commercial product? Where does that cash come from? What sort of providers might accept the risks and timescales of a biotechnology company, and what do they expect in return?

Alas, there is no 'financing landscape' that can be drawn and navigated - it is a seascape, constantly changing. How one navigates the reefs and whirlpools depends on today's climate and tomorrow's weather. Basing decisions today on how to commercialise technology based on what happened yesterday may work. But it may not.

Building on over 20 years' experience in the biotechnology industry as scientist, entrepreneur, manager, investor and venture capitalist, William has deep knowledge of these issues and how they affect what can be done with a new biotechnology. William is currently involved in start-up companies, investment groups and new technologies on both sides of the Atlantic, and can provide practical advice on what the best route forward is. For more on William's academic research, see his research website. For his ground-breaking book on financing biotech in Europe, see this link