Learn the key strategies, funding insights, and expert advice to turn breakthrough science into a successful life science startup.

Turning breakthrough science into a successful company takes more than great research — it requires vision, strategy, and the right foundation for growth. Join us for this insightful session as we explore the essential steps to launching and scaling a life science startup. Our panel of industry experts and entrepreneurs will share practical guidance on transforming innovative ideas into viable businesses. From navigating early-stage funding and intellectual property to building the right team and meeting regulatory milestones, you’ll gain actionable strategies to move from concept to commercialization.

Presented by the Entrepreneurial Strategy Series and Gearhart Law on December 11, 2025.

OUR SPEAKERS:

Tomas Silicaro is an Argentine entrepreneur and the CEO & Co-Founder of Bioeutectics, a biotech company pioneering the next generation of natural, biodegradable, and high-performance solvents. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomas-silicaro-85112922/

Matthew Sillick is an innovative food materials scientist. He is CTO and co-founder of Paragon Pure, a company that creates wholegrain, readily soluble sprouted brown rice powders that enable sugar reduction and offer a clean-label alternative to maltodextrins. https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sillick-97a51810/

John Zandbergen has over 20 years corporate experience within the life science, IVD and MedTech industry. His interest in Bioprinting and regenerative medicine was formed after consulting for a local 3D printing company which has designed and developed a basic bioprinter. https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-zandbergen-304b6115/

David D. Postolski, Esq., event moderator is a senior partner at Gearhart Law, LLC, is a registered patent attorney and Intellectual Property (IP) attorney for close to 20 years. He has worked internationally managing different sales organizations and leading different teams worldwide. https://gearhartlaw.com/team/david-postolski-esq/

Recap from Our Speakers: 

• Shared personal founder journeys, including how they connected with co-founders, secured early funding, and navigated the challenges of launching life sciences startups.


• Emphasized the importance of belief, passion, and resilience when facing rejection and inevitable setbacks.


• Highlighted the value of accelerators and support programs in refining business models and accelerating growth.


• Discussed how patents help protect core technologies, clearly communicate innovations to investors and partners, and block competitors.


• Stressed the need to establish a well-defined IP strategy early in the company’s lifecycle.


• Openly reflected on mistakes, such as hiring the wrong people, underestimating time and resource requirements, and difficulties in fully pivoting the business. Underscored the importance of adaptability, learning from failure, and addressing problems quickly.


• Provided updates on the current status of their companies, including funding needs, product development progress, and future plans.


• Expressed a strong commitment to continued growth and making a meaningful impact within their...

Chapters

• (00:00:00 ) - Entrepreneurial Strategy: The Life Sciences
• (00:02:19 ) - Matt Silk at the Startup Battlefield
• (00:02:45 ) - How to grow a chocolate bar with life science
• (00:04:15 ) - Fooling Around With Lawyers
• (00:05:01 ) - Tulsa-based Biotechnics makes a go of
• (00:06:33 ) - How to make human skin with a bioprinter
• (00:08:17 ) - Pharmaceutical Companies' Intellectual Property
• (00:09:55 ) - Matt, Same question for both of you
• (00:12:22 ) - Tomas, same question
• (00:14:28 ) - Startup finance: Where did it all begin?
• (00:18:43 ) - Tomas on Starting a Business With a Patent
• (00:21:21 ) - How To Start a Business With a Co-Founder
• (00:22:55 ) - Orobionics
• (00:26:03 ) - How To Start a Life Sciences Company With No Money
• (00:29:13 ) - Starting a company with no funding
• (00:31:38 ) - Applying for US grants in the US
• (00:37:45 ) - Exploring Accelerators: Was It Valuable for Our Company?
• (00:40:35 ) - SOSV Accelerator: Were We Accepted?
• (00:45:53 ) - Have you been part of any accelerators or anything?
• (00:47:21 ) - John, Mistakes Made
• (00:49:07 ) - Pushing the Right Path
• (00:52:22 ) - What Do You Need To Do To Raise Money For Your Company?
• (00:54:38 ) - Seeding in the Valley of Death
• (00:57:42 ) - The Life Science Startup Journey
• (00:58:37 ) - Looking Back on The Life Sciences Journey
• (01:01:10 ) - fun in the life science journey
• (01:03:34 ) - What Do You Look For in Early Career Hires?
• (01:08:37 ) - Holiday Edition