First4BioFounders
We believe that turning breakthrough science into a successful biotech company shouldn’t be a lonely or overwhelming path. That’s why we’re building the most supportive global network for biotech founders—scientists, medical doctors, and innovators like you—on a mission to improve human health.
What Happens When You Combine Biotech Innovation, Inner Leadership, and Global Connections?
You get a one-of-a-kind community designed to help you thrive—scientifically, strategically, and personally.
Our Community Offers:
- Custom-built resources – Practical, actionable tools and insights designed for biotech founders—not generic startup advice.
- Access biotech-specific expertise – Learn from those who’ve built and funded successful companies, avoiding unnecessary trial and error.
- Strengthen your mindset & leadership – Build resilience, clarity, and confidence to lead yourself and your team through uncertainty.
- A high-trust global community – Connect with like-minded peers, industry leaders, and investors who understand your challenges.
- Make progress every month – From refining your pitch to making key connections, level up as a founder and leader.
Wherever you are, this is your home base to build, learn, and grow with those who truly understand your journey.
The 5 Pillars Guiding Our Global Community
Good Science
At the heart of every biotech breakthrough lies rigorous science. We emphasize the importance of solid scientific foundations as the driving force behind transformative therapies and medical advancements.
Growth Mindset
Inspired by Stanford Professor Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset theory, we believe that abilities can be developed through dedication, effort, and learning from mistakes. This mindset empowers our members to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Strategic Thinking
We provide tools and strategies to help you transition from the lab to leadership, enabling you to make informed decisions that drive your company forward.
Community Support
Our high-trust global community offers a supportive environment where you can connect with peers, industry leaders, and investors who understand your journey.
Continuous Learning
We offer ongoing educational resources and mentorship opportunities to ensure you continue to grow personally and professionally.
Meet Some of the Advisors
Dr Khatereh Ahmadi currently holds the role of Head of Search and Evaluation Business Development Europe & Middle East at MSD, where she has also been actively involved in business development and licensing in the oncology space in Europe. Prior to joining MSD, she was co-founder and CEO of reViral Ltd, a biotechnology company focused on antiviral therapies. Under her leadership, the company secured a $21 million Series A funding round with investors such as Andera Partners and Orbimed. Dr. Ahmadi also played a critical role in founding the oncology company Piramed Ltd where she became head of business development and negotiated a comprehensive license agreement with Genentech and later acquisition by Roche. Dr. Ahmadi has also been a consultant to a number of companies in the EU and the US in the field of oncology.
Nina Kjellson is General Partner at Canaan Partners (one of the largest early-stage VC funds in the US) and she invests in biopharma companies that serve unmet therapeutic needs. As a leader of Canaan’s Women of Venture program, Nina is a vocal advocate for women entrepreneurs and investors. She Co-Chairs Life Science Cares Bay Area and serves on the boards of Girl Effect and the Oliver Wyman Health Innovation Center. Nina is also a 2018 Aspen Institute Health Innovators Fellow. Previously, Nina was a General Partner at InterWest Partners. She holds a B.A. in human biology from Stanford University.
Prof. Dr. Stefan G. Hofmann works at the intersection of neuroscience and clinical psychology and is an eminent international authority in the field Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).In July 2021 he took up his position as a Humboldt Professor at the University of Marburg. After working for about 30 years between Stanford and Boston Universities, in July 2021 he took up his position as a Humboldt Professor at the University of Marburg.
Ernst Geutjes is an biotechnology entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in cancer research, oncology drug development and venture creation. Ernst has worked on both sides of the table as an executive in new venture creation and as an investor in oncology start-ups. Ernst has been supporting numerous oncology biotech including Flindr, Genase, Skymab, Inthera, Sapreme with the preparation and execution of fundraising and business development campaigns. Ernst is also an advisor to venture creator Cumulus Oncology. Since 2014, he has been with Aglaia Oncology Funds, a boutique venture capital firm that is specialized in early-stage oncology therapeutics investments and venture creation, initially as partner and currently as venture partner. He developed this entrepreneurial spirit in his academic life working in the laboratory of Hidde Ploegh at Harvard Medical School and at the translational cancer research group of Prof. Rene Bernard at the Netherlands Cancer Institute
Meet the Founder
Fabio D’Agostino is a Global Consultant and Founder of CharaBio, an innovative life science consulting firm powered by global innovation, diversity and inclusion. His ability to identify and evaluate new assets, products, services, and business models has positioned him as a trusted advisor to large organizations, VC funds and life science/biotech startups. With a keen strategic vision, he guides clients in overcoming hurdles, building value, and creating investable propositions. In 2019, he joined Claris Ventures, an €85M biotech-focused VC fund, supporting the team with equity investments in early-stage biopharma companies. In 2013, Fabio was invited to join the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) Cell and Gene Task Force (members include executives from GSK, Novartis, Lonza, Johnson & Johnson, Adaptimmune, Takeda, Bluebird Bio) to write the Technical Report 81 about how to develop a manufacturing control strategy for cell and gene based medicinal products.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re based near a major biotech hub or building your company from a remote location, our community is your home base to build, learn, and grow with those who truly understand the journey