A practical guide to building and de-risking your biotech startup, uniquely curated for those pursuing novel ventures in contraceptives research & development. De-risk your venture, attract the best talent and investment, and tackle the right problems at the right time.
The Startup Founder Playbook is designed to help scientists and first-time founders who are navigating the early stages of company building in the biotechnology industry. There is no one path to success, but the information here will provide you with actionable insights to develop a sophisticated startup that is compellying to Venture/Impact Capital investors.
Notes Before Diving In
This Playbook is generally applicable across the biotech sector, but, wherever possible, content is presented with researchers in the male contraceptive development community in mind. It is meant to inspire and equip first-time scientist founders with the language, tools, and confidence to begin their journey as company builders in the biotechnology industry.
There are many ways to advance contraceptive development, and MCI created this resource as an introduction to Venture/Impact Capital-backed startups, representing one avenue that is of interest to the field. Bear in mind that market trends and macroeconomic forces change and shape the VC landscape, sometimes abruptly, so we recommend using this as a starting point for further research when thinking about starting a company.
Those familiar with MCI will know that we are fundamentally driven to enable and promote the global development of novel male contraceptives, and global access to these future products. This playbook, however, is primarily geared towards understanding the system and motivations in the VC-backed biotech ecosystem in the U.S. and E.U., since many of our grantees are exploring this as an option to advance their projects.
Much of the information found in the playbook was curated from other resources and authors, cited throughout.
This Playbook is generally applicable across the biotech sector, but, wherever possible, content is presented with researchers in the male contraceptive development community in mind. It is meant to inspire and equip first-time scientist founders with the language, tools, and confidence to begin their journey as company builders in the biotechnology industry.
There are many ways to advance contraceptive development, and MCI created this resource as an introduction to Venture/Impact Capital-backed startups, representing one avenue that is of interest to the field. Bear in mind that market trends and macroeconomic forces change and shape the VC landscape, sometimes abruptly, so we recommend using this as a starting point for further research when thinking about starting a company.
Those familiar with MCI will know that we are fundamentally driven to enable and promote the global development of novel male contraceptives, and global access to these future products. This playbook, however, is primarily geared towards understanding the system and motivations in the VC-backed biotech ecosystem in the U.S. and E.U., since many of our grantees are exploring this as an option to advance their projects.
Much of the information found in the playbook was curated from other resources and authors, cited throughout.
Fundraising Strategies and Tips
Securing the right funding is critical for biotech startup success. Our funding section provides you with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the complex world of investor relations. Discover a living list of potential investors, gain insider tips on navigating key investor conferences, and learn how to strategically prioritize your outreach to attract the capital needed to propel your groundbreaking science forward.
The Pitch: Crafting a Compelling Narrative
It is important to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with investors.Your non-confidential intro pitch (sometimes referred to as a brief, or teaser) is the first impression that can make or break your fundraising efforts. It may be helpful to build several slide decks, since different investors will have different motivations. As you progress to partner meetings you will want to have a pitch that includes more background on the science, regulatory, and business development potential of your assets.
Access a VC pitch deck template, learn the essential components of a successful pitch, and gain insights into summarizing your vision to leave a lasting impact. We help you translate your scientific innovation into a powerful investment narrative.
Access a VC pitch deck template, learn the essential components of a successful pitch, and gain insights into summarizing your vision to leave a lasting impact. We help you translate your scientific innovation into a powerful investment narrative.
Blueprints for Success: Essential Templates and Guides
In this section you’ll find templates for tools that streamline your operations. From a robust network tracking tool to manage crucial relationships, to legally sound NDAs and advisor agreements, and sophisticated financial models and cap tables, these templates empower you to focus on your groundbreaking science while ensuring a well-structured and secure business framework.Our goal is to both demystify many of the important documents you will need, as well as provide examples as starting points for your use.
This section also provides you with guides and links to external sites that we have curated from around the web.
This section also provides you with guides and links to external sites that we have curated from around the web.
About the Author
Aaron Crapster, PhD
Scientific Fellow and Entrepreneur in Residence, MCI, 2024-2025
Aaron is a PhD chemist with postdoctoral training in cell signaling, male reproductive biology, and drug development. He was Head of Biology at Vibliome Therapeutics between 2019-2023 and joined the MCI team as a Fellow and EiR in 2024. But Aaron’s connection with MCI runs deep. He was the inaugural MCI postdoctoral fellow in 2018, and served on MCI’s Scientific Research Committee from 2021-2023. Aaron is currently the CEO, CSO at Anther Therapeutics, PBC, a company he co-founded to pursue the next generation of non-hormonal male contraceptives.
Scientific Fellow and Entrepreneur in Residence, MCI, 2024-2025
Aaron is a PhD chemist with postdoctoral training in cell signaling, male reproductive biology, and drug development. He was Head of Biology at Vibliome Therapeutics between 2019-2023 and joined the MCI team as a Fellow and EiR in 2024. But Aaron’s connection with MCI runs deep. He was the inaugural MCI postdoctoral fellow in 2018, and served on MCI’s Scientific Research Committee from 2021-2023. Aaron is currently the CEO, CSO at Anther Therapeutics, PBC, a company he co-founded to pursue the next generation of non-hormonal male contraceptives.