A fascinating window into the world of innovation and its routes to markets were the highlight of the closing day of the 2021 CMS Global Life Sciences & Healthcare Festival.
Experts examined the myriad of challenges that start-ups and SMEs face as they enter markets and how they can find support, attract investment, recruit talent, structure their business and reach successful exits.
Andre Mercanzini, founder of Aleva Neurotherapeutics, told the audience about the company’s 17-year journey from laboratory to a world-leading position as providers of Deep Brain Stimulation therapies for Parkinson’s Disease.
Aleva, which is based at the Swiss Institute of Technology campus and has 20 employees, has raised more than $55 million since its inception and has multiple exit opportunities for its ground-breaking technology as the debilitating neurological condition is forecast to surpass cancer as the leading cause of death by 2040.
“My advice to young entrepreneurs, and those that are looking to start a medical device company in the current atmosphere here in Europe, is to place much more emphasis on having the exit in mind,” said Andre. “VCs and stakeholders want to know much earlier about the exit and reimbursement strategy.”
“Entrepreneurs and innovators are being asked to have the entire lifecycle of their company in mind as they’re innovating at the bench.”
He also advocated working closely with investors to identify the best times to exit and make balanced decisions on a company’s progress towards IPO.
Anton Louwinger, a CMS partner and tax specialist, added that key early advice to innovative companies is to understand how to attract tax-efficient investment, structure equity and ensure ‘there aren’t too many people at the table’ in fledgling organisations.
Sasja Heijman, senior account manager life sciences and health at regional agency InnovationQuarter, in the Netherlands, outlined a range of help available to start-ups and companies looking to expand internationally.
“It is important to have people on the ground in your new markets so you can explore, talk to people at different companies and organisations to help grow your business. You cannot do everything online,” she said. “My advice is to make use of governmental networks such as the investment promotion agencies, start-up accelerators, branch organisations, and go to local industry events.”
Jens Wagner, Global Co-Head CMS Life Sciences & Healthcare Sector, said: “It is fantastic and inspiring to hear about the life sciences innovations that are helping meet some of healthcare’s greatest challenges.
“Today’s panel provided a unique insight into the pitfalls for innovators to avoid and how they can get support and guidance across a full range of legal, tax and governance considerations.
“The life sciences sector is expanding by the day and the CMS Festival has showcased innovation, identified issues, promoted solutions and advanced the cause for greater biodiversity and sustainability in healthcare.
“It has been a packed agenda over the last four days and the contributions of the experts, CMS specialists and the audience have underscored the importance of life sciences today and for the future.”
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