The First-Time Biotech CEO Playbook
A practical guide to the early decisions that matter most
You’ve mastered the science. Now it’s time to master the company you’re building.
Most first-time biotech CEOs enter the role prepared for the science, but unprepared for the business decisions that determine whether that science ever reaches patients. The biggest failures in biotech rarely stem from weak data. They come from predictable missteps: scaling too fast, underestimating timelines, misreading investor expectations, choosing the wrong development path or partnering too early.
This free, expert-driven playbook breaks down the seven most critical decisions every first-time CEO must navigate: from early strategy and funding, to regulatory planning, partnerships and preclinical development.
Created by some of the industry’s most trusted early-stage advisors
These teams have guided hundreds of emerging biotechs through the obstacles and decisions that define success. Collectively, they’ve distilled decades of real-world experience into a practical guide to provide guidance to biotech CEOs.
Inside the playbook, you’ll learn how to:
Define a compelling vision and narrative that attracts investors and talent
Build the right team and avoid hiring too quickly
Manage cash with discipline from day one
Prepare investor-ready materials and avoid common fundraising mistakes
Set a winning partnership strategy (including when not to partner)
Understand the regulatory tradeoffs that shape speed, cost and commercial potential
Design a preclinical plan that clears the path to the clinic
Lean on expert networks and avoid the isolation so many CEOs face
Download the Playbook
Everything we wish first-time CEOs knew…before the critical decisions are made.