Biotech CEO - Fundraising & Growth Leader

The CEO will drive fundraising , provide strategic leadership, and oversee company growth from early development through clinical proof-of-concept and licensing.We seek an experienced biotech executive or entrepreneur who combines scientific-Pharma understanding and investor credibility with active network

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising and Partnerships`vities (seed, Series A/B, grants, and non-dilutive funding).

• Develop and maintain relationships with venture capital firms, strategic pharma investors, and government funding bodies .

• Drive strategic partnerships , licensing, and collaborations to maximize company value.

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the company’s short- and long-term strategy, from R&D milestones to licensing.

• Work closely with the Board, scientific founders, and advisors to refine the development roadmap including regulatory milestones with FDA and EMA.

• Build and manage a startup pharma company with a culture of innovation, excellent science and accountability.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee all company operations, including preclinical and clinical development, finance, legal, and regulatory activities.

• Ensure efficient resource allocation and compliance with quality and ethical standards.

• Recruit and motivate a talented core team and scientific collaborators.

External Representation

• Serve as the primary spokesperson to investors, partners, regulators, and the rare disease community.

• Build company visibility within the biotech ecosystem, at investor meetings, conferences, and media outlets.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in the biopharma industry, including leadership in a startup or small biotech.

• Proven track record of raising institutional or venture funding (ideally $10M+ total).

• Experience in orphan drug development , regulatory strategy, and clinical trial design.

• Strong understanding of drug development processes, from discovery through early clinical stages.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, capable of inspiring investors, partners, and employees.

• Entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and hands-on leadership style.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, MBA, or equivalent) in a relevant field.

• Prior experience as a CEO, COO, or CBO in a biotech startup.

• Regulatory experience with FDA and EMA.

• Network of relationships across VCs, pharma BD teams, and rare disease KOLs.

• Experience in public funding mechanisms (EU/US grants, NIH, Horizon Europe, etc.)

Personal Qualities

• Passion for rare diseases and patient impact .

• Strategic thinker with operational pragmatism.

• Persuasive, credible, and transparent communicator.

• Collaborative and respectful toward scientific founders and the board.

• Motivated to build long-term value, not just short-term gains.

Compensation

Competitive equity-based compensation package commensurate with experience, including founder-level equity and performance-based incentives.