Points to Consider Before Starting a Company (Concurrent Session)

Presenter: Prabhavathi Fernandes, Ph.D., FIDSA

Launching a startup can be an exciting pathway for advancing translational research, but it also comes with critical early decisions that influence long-term success. In this session, attendees gained practical insights on evaluating whether starting a company is the right move, what milestones to prioritize, and how to build a strong foundation for growth. Participants gained perspective on balancing scientific goals with business realities, understanding investor expectations, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. The discussion was formed around key considerations for those weighing the decision to launch a startup as well as those already preparing to take the leap.

This webinar was presented on September 12th, 2025 to an invited audience.

This video is for educational purposes only.

The Catalyze program utilizes a new approach to translational research by supporting both the technical needs of an innovation and the management, commercialization, regulatory, and training requirements of the innovators developing them. Projects supported by Catalyze receive funding and advisory support through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), as well as project management assistance, access to technical services and expertise, and training opportunities through the Catalyze Coordinating Center.

This research was funded, in part, by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Agreement OT2 HL157844-01. The views and conclusions of the presenters are their own and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the NIH.

NHLBI Catalyze Public Site: https://nhlbicatalyze.org