259: Why Strong Science Isn't Enough to Get Funded: What Investors Actually Look For with Michael Rome - Part 1

Strong science alone won’t get your biotech startup funded—investors are sizing up much more than just your molecule.Michael Rome, who leads therapeutics investing at Foresite Capital, brings a rare dual lens as both scientist and investor. Having trained as a Caltech biochemist and incubated dozens of biotech companies, he’s seen first-hand how world-class discoveries become market-ready solutions—or get left behind.Topics discussed:Why strong science isn't always enough to secure funding (00:25)Insights on diverse biotech investing strategies, time horizons, and mandate differences between venture firms (02:44)The advantage of Foresite’s multi-stage and cross-sector investment model (03:32)Michael’s journey from science and math enthusiast to biotech investor (04:49)The importance of founding team track records and repeat entrepreneurs in early-stage company building (12:53)The evolving global landscape: company formation, investment, and biotech innovation in Asia (with a focus on China) (15:56)Effects of shifting geopolitical and regulatory landscapes on US, European, and Asian biotech partnerships (20:25)The practicalities and tradeoffs of outsourcing drug development, R&D, and manufacturing overseas (22:04)Smart insight: Engage with investor perspectives early: align your work to real market needs. Seek partnerships with industry leaders and proven entrepreneurs, embrace global resources, networks, and collaborations to maximize both scientific and commercial potential.If you want to go deeper into the themes from this conversation with Michael Rome—how investors evaluate biotech companies, why CMC and execution matter, and how founders can better frame their science for funding—these episodes are a strong next listen:Episodes 189 - 190: Why Smart Biotech Founders Plan CMC First (While Competitors Burn Cash Later)Episodes 165 - 166: Why Your Funding Pitches Fail Despite Brilliant Science (And How to Fix It)Episodes 183 - 184: From Lab to Market: Secrets to Commercializing Cutting-Edge Biotech Innovations with Chervee HoEpisodes 231 - 232: From IND to BLA: The Biologics CMC Decisions That Determine Regulatory Success with Henri KornmannConnect with Michael Rome: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rome-5067616b/ Foresite Capital website: www.foresitecapital.comNext: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. By doing so, we can empower more scientists like you. Stay tuned for more inspiring biotech insights in our next episode.Support the show