Armend Håti’s Founder journey — From IP to ClexBio and the future of cell therapy

Meet Armend Håti — Kosovo-born, Norway-raised bioengineer who turned an early patent into ClexBio. We talk about being a “young” biotech founder, the US spark that flipped his mindset, why his first industry role was (surprise) in krill, paying patent bills out of pocket, fundraising nerves, and the big move from Oslo to Zurich to surround the science with the right talent. We finish with a compact masterclass for PhDs and first-time founders on validating ideas and actually asking for the money.ClexBio in one line | Enabling cells as therapy — first with delivery systems for stem-cell assets, then toward engineered, vascularised tissues.www.clexbio.comMentorship Minute | Validate the need with uncomfortable conversations, filter the feedback, refine or kill fast. And if you can, co-found with legal firepower.Chapters00:00 Meet Armend — origin & identity02:10 From Kosovo to Norway — values & education06:40 Nerd energy → bioengineering (dyslexia as edge)10:50 US spark — Santa Barbara & Boston shift to building24:55 Why krill? First industry role & learning to pitch31:40 From IP to startup — buying the patent & fundraising52:10 Landing in Zurich — talent, scale, next chapter56:50 ClexBio in one line — enabling cells as therapy1:02:50 Mentorship Minute — advice for PhDs & founders👍 Follow the show on Spotify, and subscribe on YouTube for new episodes. ➡️ For the latest life sciences roles, follow us on LinkedIn or visit our website!