The characteristics of a “winning” biotech startup

A standing-room-only audience attended in Start-up Slam: Sweden

QureTech Bio AB, a startup developing first line drugs to combat antibiotic resistance and infectious diseases, won the Start-up Slam: Sweden biotech competition at BIO-Europe Spring® 2016 in Stockholm, Sweden earlier this month. QureTech Bio AB participated in the pitching competition sponsored by Karolinska Institutet Innovations and Johnson & Johnson Innovation on April 5, 2016, along with 16 other innovative companies.

All contestants had to present their company and innovation—new therapeutic product or medical technology platform—in only three minutes to a floor of experienced investors and potential partners.

QureTech’s pitch focused on the company's development of a new class of anti-infective agents which have the unique ability to selectively prevent the disease-causing properties of certain bacteria without disrupting the normal bacterial flora, thus significantly reducing the risk for resistance development. The pitch was given by Fritiof Pontén, CEO of QureTech.

What were the elements of the Quretech pitch that made it a winner? Based on responses from the investor judging panel, these are qualities to mimic:

• A strong development program, clinical value proposition and live pitch.
• An impressive application for a clear unmet medical need.
• Passion and energy in communicating the vision for their business.
• The draw for investors to tap into fresh talent in the biotech industry with fresh perspectives.

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Biotech Startup Day during BioPharm America™ is a powerful opportunity to present your company to Boston's leading financiers, pharma dealmakers and biotech business KOLs. This special program is specifically designed for early stage projects and young companies to get on the radar of the global life science community and to make the connections that matter. Register now.