Avsnitt
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Most biotech founders in Scotland and beyond don’t understand the complex world of venture capital. This episode reveals the insider secrets to navigating early-stage biotech funding, from bootstrap beginnings to Series C success, with insights you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you're a scientist dreaming of transforming your research into a life-changing medicine or an investor eager to unlock the next big breakthrough, this is your ultimate crash course in biotech funding.
Ross Cagan and Sandy Weir team-up to demystify the funding pipeline that every life sciences entrepreneur must master.
You’ll discover why biotech is so fundamentally different from software startups, and why understanding this difference is crucial if you want your innovation to reach patients, not just papers. They unpack the entire funding journey: from bootstrapping with friends and family, to angel investments, the seed rounds that prove market need, and on to Series A, B, and beyond, culminating in a strategic exit or IPO.
Get ready to learn how these stages work in Scotland, the UK, and even compare them to the US landscape, with practical insights on costs, timelines, and what investors are really after.
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In this episode Ross and Sandy discuss the complexities of dementia, exploring its impact, the science behind it, the economic costs, and the biotech industry's efforts in prevention and early detection. The conversation covers the future of disease treatment, encouraging industry to explore opportunities, practical and personal advice for disease prevention. We close with our 'wee bit of joy' and consider Scotland's struggle in the Football World Cup, a family reunion in New York, and establishing a transatlantic traditions.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Most companies overlook a massive opportunity in early diagnosis for cardiovascular disease, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
On this episode of The Long Game, Ross and Sandy reveal how Scotland’s thriving biotech ecosystem is turning understanding of the “broken heart” into ground breaking tech that could save lives and billions in healthcare costs.
Right now, Scotland faces an alarming crisis: a stunning one-third of all deaths are caused by heart disease, stroke, and related vascular conditions, and it hits women twice as hard as breast cancer. Despite common myths, heart disease is not just an "old man's disease"—it’s the leading killer of women too, and it often goes unnoticed until it's too late. You’ll discover compelling data that shatters misconceptions, showing how genetics, lifestyle, and stark health inequalities combine to make cardiovascular disease Scotland’s #1 health burden.
We break down how early diagnostics, innovative imaging techniques, and leveraging Scotland’s rich health data can tip the balance. You'll learn about the Scottish initiatives that use AI and predictive analytics to catch heart issues before they become catastrophic. Plus, Sandy shares how the Scottish biotech scene is poised to turn these insights into impactful startups, and the crucial role entrepreneurs can play in driving structural cost savings for the NHS.
Missing this opportunity means accepting inevitability and delaying action that could save lives and billions. Meanwhile, detailed research and tech innovation promise a future where early detection is standard, and preventable deaths drop significantly. This isn’t just science; it’s an economic game-changer for Scotland and beyond.
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Most medical trust is based on a simple signature, until it isn’t. A 19th-century Glasgow doctor’s deadly misuse of that trust not only shocked the nation but also helped shape the foundation of modern forensic science. Discover how one man’s dark deeds as the "Glasgow Poisoner" exposed horrifying weaknesses in a system that still challenges us today and why verifying trust has never been more crucial.
In this gripping episode, Sandy and Ross unravel the true story of Dr. Edward William Pritchard, a respected doctor turned murderer, who used his medical knowledge to commit the perfect crime. You’ll learn how his use of poisons like aconite and antimony mimicked natural illnesses, hiding his devilish handiwork for weeks.
We break down the evolution of forensic toxicology, highlighting the ground breaking forensic methods born from this case; methods that still protect us. You'll discover how this early scientific triumph paved the way for today's standards, and why trusted authorities must always be scrutinised.
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In this episode we attempt to uncover how AI is transforming the human mind, from decoding thoughts to rewriting emotions. Imagine a future where your dreams, memories, and even your emotional states are not private. We delve into the mind-bending capabilities of cutting-edge AI that’s learning to read, modify, and potentially control our inner worlds. From neural implants that detect and influence anxiety to machine-designed neurons that communicate directly with our brains, the boundary between science fiction and reality is vanishing fast.
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In this episode Ross and Sandy delve into the applications of AI in biology, drug discovery, and clinical trials, highlighting the potential of AI to revolutionize the healthcare industry. It explores the role of AI in drug design, protein modelling, gene editing, and cancer vaccines, as well as the challenges and opportunities in clinical trials and drug approval. The conversation delves into the concept of digital twins and their application in healthcare, particularly in simulating human organs and clinical trial design. It also explores the transformative potential of digital twins for rare diseases and the ethical implications of using AI in healthcare. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the impact of AI on biology and the need for responsible decision-making.
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In part 2 of this episode, Ross and Sandy continue their conversation with Dr. Deborah O'Neill where we discusses her leadership in the biotech industry, the challenges in biotech infrastructure, the economic impact of life sciences, regional investment and opportunities, and creative problem solving in the industry.
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In this episode, join Ross and Sandy in discussion with Dr. Deborah O'Neill, CEO of NovaBiotics. Released in two parts, in this first part of the interview Deborah discusses her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, sharing insights into the science and story behind the formation of NovaBiotics. We hear about the fascinating work they are doing to combat microbial resistance and the potential impact of their developments for cystic fibrosis patients. Throughout this episode she highlights the importance of place, Aberdeen in the North East of Scotland, but we will dig deeper into this part of the story in part 2. For now we focus on the science and the biology. Enjoy!
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In this episode, the principal themes revolve around the application of AI in healthcare, focusing on efficiency, productivity, and patient care. The discussion also delves into the concept of virtual hospitals, the impact of AI on radiology imaging, and its role in emergency services.
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In this episode Ross and Sandy explore the history and impact of MRI technology, highlighting its development in Scotland and its global significance. It delves into the challenges and breakthroughs in medical imaging, emphasising the contributions of Scottish scientists and the commercial impact of their innovations.
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Most biotech start-ups struggle just to find space, but Scotland is pioneering a solution that could revolutionise how life sciences companies grow and thrive.
In this episode Ross and Sandy peel back the curtain on the critical infrastructure bottleneck threatening Scotland’s $25 billion biotech ambitions, revealing how innovative models and hefty public investment are building state-of-the-art shared lab hubs to retain top talent and accelerate breakthroughs.
You’ll discover what makes wet labs so fundamentally different from office space, from the complex HVAC and plumbing requirements to vibration-sensitive machinery that demands specialized, expensive infrastructure. Ross and Sandy break down the staggering costs that push startups out of the UK’s golden triad of London, Oxford, and Cambridge, while exploring the ambitious Scottish initiatives to close that gap with a £55 million public-private drive. They share how Scotland’s new incubator programs and the recently opened Health Innovation Hub are creating shared, high-spec facilities designed specifically to meet the demands of biotech and healthcare innovation.
They dive into why location matters more than ever; proximity to hospitals, universities, and a vibrant network of scientists fuels deeper collaboration, faster research, and a more resilient ecosystem. With insights from experts involved in these projects, this episode reveals how Scotland’s strategic focus on infrastructure could turn the tide against brain drain, transforming the country into a biotech powerhouse. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or policy-maker, understanding this infrastructure battle is essential for shaping the future of life sciences.
Perfect for entrepreneurs dreaming of building breakthroughs, investors looking to capitalize on a booming sector, or anyone passionate about regional innovation, this episode unlocks some of the secrets to making biotech ecosystems thrive from the ground up. Tune in to hear how Scotland’s bold approach is rewriting the rules of biotech growth, one shared lab at a time.
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In this episode we explore the economics of the health data revolution and learn about how a surprising and relatively unknown archive in Scotland could change everything. What if your genetic history, kept since 1965 in a vault, is the ultimate resource for life sciences innovation? This episode reveals how Scotland’s hidden DNA archive (over 2.5 million newborn blood cards) may be the key to revolutionising personalised medicine and global healthcare, all while safeguarding public trust.
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In this conversation Ross and Sandy delve into the complexity of cancer, the challenges in finding a cure, and the innovative approaches being pursued in the field of oncology. It also explores the economic impact of cancer research and the potential for the Scottish biotech ecosystem. The discussion emphasizes the need to embrace the chaos of cancer and the business opportunities it presents.
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Most people think of cancer research as solely focused on survival, but what happens when the goal shifts from "get past five years" to "live long with cancer"? In this episode, we explore the game-changing trend transforming oncology from a battle against death to a fight for quality of life.
Join Ross and Sandy as they sit down with world-renowned surgeon and cancer scientist, Professor Andrew Biankin, to uncover how decades of research have turned lethal cancers into manageable, chronic conditions. Discover why the focus must now go beyond new drugs toward better patient stratification, smarter resource allocation, and a more nuanced approach to long-term care. -
We are joined by Ishani Malhotra, Founder and CEO of Oncocine, for a conversation on personalised mRNA cancer vaccines, AI-driven precision medicine, and the realities of building a biotech company in Scotland. And, as always, we finish with our Wee Bit of Joy — this week featuring rugby, David Byrne and love, and a moment away from the lab bench.
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In Episode 2 of The Long Game, Sandy Weir and Ross Cagan explore Scotland’s biotech ecosystem, from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Aberdeen, and discuss the science, capital, data, and ambition needed to build a £25 billion life sciences sector. They end with their traditional Wee Bit of Joy, from signs of spring and golf plans on Bute to an unexpected encounter with Scotland’s lapidary tradition.
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We are scientists, bioentrepreneurs, friends, and golf partners. In The Long Game, Sandy Weir and Ross Cagan use clear, friendly conversations to explore the science shaping our lives and driving Scotland’s biotech economy. In this introductory episode, we explain why we started the podcast, what questions we want to tackle, and how great ideas become real-world medicines, devices, and life sciences companies through science, translation, and innovation.
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In Episode 1 of The Long Game, Sandy Weir and Ross Cagan explore why people in Scotland die, what those patterns reveal about cancer, heart disease, dementia, and drug deaths, and why prevention and early diagnosis matter not only for health, but for the future of Scotland’s biotech economy.
