What does it really take to secure investment in today’s life science landscape? At the March edition of KI Science Park Business Breakfast, “Working Together to Shape Innovation: Science Funding Behind the Scenes”, KI Science Park brought together key actors from across the funding ecosystem — from early-stage support to venture capital and public investment.
Hosted at Innomedium AWL Café, the event highlighted how collaboration across the ecosystem enables innovation to move from idea to impact.
The panel featured Patrik Blomquist (KI Innovations AB), Patric Stenberg (Gesynta Pharma AB), Roger Franklin (Hadean Ventures), and Fredrik Eliasson (Saminvest AB), and was moderated by Teodora Andonova, PhD, Investment Manager at KI Innovations. Together, they offered a candid and practical perspective on what it takes to build, fund, and grow a life science company today.
Importantly, the discussion reflected the full value chain of company building — from early support at KI Innovations, to venture capital investment by Hadean Ventures, to public funding through Saminvest, and finally to company-building experience from Gesynta Pharma, a KI spinout and alumni of the KI Innovations incubator.
A key message throughout the discussion was the importance of engaging early. Bringing in the right support structures and perspectives at an early stage can significantly strengthen a company long before it enters a fundraising process.
When it comes to investment decisions, conviction is built on a combination of strong science, robust data, and the right team. A compelling market opportunity is essential — but ultimately, it is the team’s ability to execute that determines whether investors commit.
The value of mentorship was also highlighted. Gesynta Pharma was founded by a team of highly experienced industry professionals, yet Patric Stenberg emphasized how valuable mentorship was during their incubation journey. In particular, participation in the Nordic NOME mentor programme — where KI Innovations is a founding partner — provided important support and perspective.
The discussion also reinforced that fundraising is a process, not a moment. Building relationships with investors takes time and requires both preparation and strategic focus. Understanding what different investors are looking for — and tailoring your approach accordingly — can make all the difference.
The connections between the panelists also illustrated how the ecosystem works in practice. Hadean Ventures is an investor in Gesynta Pharma and is in turn backed by Saminvest — a clear example of how different actors jointly enable companies to grow and scale.
Another important perspective was the value of experience on both sides of the table. Investors contribute far more than capital; they bring insights, networks, and pattern recognition that can help companies navigate future growth and financing rounds.
The role of public funding was also emphasized. As Fredrik Eliasson noted, actors like Saminvest play a key role in strengthening the ecosystem by reducing risk at the fund level — helping to unlock further private investment.
Finally, a practical piece of advice resonated with many in the room: practice your pitch before it really counts. You may only get one opportunity with a key investor — so preparation is crucial.
We would like to extend a warm thank you to our speakers, moderator Teodora Andonova, and everyone who joined us for an engaging and insightful morning — and to our event partner AWL for hosting us at Innomedium AWL Café.
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