Kenichi Nogami is the co-founder and CEO of Metcela, a clinical-stage biotechnology startup pioneering the research and development of fibroblast and stem cell-based therapy for chronic heart diseases that currently have limited therapeutic options. We talk about the current treatments for heart failure and how the fibroblast technology could help this space. We explore the founding story; setting smaller milestones and fundraising to meet those goals; the role of recruiting firms in hiring in japan; building a flat structure at the startup, as opposed to a hierarchical system that Japan is generally known for; and how Ken’s investment banking experience helped with acquisition of another biotech startup; and many other stories. Shownotes

https://www.metcela.com/en/
Fibroblast technology for treating Heart failure
Current treatments and potential of regenerative capabilities
Founding story: Investment banker meets a PhD student and launch a startup
Nedo, Japan: Technology-Based Startup Support Program

https://www.nedo.go.jp/english/activities/activities_ZZJP_100091.html

IP: University waives its right to file a patent and the startup files the patent
Co-founder chemistry
Business model evolution
Immune response challenges developing cell therapy for heart diseases
Fundraising stories: Raising money from Japanese investors vs those outside Japan
Raising from university derived VCs
Cell manufacturing challenges
Acquiring a startup while being a startup
Evolution as a CEO
Team and hiring process: Supply drove the hiring more than demand in many cases
Building culture
Hierarchy vs flat structure: decision making process
Challenges building a biotech startup in Japan- talent, infrastructure; and need to expand globally

Metcela - Treating chronic organ diseases using a novel fibroblast-based technology