Many startups are built on research, yet few scientists make the leap to becoming founders.
Many entrepreneurs start their own businesses to build a career solving problems and addressing specific pain points. Scientists, who are naturally
As the startup ecosystem continues to grow, it’s fascinating to note that many founders start their companies with a passion to solve a problem or pain point. Scientists are no exception to this trend, yet they seem to be underrepresented in the founder community compared to engineers and operators. This phenomenon raises several questions: why do outsiders tend to bring research out of the lab rather than scientists themselves? What’s holding back scientists from becoming entrepreneurs?
The Stigma Against Scientists as Founders
One common argument against scientists making good founders is that they often come from academia, which has its own unique structures and nuances. This can lead people to believe that scientists lack the necessary skills for entrepreneurship. However, this generalization is not entirely accurate.
A Counterpoint: Stacy Blain’s Story
Stacy Blain, co-founder and chief science officer at Concarlo Therapeutics, recently shared her experience on a Foundpodcast episode. She debunked the myth that scientists make poor founders, stating that she had to learn many new skills since becoming an entrepreneur. However, she emphasized that there are more commonalities between scientific research and entrepreneurship than people think.
Blain pointed out that scientists are trained to be problem-solvers, troubleshooters, and learners. These skills are highly valuable in the startup world, where adapting quickly to changing circumstances is crucial. Moreover, scientists often have a strong work ethic, which serves them well as entrepreneurs.
The Benefits of Scientists in Entrepreneurship
Having more scientists in the founder community can bring numerous benefits. For one, they would bring their expertise in technical and scientific fields, such as AI, climate tech, and deep tech. This would enable startups to tackle complex problems that require a deep understanding of underlying technologies.
Furthermore, scientists are often driven by a passion for discovery and innovation, which is essential for creating successful startups. By joining the startup ecosystem, scientists can continue to contribute to their field while having a greater impact on society.
The Aventur Capital Group’s Approach
Aventur Capital Group’s managing director, Joe Maruschak, highlighted an interesting perspective: why fund scientists who are already skilled researchers? Why not allow them to focus on what they’re good at – advancing scientific knowledge?
This approach acknowledges that scientists have a unique value proposition as researchers and should be encouraged to continue their work. By supporting scientists in their research endeavors, venture capital firms can help advance the field while creating opportunities for startups to emerge.
The Loss of Opportunity
While many companies are built on research found worthy by founders, without more scientists seeing entrepreneurship as a potential career path, the startup ecosystem loses out. The expertise and perspectives that scientists bring are invaluable in addressing complex technical challenges.
As AI, climate tech, and deep tech continue to grow and attract investment, it’s crucial to get more scientists involved in the startup world. By doing so, we can tap into their unique skills and knowledge, creating a more diverse and innovative founder community.
Conclusion
The stigma around scientists as founders is a complex issue with multiple factors at play. However, by sharing stories like Stacy Blain’s and highlighting the benefits of having scientists in entrepreneurship, we can begin to break down these barriers. By supporting scientists in their research endeavors and encouraging them to explore entrepreneurship, we can create a more inclusive and innovative founder community.
Recommendations
- Encourage Scientists to Explore Entrepreneurship: Provide resources and support for scientists who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs.
- Highlight the Value of Scientific Expertise: Emphasize the benefits that scientists bring to startups, including their technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
- Foster Collaboration Between Academia and Industry: Encourage partnerships between researchers and industry leaders to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
By taking these steps, we can unlock the potential of scientists in the startup ecosystem, creating a more diverse and innovative community that drives technological advancements and societal progress.
