Founder
Dr. Florence Chan
We are passionate about translating innovative scientific research ideas into pioneering and commercially viable medical treatments for patient benefit. We understand the challenges of building a drug discovery and development programme from the seeds of early scientific research to deliver proof-of-concept data, in parallel to defining the clinical and commercial positioning for the potential medicine.
We understand the hurdles faced with starting up and fund raising for a new life science company, as well as investors’ wish to fund innovative science that is supported by compelling data, sound development strategy and a competent team.
With our experience in a range of roles in the biotech ecosystem, we are able to be the effective bridge between stakeholders on all sides of the ecosystem. From academic founders and biotech start-ups to venture capital investors, we will work with you to facilitate the transformation of novel research and technologies into medicines for patient benefit.
Dr. Florence Chan
BioStarter Consulting was founded by Principal Consultant, Dr Florence Chan.
A Singaporean who spent more than 2 decades in the UK across a variety of roles spanning the different sectors of the life sciences ecosystem; from cutting edge academic research to leading successful drug discovery teams in biotech to early-stage venture capital investment. Since returning to Singapore, she has consulted for Temasek as a corporate advisor and a number of biotech start-ups such as Albatroz and Twain Therapeutics.
In every role, she has continued to follow and pursue her passion in advancing innovative scientific research and technologies towards a commercially viable medical product for patient benefit.
After receiving her PhD from Imperial College, London, Florence was trained in cancer drug discovery as a Post-doctoral research fellow at the Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit within the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London. The ICR is recognised as one of the world’s most successful academic centres for discovering new cancer drugs. Her work led to the selection of drug candidates for progression into clinical development, as well as the publication of six papers in peer reviewed scientific journals.
Florence then moved to the Cancer Research Technologies (CRT) – Therapeutic Discovery labs, where she applied her drug discovery experience and skills to lead several cross-functional drug discovery project teams. As project lead, she was responsible for devising the development and clinical positioning strategy for each project. As part of the marketing team, she was actively involved in the successful licensing of one these programmes to a leading pharmaceutical company.
Florence then transitioned into early-stage venture investment at the London based Sixth Element Capital (6EC) to build up her business development and venture investment experience. At 6EC, she leveraged her expertise and knowledge in drug development to support the fund’s investment activities. As a key member of the team, she was actively involved in the entire investment life cycle from proactive deal sourcing and due diligence to venture building and fund raising for the fund’s portfolio companies to the successful exit of portfolio assets.