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

Lab to Startup

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