If I could play pretend...

@brainsurgerydropout

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OncoSynergy

Why it worked

The post uses a narrative storytelling approach, detailing the founder's personal journey and struggles in building a biotech startup. This relatable and emotional narrative, combined with the visual progression of the company's development, likely resonated with viewers, especially those interested in entrepreneurship and the biotech industry.

Summary

The creator recounts the journey of founding a biotech startup, OncoSynergy, to invent a new brain cancer drug. The narrative details the struggles of fundraising, team building, near-failure, and eventual success in developing a drug, highlighting the personal sacrifices and dedication involved.

Structure

1Dreaming of starting a biotech company
2Securing initial investment and building a team
3Facing significant setbacks and financial difficulties
4Relocating and continuing the pursuit of funding
5Experiencing failure to raise capital despite milestones
6Personal breakdown and leaving the company

Original caption

#biotech #startup #entrepreneur #STEMTok #glioblastoma #Science

More from @brainsurgerydropout

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7

Recovering and returning to the company

8Finally holding a vial of the developed drug

Product placement

OncoSynergy is mentioned and shown on t-shirts, a sign, and other branding throughout the slides, representing the biotech startup being founded and developed.

On-screen text

If I could play pretend... I would quit neurosurgery and start a biotech startup to invent a new brain cancer drug I would struggle for 10 months trying to raise our first $2.5 million investment I would hire the best lab team ever I would work side by side with them in our tiny lab I would hire the best chief medical officer (my wife) I would pitch 200+ investors internationally and get 200+ no's I would lose nearly the entire team in 2015 after running out of money I would have to downsize I would turn down a lucrative job offer even though I wasn't paying myself salary anymore I would be grateful for the VC who finally took a chance on us in 2017 I would build a new team to take us to the next level I would relocate the company all the way across the country I would work on raising the next $20M I would fail to raise the capital despite the team nailing all of our milestones I would have a major mental breakdown and leave the company (and marriage) I would take 3 years to recover before ultimately returning to the company... I would finally hold a vial of my drug for the first time 11 years after founding the company