Sadashi Suzuki has a successful track records of business organization start-up, turn-around, and change management. Knowledge of life science related industries, i.e., pharmaceuetical, diagnostic, research instruments and reagents, and bio-chemicals. Equipped with management skills to be effective in multi-national, multi-cultural business environment, based on received education from prominent academic institutions in both Japan and the US, and extensive international business experiences for more than 25 years.
Sadashi Suzuki
are the most significant challenges that you face while supporting the growth of the life sciences industry?
We are in the process of helping develop the Japanese life sciences ecosystem so that we can deliver drugs and therapies to patients as quickly as possible, and we would like to contribute to the development of the Japanese economy. Newton Biocapital is a venture capital company equipped with professional skills and expertise in new drug development. We are committed to contributing to the development of the "ecosystem" in Japan by leveraging our experience and expertise.
We are delighted that AMED, Japan's life sciences funding agency, has certified Newton Biocapital as one of eight venture capital firms qualified to provide ‘hands-on’ support to drug discovery start-ups in Japan. https://www.amed.go.jp/en/index. html
Moreover, we would like to emphasise that Newton Biocapital is the only non-Japanese venture capital firm certified under this programme. In fact, one of the very first AMED grant cases based on this programme will be awarded to Newton Biocapital's portfolio company EditForce, along with other start-ups backed by our fellow certified venture capital firm. https://www.editforce.co.jp/en/
2. What are some of the latest technology advancements currently employed and would like to see employed for successful business organization start-up, turn-around, and change management?
Japan is a leader in regenerative medicine and gene therapy. There are many "high-quality" academic research projects that could/should be brought to the bedside of patients as soon as possible. The regulatory environment in Japan for these types of indications is, we would say, quite progressive, so Newton Biocapital should aggressively pursue the opportunities in this space.
"We are delighted that AMED, Japan's life sciences funding agency, has certified Newton Biocapital as one of eight venture capital firms qualified to provide ‘hands-on’ support to drug discovery start-ups in Japan"
3. How has the professionally acquired proficiency in life sciences-related technologies in pharmaceutical, diagnostics, research tools, and bio-chemicals helped in your journey in supporting life sciences companies to create value?
I have 35 years of diverse business management experience in Big Pharma, biochemicals, medical devices, diagnostics, pharmaceutical research suppliers and Silicon Valley start-up in Japan. My deep understanding of the industry has enabled me to provide companies with strategic, hands-on guidance to turn technology into a "profitable" business and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry. In addition, over the years I have built up an invaluable network of industry contacts which has been instrumental in the development of Newton Biocapital and its portfolio companies. I have always looked for the "value" that can be delivered for people's health. "Innovation becomes business” when people see its value in their daily lives. The mission of Newton Biocapital's partners is to "bring innovation from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside in the most efficient way".
4. Please explain on the role your diverse educational background in Pre-Law and MBA played in the 35 years of international business experience and leadership in the life sciences industry.
My pre-law studies provided me with a deep understanding of legal principles and regulations, which has been essential in navigating the complex legal landscape of the life sciences industry. In addition, I have gained a broad understanding of business principles and strategies in both established and start-up companies through my MBA studies in Finance & Marketing as a major and Entrepreneurship as a minor. The understanding of the financial and economic aspects of the industry has also been critical in making sound investment and financial decisions, in successful negotiations and in operating successfully in the global business environment for Newton Biopcapital in Japan.
5. As an ending note, what is your advice for other senior leaders and CEOs on efficient investment strategy development for start-ups, specifically in the life sciences sector?
My advice, especially to Japanese CEOs of start-ups, is as follows:
• An initial public offering (IPO) is NOT the goal; it is just one of the means to raise capital for the achievement of higher-level goals such as "saving patients' lives".
• The "real goal" is to bring "innovation" to the patient bedside in the most efficient, least costly, and in the shortest time possible.
• Think positively about the passing of the torch of the clinical development programme to the party with plenty of resources, FOR THE SAKE OF getting the innovation to the patient's bedside.
