For life sciences executives navigating the current economic instability is something that needs to be done with precision and fortitude.

Unlike other industries, biotech companies require multiple funding cycles to fuel meticulously planned clinical trials that take more than a decade to complete. Biotech companies can’t pause development or quickly pivot to a more profitable product during difficult times. The necessity to continue clinical development of their therapeutics is why choosing to delay investor marketing isn’t a viable option.

While 2022 was considered a slow year in terms of deals and IPOs, the 2023 industry forecast is upbeat. F-Prime Capital portfolio companies had contributed to several private rounds raised and a couple of IPOs this year. The current rise in biotech IPOs (by BioPharma Dive’s IPO tracker) and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals as seen in BioPharma Dive’s interactive M&A tracker, are a bright spot on the horizon.

Prudent investors are being more deliberate in their evaluations of companies and have shifted their priorities to ensure less risky partnerships. So, while you might be unsure about investors’ sentiment in the beginning of 2023, it’s never too early to prepare for your next fundraising journey. Here are some places to start:

1. Get noticed. Make it easy for investors to notice you by attending conferences, industry events, and sharing your company news on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Connecting with investors takes time.

Your online presence gets you exposure in the industry and puts you on the investors’ radar. Conferences and industry events give you a chance to meet in person. While making first impressions is important, keep in mind developing a relationship with investors requires multiple interactions. Use this opportunity to collect contact information, generate a list of investors to follow up with, and make a note of questions investors asked.

2. Start the conversion. Your website and LinkedIn page are the first places investors visit when learning about your company. Having a modern brand style and consistent messaging builds a memorable first impression. If your brand looks outdated – will it communicate innovation that matches your company’s vision? If content on your website is too wordy or cluttered – will it deliver the right message?

Plan your fundraising journey ahead of time. Make sure your website works as an extension of your pitch and engages investors with the right information. Keep your LinkedIn page up to date and don’t be shy to regularly share news and updates about the company.

3. Get your best story ready. Most of life science companies are formed because they have promising data. But what gives investors reassurance in your success and differentiates you as a company?

Every company has something unique about them. Does your pitch deck guide investors to the right conclusion? Explaining your data is important, but telling a good story about what differentiates your company is what makes your pitch memorable.

At Theoria Creative we plan your fundraising journey step by step. We start by distilling your core value and messaging to build a story worth investing in. We then create a modern brand, develop a pitch deck, teaser deck or executive summary, a website (including all necessary illustrations and animations), and LinkedIn banners and posts so you have a comprehensive set of materials with consistent messaging and branding.

The current economic climate makes investors more cautious, but there is an optimism for biotech funding in 2023. Show investors you’re staying the course despite shaky times by actively making connections, elevating your messaging, and preparing your marketing materials for your next meeting with investors.

Contact Theoria Creative to find out how we can transform your science into a complete company profile with cohesive communication materials that tell your story.