Science VC
Science VC explores the intersection of deeptech startups and venture capital. Each episode features conversations with startup founders, venture capitalists, and industry experts. Discover their stories, lessons learned, and predictions for the future.
Learn more about the challenges and opportunities of fundraising for venture-backed startups innovating in agtech, biotech, energy, foodtech, healthtech, and sustainability.
Science VC
Balancing Risk Across Two Industries | From Scientist to VC to Founder | Building Trust Among Co-founders | Protecting IP & Unlocking Markets | Fundraising Insights from Brazil with Larissa de Farias Viana, CEO @ APEXzymes | Ep 5
Can a single innovation unlock multiple billion-dollar markets?
Larissa is the CEO of APEXzymes, a Brazilian biotech startup that produces cost-effective enzymes for sustainable industrial applications. During our conversation, Larissa shares her journey from chemical engineering to venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Topics in this episode
0:00 Intro
1:06 From Chemical Engineer to VC to Founder
4:56 Why Leave Venture Capital to Build a Startup?
6:38 How Self-Doubt Can Drive Innovation
8:25 Advice Before Starting APEXzymes
9:34 What Are Enzymes and Why Do They Matter?
12:19 APEXzymes’ Value Proposition
13:40 What Investors Miss About APEXzymes
17:13 Key Markets: Biofuels, Cattle Feed & More
19:48 How Enzymes Boost Productivity and Cut Methane
22:11 Early Commercial Traction
23:58 Communicating Traction to Investors
27:50 Turning Enzyme Strains Into Patentable Assets
32:43 Balancing Focus vs. Market Size
38:12 Lessons from Fundraising and Non-Dilutive Grants
43:33 What GRIDX Saw in APEXzymes
46:05 Building Trust With Co-Founders
49:00 Aligning Weekly Tasks With Long-Term Vision
55:22 What’s Next for APEXzymes?
Follow APEXzymes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/apexzymes/posts/?feedView=all
Connect with Larissa on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissadefv/
Email Larissa larissa.viana@apexzymes.com
Connect with JP Orlov on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-orlov/
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