Shownotes
This week I spoke with Jon Hu, CEO and co-founder of Pepper Bio, about his journey from pharma consulting and venture capital to founding a tech-enabled biotech company. Pepper Bio created an AI and machine learning platform accelerating drug discovery for untreatable diseases. In addition to the platform, Pepper is currently navigating their asset for liver cancer into phase 2 clinical trials. Jon highlighted the differences between tech and biotech, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big and aligning vision with employees. He shared insights on the importance of hiring, learning to learn, and overcoming challenges in transitioning from tech-enabled discovery to drug development. We also discussed Pepper Bio's computational platform, long-term strategy, and their Series A fundraising to support their clinical trial efforts. Jon’s personal story of family health challenges driving his passion for biotech underscored the company's mission to transform patient care.
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00:00 Introduction to John Hu and Pepper Bio
00:54 John's Early Aspirations and Career Path
02:27 Founding Pepper Bio and Its Mission
05:15 Tech vs. Biotech: Ambitions and Challenges
10:42 Project Optimist and Pepper's Role
11:53 Pepper's Computational Platform and Future Goals
16:14 Navigating the Biotech Industry and Hiring Strategies
33:35 Personal Motivations and Future Aspirations
36:03 Book Recommendations and Closing Remarks
