From PhD to Exit: Mike Stadnisky’s Blueprint for Winning Life Science Tools Startups

How do you build a high-value life science tools company that investors want to back—and acquirers need to buy? Dr. Mike Stadnisky, former CEO of Phitonex (acquired by Thermo Fisher) and FlowJo (acquired by BD), shares battle-tested strategies for...✅ Pitch decks that work – Why TAM/SAM/SOM slides are irrelevant (and what to replace them with)✅ Investor psychology – How to structure your cap table for alignment (and avoid dilution traps)✅ Commercialization hacks – Why "get on a plane" beats another Zoom call for critical deals✅ The Thielsen Capital filter – What makes his syndicate write checks (and what gets 600+ startups rejected)If you're raising for a tools, diagnostics, or research tech startup, this is your playbook for moving from science project to scalable business—without wasting years (or equity) on the wrong path.

We discuss her journey into Cendana, discussing fund manager due diligence, portfolio construction, LP investing strategies, and more.

Tim Draper, Billionaire Venture Capitalist and Entrepreneur

🚜 Did you know that the future of China’s economy might depend on the children in its rural villages? Scott Rozelle, a Stanford economist, has spent over 40 years studying the hidden side of China’s rapid growth. While cities like Beijing and Shanghai get all the attention, it’s the rural areas—where 40% of China’s population still lives—that could largely shape the country’s future. 🌾 In our latest podcast episode, Scott shares eye-opening insights about the challenges rural China faces today—like the education gap, the migration of young people to cities, and the potential of a massive economic slowdown if these issues aren’t addressed. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ 🎧 Want to understand the real story behind China’s economic rise and what it means for the world? Don’t miss this episode.

Astronaut Loral O'Hara shares her incredible experiences living and working in space, conducting groundbreaking experiments on the International Space Station, and her insights into NASA's ambitious goal of reaching Mars. Discover what it's like to be at the forefront of space exploration and the future of human space travel.

Dr. Aubrey de Grey, Chief Science Officer at LEVF.

Ever thought about walking the length of the Amazon? Join me in this episode as we dive into the wild adventures of Ed Stafford, the first person to achieve this epic feat! 🚶‍♂️💨 From surviving treacherous jungles to discovering the mental challenges that come with such a monumental journey, Ed shares his incredible story of perseverance and transformation.🗣️ What drove him to leave a stable life in the UK for a jungle in Costa Rica? 🤔Listen in as Ed reveals the profound lessons he learned, the unexpected friendships formed, and the moments that tested his limits. You won’t want to miss the wisdom he gained while navigating life and death in the heart of the Amazon!👉 Tune in now for a dose of adventure, inspiration, and a unique perspective on embracing risks in life! 🎧✨

Join us as Steve Preda (former founder of an investment bank), an expert in business growth and leadership team coaching, shares actionable strategies to scale effectively and sustainably.

Wendy Kopp, the visionary behind Teach For America and Teach For All, discusses her journey of founding these organizations at just 21, her commitment to global education equity and equality, and her perspectives on how AI and EdTech will shape the future of learning worldwide

Is the digital nomad lifestyle all it’s cracked up to be? Johnny FD, a trailblazer in the movement, opens up about the highs, lows, and long-term realities of working abroad. With a 249Ksub+ YouTube channel and years of experience, he shares hard-earned lessons on freedom, investing, challenges, and shifting life perspectives