E24 #StartupStory "The BioHalo journey towards biofluorination and PFAS replacement" with Nicolas Krink CEO and Co-Founder of BioHalo ⁠

In this discussion, Nicolas Krink, the CEO and co-founder of BioHalo, shares in detail his experience transitioning from research and academia to entrepreneurship. BioHalo is a biotech startup aiming to replace PFAS, with safer, more sustainable alternatives. The talk elaborates on the company's inception, the dynamics among the co-founders, and the challenges faced so far. Nico stresses the importance of a cohesively working team and the value of continuous learning in an ever-evolving startup environment. For those interested, BioHalo is actively seeking collaborations, expertise in PFAS regulations, funding, and resources to support their mission. About BioHalo BioHalo are at the forefront of revolutionizing the halogenated chemicals industry. With their cutting-edge biofluorination technology, they offer a greener and more sustainable alternative to conventional fluorochemistry practices. Our primary mission is to develop bio-based materials that serve as safe and eco-friendly replacements for harmful PFAS forever chemicals in various industrial formulations without compromising on performance. At BioHalo, they are committed to driving positive change in the chemicals industry by promoting environmental consciousness and responsible manufacturing. They firmly believe that environmental responsibility goes hand in hand with innovation, and this core belief drives them forward. Timestamp & Shownotes 00:38 Introduction and Background of the CEO 01:31 The Journey to Becoming a CEO 02:44 The Birth of BioHalo 02:57 The Mission and Vision of BioHalo 05:36 The Impact of PFAS on Modern Society 06:41 The Entrepreneurial Journey 08:14 The Process of Establishing BioHalo 14:17 The Importance of Teamwork in a Startup 22:39 The Importance of Communication and Understanding in a Team 23:57 The Role of the BII (BioInnovation Institute) Program and Reflections on the Journey 25:44 Building a Company Culture and Vision 27:13 Challenges and Surprises in the Entrepreneurial Journey 28:30 The Mindset Shift from Academia to Entrepreneurship 31:40 Looking Ahead: Scaling and Growing the Business 32:38 Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 37:41 Call to Action: How Listeners Can Help 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: We want to build a community to inspire life science professionals and leaders through talent talks and organized events. Share knowledge across the life science community through personal stories of their journey. We encourage you to take part in shaping this community by sharing your feedback, questions, or ideas. This you can do through our LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠community page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗯𝘆 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻: Feel free to share your thoughts and your feedback using our voicemail you can access⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: (no voicemails will be published without your explicit approval). Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nehar Mortuza⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Søren Spanner Bach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode was recorded 18 December 2023.