Lab Rats to Unicorns is a podcast that aims to demystify the process of creating a great company in the life sciences, biotech, medtech, clean energy, and beyond. Guided by our host, John Flavin, you will hear first hand accounts of startup formation, understand key steps of the startup process in the biotech industry from academia to public market, and gain insights into the many ways you can engage in the emerging life science community.
DEMYSTIFYING
THE PROCESS OF MAKING GREAT COMPANIES
From the lab rat, signifying the process of invention and discovery, to the unicorn, signifying a company brought successfully to market, LRTU hopes to engage and excite the minds of emerging scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs across the life science industries.
THE TEAM
MEET
John FLAVIN
HOST
John Flavin is a visionary leader known for his ability to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses that bring life-saving treatments to patients. He has played pivotal roles in Advanced Life Sciences, Chicago Innovation Mentors, MATTER, and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Currently, John is the Founder and CEO of Portal Innovations, Co-Founder and Chairman of Pyxis Oncology, Executive Chairman of ClostraBio, and a Board Member at Grove Biopharma. Throughout his career, he has raised $345 million in private and philanthropic capital to fund transformative organizations, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to innovation and leadership.
Jack
FLAVIN
Marketing Coordinator
Jack Flavin oversees LRTU social media and strategizes in coordination with the marketing department at Portal (Nick Pennebaker) to reach a large variety of listeners, and showcase the stories of scientific innovators on diverse platforms.
Producer
Rose Jones-Boyd manages John's schedules, coordinates interviews & events, and supports the team in preparation and execution of each podcast release.
Kevin
FLAVIN
Logistics Coordinator
Rose
JONES-BOYD
Kevin Flavin oversees the production and operations of the LRTU podcast. They manage episode planning, coordinate interviews, and handle the logistics of episode releases.