Meet the Innovator: Jerri Ann Thatcher, CEO of FloBio
Pennovation Works is home to an exciting mix of startups, research initiatives, and innovative companies. In this Meet the Innovator series, we will be introducing you to a member of the Pennovation Works community through a Q&A spotlight.
This spotlight is with Jerri Ann Thatcher, CEO of FloBio. FloBio is pioneering a novel point-of-care diagnostic platform that assesses blood clotting status under physiologic and dynamic flow. Their proprietary microfluidic technology is designed to set a new standard for monitoring blood function in emergency, critical care settings. FloBio is a member of the Pennovation Center, where they have lab and desk space since September 2019. They are also a PCI Ventures portfolio company.
What inspired you to become CEO of FloBio and how long have you been operating?
I have a passion for building things and a need to be constantly learning. Taking on the role as CEO in a startup allows me to leverage my business skills, while also challenging and exposing me to new experiences. Additionally, I was impressed by our founder – Dr. Scott L. Diamond – who is an expert in blood biology and microfluidics. His extensive research and the potential impact of this bedside technology, identifying bleeding and thrombotic risk in patients, was compelling. As someone who has also lost a family member due to emergency bleeding complications, I was motivated to take on the opportunity to build a company and team that could make a real difference in saving lives. FloBio was spun-out of the University of Pennsylvania in August of 2017 and I joined the company in August of 2018 to lead the company.
What do you find most rewarding about your work? The most challenging?
One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is working with really smart people who are all committed to developing FloBio’s technology. Also, learning from, networking with and building enduring business relationships within our collaborative entrepreneurial start up and scientific community has been invaluable!
The most challenging part is the magnitude of work that needs to get done and the need to constantly prioritize based on the dynamic and changing environment. Equally challenging is building the right team at the right time as you are raising money and balancing all of the priorities. As I like to say, it takes a village and you have to be creative, persistent and patient as you build it!
If there was one thing you would want someone to know about your company what would it be?
FloBio is founded on more than 10 years of research with more than 30 publications. By developing this innovative point of care diagnostic technology, we have an opportunity to make a real difference in the rapid identification of bleeding and thrombotic risk, particularly in emergency critical care settings. Our mission is to support clinicians in evidence based clinical decision making in order to improve patient outcomes and reduce health care costs.
What’s a piece of advice you got that stayed with you?
There are two things that stick with me. First, we as individuals are not defined by our jobs or the work we do. Although I have a passion for what I am doing and am driven to achieve the next milestone and execute the plan, I work every day to keep balance and perspective in my life. Second, no matter what we do in our life – be present and live in the moment! When I was younger, I was always looking to the future and toward the end goal. What I have learned since, the true reward is the journey; embracing and making the most of every moment along the way.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Given the challenges and dynamic pace of working in the start-up environment, my free time is focused on relaxing and staying connected with friends and family. This involves a lot of walks through the neighborhood and a lot of zoom meetings! You may also find me enjoying a good Netflix binge on occasion ☺
LIGHTNING ROUND:
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite subject in school: History
Place you would want to travel to the most: Anywhere and everywhere in Italy!
What was your first job? Babysitter at 10 years old ☺
