Interview with Victoria Paz, Co-founder and CEO of EYWA Biotech By Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager, LSN
EYWA Biotech is leading the charge in developing psychedelic APIs through cutting-edge synthetic biology techniques. In this interview, Victoria Paz, a key figure at EYWA, shares insights into the company’s mission, their innovative approach to solving mental health treatment challenges, and their experience at the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge during RESI Boston. From their fundraising journey to the impact they envision for the healthcare industry, this conversation sheds light on how EYWA Biotech is pioneering solutions in the biotech space.
About the Company
Caitlin Dolegowski (CD): Can you give us a brief introduction to EYWA Biotech and the problem you’re aiming to solve?
Victoria Paz (VP): Eywa Biotech is focused on using synthetic biology and gene engineering to produce GMP-certified psychedelic APIs like psilocybin, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and bufotenin. We aim to solve the challenge of providing a reliable, high-quality, and sustainable supply chain for psychedelic compounds used in research and therapeutic applications. Our goal is to address the mental health crisis by ensuring consistent access to these innovative compounds for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.
CD: What inspired you to start EYWA Biotech, and what differentiates your technology from others in the field?
VP: The inspiration behind Eywa Biotech came from the urgent need for new solutions in mental health treatment. Current production methods for psychedelic compounds are often inefficient and environmentally unsustainable. Eywa’s approach stands out because we use synthetic biology to create scalable microorganisms that produce these compounds in fewer steps, cutting down production time and reducing environmental impact. This enables us to deliver high-purity APIs for research and clinical use at a lower cost.
CD: How do you envision your solution impacting the healthcare industry in the next few years?
VP: We believe that Eywa Biotech’s innovations will play a key role in transforming mental health treatment by providing a reliable supply of high-quality psychedelic compounds. Our technology has the potential to make therapeutic psychedelics more accessible to researchers and healthcare providers, accelerating the development of novel mental health treatments. By doing so, we hope to contribute to a broader acceptance of psychedelics in medicine and support the advancement of personalized treatments for conditions like depression and PTSD.
Fundraising Status
CD: Where are you currently in the fundraising process?
VP: We recently closed our pre-seed round, which has allowed us to build and scale our initial production capabilities. We are now preparing to launch our seed round by the end of next year to support further scaling, commercialization, and the development of new formulations and preclinical trials.
CD: What type of investors are you seeking, and what do you hope to achieve with this round of funding?
VP: We are looking for strategic investors who have a strong understanding of biotechnology, mental health, and pharmaceuticals. Ideally, these investors will bring not only capital but also expertise in scaling biomanufacturing and navigating regulatory landscapes. With this round, we aim to scale our production to an industrial level, expand into new markets, and advance our pipeline of formulations and APIs.
CD: How have potential investors responded to your pitch so far, and what has been the most frequent feedback?
VP: Feedback from investors has been positive, especially regarding our innovative approach to scaling psychedelic API production and our focus on sustainability. The most common feedback has been around ensuring that our go-to-market strategy is well-defined, especially in terms of navigating regulatory challenges and market entry in different regions.
Experience at RESI Boston
CD: How was your experience participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI Boston?
VP: Participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI Boston was an invaluable experience. It provided us with a platform to showcase Eywa Biotech’s vision to a diverse panel of investors and industry leaders, allowing us to refine our message and receive valuable feedback.
CD: What was the most valuable aspect of presenting to a dedicated panel of investors at the event?
VP: The most valuable aspect was the insightful questions and constructive feedback from the panel, which helped us better understand the investment priorities of various stakeholders in the biotech space. It also offered a great opportunity to build connections with potential investors who align with our long-term vision.
CD: How did the RESI Boston conference contribute to your overall fundraising journey and networking?
VP: The RESI Boston conference significantly boosted our fundraising journey by allowing us to engage directly with high-quality investors and potential partners. It expanded our network within the biotech and life sciences community, helping us identify potential strategic partners for future collaborations.
CD: Did you find the feedback from investors during the pitch challenge helpful, and if so, how?
VP: Absolutely, the feedback was extremely helpful. It highlighted the importance of clarifying our regulatory strategy and demonstrating market readiness. This has guided us in refining our pitch to better address investors’ concerns about market entry timelines and scalability.
CD: Would you recommend the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge to other early-stage biotech companies, and why?
VP: Yes, I would highly recommend it. The Innovator’s Pitch Challenge provides a unique opportunity to receive direct feedback from experienced investors, gain visibility in the industry, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. It’s an ideal platform for any early-stage biotech company looking to validate their business model and accelerate their growth.
As we approach RESI London and RESI JPM, Life Science Nation is offering a series of free webinars designed to help early-stage life science entrepreneurs refine their strategies and boost their chances of securing investor interest. These sessions will cover essential topics such as pitching techniques, partnering strategies, and insights from seasoned investors. Whether you’re new to fundraising or looking to enhance your current efforts, these webinars are tailored to equip you with the tools needed to navigate the funding landscape effectively. Sign up today and get ready to make the most of your RESI experience!
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