Why your presence matters as much as your data
In early-stage biotech, investors aren’t just betting on the science, they’re betting on you. Your groundbreaking science got you this far, but in investor meetings, how you show up matters as much as what you’ve discovered. Your executive presence is what transforms brilliant science into investor confidence.
Great Science isn't enough
Many scientist-founders assume the data will speak for itself. You present compelling research, show promising results, and expect investors to see the obvious potential. But investors are taking a leap of faith, especially in early-stage biotech where failure rates are high.
In these moments, every interaction is a test. If you can’t communicate your vision with conviction, link your science to market potential, and inspire confidence in your leadership, the funding won’t follow, no matter how good the data looks.
Investors want one thing above all else: confidence that you can execute.
About Joel Garfinkle
Joel Garfinkle is based in the US, on the West Coast. He is the bestselling author of Executive Presence: Step Into Your Power, Convey Confidence, & Lead With Conviction and has coached over 2,500 leaders worldwide, including helping pharma and biotech executives become confident, commanding leaders. He is a Master Certified Coach and recognized as one of the top 15 executive coaches in the world.
Joel will show you how to:
Project founder credibility: Show up with the confidence and authority that makes investors believe in your leadership potential.
Tell a compelling story: Connect your breakthrough science to a credible, investable path forward.
Communicate with clarity and conviction: Combine technical insight with a clear vision investors can rally behind.
Handle investor scrutiny: Navigate tough questions with composure while reinforcing your credibility as a future CEO.
Demonstrate market understanding: Show that you grasp both the science and the business opportunity,
The Proven Model for Investor Confidence
At the core of this session is Joel's 3 x 3 Executive Presence Model – nine proven traits that shape how investors perceive and respond to you as a founder. You’ll learn to project gravitas, signal leadership readiness, and communicate with conviction, to inspire the trust that turns investor interest into committed funding.
Why Strong Executive Presence Is Essential
Early-stage funding is harder than ever, and investors are taking a leap of faith when they back a CEO without a long track record. Show up with the confidence and strategic presence of a seasoned leader, and you make that leap much easier for them to take.
Investors meet dozens of smart scientists, they fund the ones who inspire confidence in both the vision and the ability to deliver it.
Your scientific expertise earned you the meeting. Your executive presence will play a decisive role in whether you secure the funding.