Biotech advisory with a pharma and investor perspective
I help biotech leaders look at their asset through the eyes of pharma and investors, and turn it into a fundable, partnerable business. From the first corporate conversation to deal execution. For pharma, SMEs and investors I run search and evaluation and independent due diligence on the assets in front of them.
Services
Pharma and investors pass on most assets not because the science is weak, but because the asset isn’t framed around how they decide.
I apply those criteria from both sides of the table: as Head of External Innovation and Search & Evaluation at Merck KGaA, as Venture Partner at V-Bio Ventures, and as the co-founder of three start-ups.
For biotech founders and companies
“How would a pharma company rate our asset?” An assessment run the way a Search & Evaluation team works: pipeline fit, competitive landscape, target product profile and the data gaps that would kill a deal in due diligence. You commission it, and I help you open the first corporate conversations off the back of it.
“We have a company, but not yet a story investors believe.” I build an exit-driven development plan, working backwards from what an acquirer or next-round investor needs to see, and pressure-test it in a mock investment committee.
“The asset is there. The deal is not.” Where first conversations have landed, this takes over as a structured process: partner mapping, non-confidential materials, term sheet structure and negotiation, shaped by first-hand experience on the buyer’s side of the table.
“We need senior leadership now, not in six months.” Hands-on interim leadership through a critical phase, or a sparring partner for your executive team as the company scales.
For pharma, SMEs and investors
“We need an independent read before we commit.” The same lens as the asset review, but applied for the party writing the cheque: scientific, technical and commercial due diligence on an asset, a platform or a team, run against the criteria your investment committee applies and delivered in a format it can decide on.
Commissioned by the party doing the diligence, not by the company being assessed. Independent, and confidential by default.
Each service stands on its own. Start wherever your most critical gap is.
For grant applications I work with established partners who bring their own track record.
Not sure which of these you need? That is what the first call is for.
Get in touchWho I help
You have the data and an idea of a company. You need to know whether the asset carries a business before you commit years to it.
The science convinces. The raise stalls. The gap is usually the story and the milestone logic, not the data.
You are preparing for BD conversations or already in them, and want to know how the other side of the table reads your asset.
You need independent due diligence on an asset, a landscape or a team before you commit capital or sign a licence.
How I work
For biotech founders and companies
~2 weeks
A fixed-scope sprint. You get a written verdict, the deal-killers and a prioritised list of what to fix first.
~4 to 6 weeks
I rebuild the development plan and the equity story around value inflection points, then test both in a mock investment committee.
~3 to 6 months
Ongoing support from partner mapping to term sheet, on a monthly retainer. I stay in the room until the deal is signed.
Ongoing
Two to three days a week as interim CEO or CBO, or a standing sparring slot for your executive team.
For pharma, SMEs and investors
To be discussed
An independent read on the asset in front of you, delivered as a red-flag report and a summary your investment committee can decide on.
Scope and timing depend on the stage of the asset and the depth your committee needs.
Every engagement starts the same way: a 30-minute call, no charge and no pitch, to find the one gap that matters most. You hear back within 24 hours.
Testimonials
“As interim CBO Mathias ran our business development end to end ahead of our Series A: investor readiness, partner outreach, the strategy underneath it, and a data room that held up once due diligence started. He is the person I want in the room at a partnering conference.”
“Mathias combines deep scientific understanding with real venture and pharma expertise in everything we work on together. He pressure-tested our technology and our investment case, then put his network to work. The warm introductions turned into real investor conversations, and his read on what VCs look for is what got us traction towards our Series A.”
“Mathias helped me understand how to identify and work toward key value inflection points, and use them to build both a company and a compelling story.”
“Speaking with Mathias provided some very relevant feedback for my strategic objectives.”
“Mathias has a rare ability to challenge your thinking without steering your decisions. His generous sharing of experience and industry perspective helped me navigate critical decisions and shape our strategic direction.”
“Mathias’ input to our project made a measurable difference. He sharpened the business case and backed my positioning with real market numbers and a solid competitive analysis. He brings deep expertise and clear guidance, but never pushed his own agenda, leaving the decisions still mine.”
“Mathias brought a highly valuable combination of strategic thinking and industry expertise. Our sessions helped us focus our strategic objectives in a clear and structured way, while translating Ysotope’s business vision into key messages aligned with the expectations and corporate perspective of the pharmaceutical industry.”
Why FALCENBERG NBC
Beyond my own capacity I leverage my network, ranging from investors and biotech clusters to global pharma BD, to serve your business the best way.
01
A strong scientific background paired with a global leadership mindset, bridging the language of the lab and the boardroom.
02
Hands-on company creation as a serial entrepreneur, with 3 start-ups co-founded.
03
Trained as a venture capitalist, active Venture Partner, with a strong VC network at partner level.
04
Six years in a leading role at Merck KGaA, with 10+ deals co-shaped.
05
Access to next-generation AI technology as Co-Founder of Serinyx, applied to landscaping, diligence and target work.
06
Clear communication and a focus on executing the tasks that move your asset forward.
I have searched and evaluated assets for big pharma, supported investments as an investor and built companies from scratch. My clients get all three perspectives before they walk into the room that matters.
Send a short note on your asset and your most pressing question. I will get back to you personally.
Get in touch