Scaling Life Sciences: Wisdom and Lessons Learned from 150+ Industry Practitioners

SCALING LIFE SCIENCES: Wisdom and Lessons Learned from 150+ Industry Practitioners Scaling a life science company is a high-stakes challenge-delays are frequent, resources are stretched, and setbacks can be costly, even fatal. Yet few structured insights exist on how to foresee and manage critical issues, leaving managers to rely on trial-and-error strategies or best practices from industries that don't share the complexities of life science ventures. This book on scaling life science ventures provides real-world insights to help founders, executives, and board members make informed decisions. Rather than offering a step-by-step manual, it delivers industry wisdom drawn from experience, equipping leaders with practical strategies tailored to the complexities of life science scaleups. This handbook is built on real-world case studies-not theory. Whether you are preparing for commercialization, expanding your team, or aligning your leadership, it provides a structured path to scaling with resilience and efficiency. Through 50+ in-depth interviews and a survey of 112 life science scaleups, industry practitioners share lessons learned the hard way to help leaders recognize and navigate common pitfalls. Inside, you'll find: The Life Science Scaling Triangle(TM)️ - A framework covering 12 critical focus areas that impact a company's ability to scale. The Eight Archetypes of Life Science Entrepreneurs(TM)️ - A model for understanding leadership styles and their role in business growth. 101 lessons learned from executives, board members, and investors who have faced-and overcome-scaling challenges. 3 practical tools to assess a company's current maturity level, prioritize key focus areas for scaling, and identify executive team shadow sides that may impact the journey. Martin Stenfeldt (M.Sc. B.A. & Econ.) is a Danish life science entrepreneur and executive with deep expertise in scaling life science ventures. As co-founder and former CEO of MedTrace Pharma A/S, he led its growth from early-stage development to Phase III clinical trials, expanding beyond Denmark to establish offices in the U.S. and Sweden, navigating complex markets and regulatory environments. With a broad life science and entrepreneurial network across Scandinavia and the U.S., he brings a global perspective to the industry. He is a Resident Industry Fellow at the Technical University of Denmark, has held multiple board positions, and actively mentors both startups and scaleups, sharing his expertise in scaling, commercialization, and sustainable growth. This book is supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and DTU Entrepreneurship. Profits from book sales will support 'Women in Life Science Denmark.'

About the Author :
Martin Stenfeldt (M.Sc. B.A. & Econ.) is a seasoned Danish life science entrepreneur, executive, and author with a proven track record of scaling ventures internationally. He is currently CEO of UNEEG Medical, a Danish scaleup advancing innovative neurodiagnostic solutions, and founder of Scaling Life Sciences, a growth advisory and publishing firm.Previously, Martin co-founded and led MedTrace Pharma A/S, taking it from startup to Phase III clinical trials and expanding operations from Denmark into the U.S. and Sweden. With over two decades of international experience, including leadership roles in the U.S. and Germany, he brings a rare combination of strategic, operational, and commercial expertise to the complexities of scaling life science companies.Martin's network spans Scandinavia, the U.S., and beyond, giving him a truly global industry perspective. He serves as a Resident Industry Fellow at the Department of Entrepreneurship, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), is an Ambassador for Women in Life Science Denmark, and contributes as a board member and mentor to emerging startups. He is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and developing the next generation of life science leaders.

Review :
"Scaling Life Sciences" is essential for anyone looking to transforming research into impact. As the founder of a science-based company, I have experienced the complexities of scaling first-hand. This book distills invaluable insights from over 150 practitioners into practical frameworks, providing a structured approach. It will be a valued guide for researchers, students, and entrepreneurs who seek to understand and navigate the scaleup process in life sciences." - Anders Bjarklev, Professor, President, The Technical University of Denmark "Scaling a life science company is a unique and difficult challenge. Martin Stenfeldt's book, based on first hand experience, provides critical and actionable guidance for life science executives and startups with a need for scaling the company's activities. A must-read for any management team planning for scaling towards growth." - Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, Chief Executive Officer, Professor, DVM, PhD, DSc, Novo Holdings A/S "Having scaled Neola Medical in the complex life sciences sector, I can confirm the immense value of Martin's practical insights. His book provides actionable strategies for scaleup leaders, and I'll be recommending it to my network both in Europe and the U.S." - Hanna Sjöström, CEO Neola Medical "This book's significance lies in its many real-world examples from scaling companies, illustrating how challenges are either resolved or lead to failure. It offers invaluable insights and inspiration for management teams, boards, and investors, along with practical tools for navigating the complexities of scaling high-potential life science ventures" - Lene Gerlach, PhD, Venture Partner, Hadean Ventures, Founder and Chairperson WiLD "Few books tackle scaling like this one. It's a critical resource for board members and executives driving sustainable growth in life sciences." - Jodi Hubler, Board Chair and Managing Director