At Novaterra, we believe the best technologies are not just clever but consequential. They emerge when breakthrough science meets urgent human needs, and when exceptional teams pursue ambitious solutions to complex, under-addressed problems.

That’s why we’re proud to announce our investment in Serenatis Bio, a Cambridge-based biotech company developing three novel therapies for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This condition remains one of the most misunderstood and underserved in mental health.

A silent epidemic.

OCD affects an estimated 240 million people globally (3% of the population). It is often caricatured or misunderstood, but the reality for patients is far from trivial. For many, OCD is a debilitating condition marked by chronic distress, functional impairment, and high comorbidity with depression, anxiety, and suicidality. It is one of the top 10 most disabling illnesses globally, according to the WHO.

And yet, the therapeutic landscape has barely moved in decades.

• SSRIs, still the frontline treatment, take 8 to 12 weeks to show effect if they work.
• CBT, though effective, is resource-intensive and often inaccessible.
• Up to 50% of patients remain treatment-resistant.

Serenatis Bio is not trying to optimise this status quo incrementally. They are working to replace it entirely.

Precision medicine meets psychiatric innovation.

At the heart of Serenatis’ approach is a biomarker-driven, precision medicine platform that tailors treatment to the biological subtype of the patient, using EEG signals and genetic markers to match people to the molecule most likely to work for them.

Each drug in their pipeline targets a distinct neural system:

• SB001 — a selective mGluR2/3 modulator designed to normalise glutamate signalling, developed from work with Prof Trevor Robbins at Cambridge University and supported by robust preclinical validation.
• SB002 — a novel compound engaging AMPA receptors, potentially reducing compulsive behaviours and enhancing neural flexibility.
• SB003 — a COMT inhibitor that improves dopamine modulation in the prefrontal cortex, enhancing cognitive control and reducing symptom severity.

These are not repurposed antidepressants. They are first-in-class mechanisms designed to target the core biology of OCD. They also have the potential to address related disorders, including body dysmorphia, trichotillomania, pathological gambling, and anxiety.

A mission with deep roots.

For CEO Nick Sireau, this is more than a scientific mission. It’s personal.

He is not just a biotech founder. He’s an OCD patient and advocate and the founder of Orchard OCD, a UK charity supporting OCD research. He co-led the clinical trials for the first approved treatment of a rare disease (alkaptonuria, which affects two of his children), and his lived experience of OCD brings unmatched empathy to his work.

Nick’s co-founder, David Cavalla, PhD, brings over three decades of biopharma experience, including three Phase 2 successes and considerable expertise in CNS translational science. They are supported by an advisory team comprising Prof. Jon Grant (University of Chicago), a world authority on compulsive and impulsive disorders; Prof. Trevor Robbins, a leading OCD neuroscientist from the University of Cambridge; and Ekaterina Malievskaia, MD, co-founder of COMPASS Pathways.

Together, they form a team with rare clinical clarity, scientific integrity, and an unrelenting drive to deliver something better.

What we see in Serenatis Bio.

The more we dug in, the more we saw something exceptional:

• Real Science: A de-risked, biologically grounded platform with validated biomarkers, derisked safety profiles, and high scientific consensus on MoAs.
• Clinical Feasibility: SB001 is getting ready for proof-of-concept clinical trials. SB002 and SB003 are progressing rapidly with clear CRO partnerships.
• Market Dynamics: OCD represents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity with almost no pipeline competition. The rNPV of SB001 alone is projected at $2.6B post-Phase 2.
• Exit Potential: Multiple conversations are already underway with potential pharma acquirers, with investor interest led by Zinc VC and with P53 Invest.

But what ultimately sealed it for us was the story of Jim — a Cambridge graduate, friend of Nick’s, and fellow OCD patient who tragically took his own life after years of failed treatments. His story is not rare. And that’s the problem.

Serenatis is building something that could change those outcomes.

Our belief.

We believe Serenatis Bio is not just another CNS company. They are a platform for precision psychiatry, with the potential to set a new standard for how we treat chronic, complex mental health conditions.

They are the kind of team we built Novaterra to support:

• Bold in their science.
• Focused on their execution.
• Rooted in reality and human to the core.

We’re honoured to join them on this journey.

Let’s solve OCD, together.

Let’s solve OCD: why we’re investing in Serenatis Bio was originally published in Novaterra on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

At Novaterra, we support innovations that have the ambition to become a global force in their supply chains. Our investment in Limenet embodies these principles, demonstrating our commitment to a positive re-industrialization of our country starting from the urgent needs of our time.

The science behind Limenet

Limenet’s patented process leverages the geological carbon cycle by capturing CO₂ and converting it into calcium bicarbonate for ocean storage. This approach not only reduces atmospheric carbon but also mitigates the rising acidification of oceans — a direct consequence of human-induced emissions.

Backed by more than 15 peer-reviewed publications and three years of dedicated research in chemistry and biology, Limenet’s technology is a product of robust scientific validation. Their pilot plant and technology, certified by RINA, has already demonstrated the scalability of removing 800 tons of CO₂ annually.

Why Limenet matters

Ocean acidification, which could rise by 100–150% by 2100, threatens up to 80% of marine life and vital ecosystems that sustain global biodiversity. Limenet’s process not only removes CO₂ from the atmosphere but also rebalances oceanic pH levels, offering a much-needed lifeline for marine habitats.

The global market for carbon removal is projected to require over 10 billion tons of CO₂ removal annually by 2050. Limenet is ambitiously targeting a significant share of this market by planning for 12 operational plants, each capable of capturing 100,000 tons of CO₂ per year by 2030.

The team driving the vision

The Limenet team is led by Stefano Cappello and Giovanni Cappello, co-founders who combine rigorous scientific expertise with a passion for scalable climate solutions. Their initial experiments on CO₂ dissolution began humbly but have since evolved into a patented, globally relevant technology.

Strategic guidance comes from Enrico Noseda, whose extensive experience with tech companies like Skype and Cariplo Factory ensures Limenet’s business growth aligns with its technological ambitions. Additionally, Claudio Spadacini, founder of Energy Dome, brings invaluable expertise in energy innovation, further reinforcing Limenet’s ability to scale effectively.

Why we invested

At Novaterra, we invest in industrial solutions that offer scalability, technical credibility, and clear market applicability. Limenet stands out for its ability to bridge science with industrial execution — transforming theoretical chemistry into a practical solution for carbon stabilisation.

This is not just an investment in technology; it’s a deliberate step towards addressing systemic challenges with science and innovation. Limenet exemplifies the kind of bold, scalable solutions we believe are essential for a sustainable future.

Backing Limenet: scaling science for carbon removal and ocean preservation was originally published in Novaterra on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Targeting tumours with natural precision

NK:IO focuses on Natural Killer (NK) cells, a critical component of the body’s innate immune system. Unlike T-cells, which require genetic modification and risk off-target toxicity, NK cells naturally recognise and kill cancer cells without prior sensitisation. NK:IO’s innovation lies in its ability to optimise and scale the production of these cells using a patented process that harnesses cord blood-derived stem cells.

At the core of this breakthrough is the leadership of Professor Hugh Brady, Chief Scientific Officer and a co-founder of NK:IO. His pioneering research at Imperial College London, where he is a Professor of Immunology, laid the foundation for NK:IO’s proprietary methods of NK cell production. His group’s work on transcriptional regulation of NK cell development underpins the company’s ability to produce highly potent and stable NK cells at scale.

• Cord blood as a differentiator: Cord blood contains CD34+ stem cells, which provide a robust and scalable source for NK cell expansion. NK:IO’s process ensures these cells are in peak cytotoxic form, maintaining stability and avoiding the exhaustion typically seen in NK cells harvested from peripheral blood.
• Potency at scale: Under the guidance of Professor Matthew J. Fuchter, Head of Chemistry and co-founder, NK:IO has developed a platform that produces up to 10¹¹ high-potency NK cells from a single cord blood unit, ensuring clinical scalability without compromising efficacy. Professor Fuchter’s extensive experience in academic drug discovery, including his contributions to two drugs currently in clinical trials, has been instrumental in shaping this approach.
• Targeted action with safety: NK cells operate through direct tumour cell killing and immune modulation, offering a dual mechanism of action without requiring genetic engineering. This reduces the risk of adverse effects and positions NK:IO’s therapy as a safer alternative to CAR-T therapies in solid tumours.

Why it matters: the focus on ovarian cancer

NK:IO’s initial application targets ovarian cancer, a disease with a 90% five-year mortality rate. Traditional treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, offer limited long-term success for advanced cases. Ovarian cancer’s resistance to immunotherapy has been a major challenge, as the tumour microenvironment often suppresses immune responses.

The leadership team includes Richard Hopkins, CEO of NK:IO, bringing critical expertise to this endeavour. Hopkins’ career spans over 14 years in cell therapy development, including roles at bit.bio and Tessa Therapeutics, where he successfully advanced cell therapy programs and secured significant funding. His experience ensures a strategic focus on both scientific validation and clinical translation.

NK:IO’s NK cells have demonstrated promising preclinical results in addressing barriers unique to solid tumours. Their ability to infiltrate and effectively target ovarian tumours, combined with a safer profile compared to genetically modified therapies, represents a significant advancement. If successful, this approach could extend beyond ovarian cancer to other solid tumours, including pancreatic and lung cancers, which have similarly high unmet medical needs.

A platform beyond a single indication

While ovarian cancer is the immediate focus, NK:IO’s technology is designed for broader applicability. The platform’s ability to produce potent NK cells at scale has potential use cases in treating other cancers, autoimmune diseases, and even infectious diseases. This flexibility makes it a foundational technology rather than a one-product pipeline, increasing its long-term impact and market potential.

The opportunity

NK:IO operates in a market with significant growth potential:

• Solid Tumor Oncology: Currently valued at $185 billion, with limited competition from CAR-T or other cell therapies in this space.
• NK Cell Therapy: A nascent but growing segment, forecasted to reach $5.7 billion by 2032, driven by advancements like NK:IO’s platform.
• Ovarian Cancer Treatment: An immediate addressable market of $3.5 billion, with substantial unmet needs and few effective competitors.

Under the operational leadership of Dr. Andrew Baxendale, Chief Operating Officer, NK:IO has de-risked several key aspects of its approach, including demonstrating in vitro and ex vivo efficacy and establishing a scalable manufacturing process. Baxendale’s extensive background in biopharma strategy, partnering, and licensing ensures the company is well-positioned to navigate clinical development and commercialisation.

The company’s strategic direction is also shaped by Dr. Mike Romanos, a biotech leader with over 35 years of experience and a proven track record in founding and scaling successful ventures. As a co-founder and non-executive director, Dr. Romanos provides invaluable guidance on the commercialisation and broader application of NK:IO’s platform, informed by his deep expertise in building biotech companies and driving innovative therapies to market.

Looking ahead

NK:IO represents a focused, well-executed approach to solving one of oncology’s most persistent challenges. With a leadership team that combines deep scientific expertise, operational excellence, and a commitment to addressing unmet patient needs, the company is well-positioned to lead the next phase of cell therapy innovation. We look forward to partnering with them as they advance toward clinical translation and beyond.

Engineering precision in cancer therapy: our investment in NK:IO was originally published in Novaterra on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The global challenge in agriculture and public health

Each year, harmful insects cause severe disruptions in agriculture and public health. Insects contribute to the spread of diseases that result in over 400 million infections and 700,000 deaths globally while also destroying 25% of crop yields — a devastating economic burden valued at around $500 billion annually. Chemical insecticides, although commonly used, have significant drawbacks driven by their broad-spectrum toxicity, including negative impacts on the environment (soil and water contamination, disruption of local ecosystem and biodiversity, secondary pest invasions, etc.) and, due to direct exposure and residues on crops, on human health. Furthermore, they are increasingly hampered by the problem of pest resistance, which is reducing their effectiveness, often necessitating the use of higher doses or more potent chemicals, perpetuating a cycle of dependency.

Biocentis’ sustainable solution

Biocentis is meeting this challenge with a proprietary genetic platform that targets specific insect populations without using chemicals. Originally developed for malaria control, this technology reduces the fertility of targeted insect species, naturally lowering population levels over time. Biocentis’ approach minimises the impact on non-target species by focusing on precise genetic modifications. It avoids introducing toxins into the environment, and its flexible technology platform allows it to address a broad range of insect species, with applications in both agricultural and public health settings.

Currently, Biocentis is focusing on Aedes aegypti — a mosquito responsible for diseases like dengue and Zika — and Drosophila suzukii, an invasive fruit fly that causes significant losses in fruit crops. These applications illustrate the versatility and scalability of their platform, making it a compelling solution for diverse global challenges.

The team behind Biocentis

Biocentis is led by a team of world-class scientists and industry experts, including CEO Giorgio Rocca, Dr. Andrew Hammond, Head of R&D and co-inventor of the technology platform, and Kevin Gorman, Head of Development with decades of experience in the field of innovative insect control. This team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in developing and scaling genetic control solutions. An advisory board composed of genetic control pioneers (incl. the co-founder Prof. Andrea Crisanti), distinguished public health and agriculture experts, and even a Nobel laureate further support their expertise.

Looking forward

Our partnership with Biocentis reflects Novaterra’s commitment to investing in technologies that push the boundaries of sustainable agriculture and public health. By spotlighting Biocentis, we reaffirm our mission to support ventures that bring real-world impact to today’s global challenges.

Congratulations and best wishes to the CEO, Giorgio Rocca, and the Biocentis team. We look forward to seeing your continued progress as you redefine the future of insect control.

For more information, please visit Biocentis.

Spotlight on Biocentis: advancing sustainable insect control for global health and agriculture was originally published in Novaterra on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Why we invested in Modulate Bio

Modulate Bio’s mission aligns with our core investment thesis: supporting breakthrough technologies that deliver high-impact, scalable solutions. Modulate Bio is doing just that by developing small molecule positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) that precisely modulate the activity of GABA-A receptors. Their proprietary platform solves a longstanding issue in CNS treatments: untenable side effects for patients. Unlike traditional neuro drug discovery approaches, Modulate Bio’s next-gen therapies precisely restore healthy receptor function only when needed, minimizing adverse effects like sedation, dizziness, and impaired motor function. Their innovative algorithm & technology have led the company to develop exciting compounds for epilepsy and essential tremors with the potential to scale across and anxiety, depression, and other movement disorders.

The unmet need in CNS disorders

Essential Tremor is the most common movement disorder, affecting over 7 million people in the U.S., with 2 million actively seeking treatment. Current medications are often ineffective and have debilitating side effects, such as severe sedation. These limitations leave a significant portion of the patient population untreated, representing an untapped market of $3 billion.

Modulate Bio’s lead compound is currently in advanced lead optimisation for ET, with plans to nominate a development candidate (DC) in early 2025. Preclinical animal tests show promising results, with their compounds restoring proper GABA-A receptor function in animal models without the side effects that plague existing treatments.

Beyond ET, Modulate Bio is poised to address epilepsy (a $15 billion market) and anxiety disorders (a $16 billion market), where positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors has already shown potential. Their platform is built to scale across multiple CNS disorders, increasing the probability of delivering breakthrough treatments for these highly underserved markets.

De-risked path to success

One of the critical factors that makes Modulate Bio stand out is its de-risked development approach. The company’s platform is not starting from scratch; the underlying biology and drug classes already exist in the market. What sets Modulate Bio apart is its proprietary algorithm, which precisely modulates these therapies to improve safety and efficacy, minimising risks often associated with new drug development. This approach has allowed the team to build on proven mechanisms while enhancing them to address unmet needs in CNS disorders.
Their early preclinical work, combined with a seasoned team of industry experts and over $1 million already committed, positions them for rapid advancement toward clinical trials. With a Scientific Advisory Board led by Dr. Elan Louis, a world leader in Essential Tremor research, and specialists with decades of experience in GABA-A receptor chemistry, including 50 clinical and 10 marketed drugs, Modulate Bio is well-equipped to execute its vision of transforming CNS therapies.

Strategic outlook

At Novaterra, we invest in companies that redefine industries and create long-lasting impact. Modulate Bio exemplifies this with its highly differentiated platform that combines cutting-edge drug discovery with a scalable business model. As the company moves towards clinical trials in the coming years, we are pleased to support their efforts to bring life-changing treatments to market, not only for epilepsy and Essential Tremor but also for other debilitating CNS disorders like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other movement disorders.
Our investment in Modulate Bio is part of a broader commitment to advancing life sciences innovations that improve human health and quality of life. We believe that backing companies like Modulate Bio can help address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges while delivering strong financial returns.

Finally, congratulations to CEO Andrew Thomson, CSO Dario Doller, and the Modulate Bio team! We look forward to supporting your journey and wish you the best of luck as you advance this transformative technology.

For more information, please visit the Modulate Bio website.

Our investment in Modulate Bio: a breakthrough in Neurological Therapies was originally published in Novaterra on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

A shared vision for scalable impact.

A few months ago, we made public our Investment Thesis on health. We identified a revolutionary shift in healthcare delivery models and found incredible potential in the direct-to-patient (D2P) model. Directly connecting patients with doctors, puts the former in real control and has the potential to fill both public and private healthcare system deficiencies. Aligned with this vision, Evaro’s mission to simplify businesses’ expansion into healthcare whilst alleviating pressures on an overwhelmed NHS resonates strongly with us.

Democratising healthcare access.

The healthcare system is at breaking point. Spiralling costs, overworked medical staff, and an ageing population are but a few of the mounting pressures on the NHS. Evaro, founded by Thuria Wenbar and Oskar Wendowski, has found a unique and innovative way to ease some of these burdens. Their platform enables businesses to offer healthcare solutions to their consumers without going through the bureaucratic maze of medical regulations. By so doing, they are addressing real needs and making a tangible difference in the lives of patients.

Evaro’s founders are prime examples of the visionary builders we look for: individuals with not just ambition but the heart and the hustle to solve problems that matter.

The future is digital and inclusive.

As healthcare needs to grow and evolve, there is an increasing requirement for solutions that are scalable, inclusive, and cost-effective. Most of all, the most critical part is distribution: how patients access healthcare and how cures are delivered. Distribution is key to solving inefficiencies and democratizing access. Evaro ticks all these boxes by enabling businesses to provide regulated healthcare services, adding a digital layer to their value proposition. In doing so, Evaro aligns perfectly with StartupGym’s ethos of building companies that have a broader positive impact on the world.

Looking ahead.

With Evaro, we are not just investing in a business; we are investing in a future where healthcare is more accessible, efficient, and inclusive. We couldn’t be more excited to work with Thuria, Oskar, and the entire Evaro team as they scale their solutions to cover a broader range of NHS treatments.

So here’s to Evaro and to the transformative effect they are poised to have on healthcare. Let’s build this future together.

Transforming healthcare access: our investment in Evaro. was originally published in Novaterra on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In the infancy of a business venture, support is paramount. Scaffolding ensures stability, offering a secure platform for workers to build upon, much like the early support a startup requires to establish its presence in the market. It provides access to different levels, aiding in reaching new heights safely — akin to the guidance and resources crucial for a fledgling business to grow steadily and scale effectively. Like the interlocking parts of a scaffold, early-stage support networks, mentorship, funding, and strategic planning intertwine to create a sturdy foundation upon which the startup can construct its future success.

We call ourselves builders at StartupGym, scaffolders at heart. Our job involves setting up temporary platforms, ladders, and support structures to provide safe access and a stable working environment at elevated heights.

We aim to help Founders build their ventures more efficiently, avoiding the risk of turning their progress into a house of cards once the scaffold is removed. That’s a fine line.

Professional scaffolders prevent building collapses after scaffold removal by adhering to strict protocols:

1) Installation Excellence: They construct robust scaffolding that adheres to precise engineering standards, ensuring adequate support during construction.

For us this translates into paying utmost attention to act as shadows of the founder, but never replacing them. We do not take decision on their behalf. We make sure our word is heard, but if decided otherwise by the founding team, disagree&commit.

2) Regular Inspections: Routine checks verify the structure’s integrity, ensuring it complies with safety standards.

Our approach operates on milestones, ensuring each stage is solid before progressing further. For instance, we don’t advance single founders beyond the ideation phase; instead, we mandate a founder team of at least two before proceeding. This strategy ensures a strong foundation before building upon it.

3) Gradual Dismantling: Scaffolding is dismantled in stages to avoid sudden stress on the building.

We belief the single most difficult to find ressource for a founder team is technical team mates. So we accept the fact that to really support our Founder’s efficiency, us as StartupGym should step in. We have a fixed team of developers that take over the development of the MVP. In oder to avoid any dependy however our model foresees we hire an Engineer in Residence that we will skill up on your MVP and that will transition to your venture as you collect funding.

4) Reinforcement, if Necessary: Additional support might be added within the building’s structure to compensate for the removal of external scaffolding.

Nobody’s perfect! But finding out what exactly is not perfect in your founder profile takes time and skills. That’s why we have expert HR skills at StartupGym that pays close attention to help you find a complementary Founder and assists you in setting up a meaningful hiring plan. One which makes sure the team stands up tall once StartupGym is phased out.

5) Expert Consultation: Collaboration with engineers or architects ensures the building can stand without external support.

Every venture has unique needs, necessitating tailored expert support. Leveraging our ecosystem, we connect you with suitable advisors aligned with your venture. Moreover, should you require highly sophisticated design, integral to your Unique Selling Proposition (USP), we collaborate with external agencies specializing in such services. This ensures your specific requirements receive specialized attention and expertise. Beyond StartupGym.

6) Final Assurance: A comprehensive inspection precedes scaffold removal to guarantee the structure’s stability.

We are never the first investors in the ventures once they come out of StartupGym. Whilst we leverage our network to offer promising introductions to potential investors, it’s ultimately up to you to secure the deal. Their investment stands as the final, comprehensive quality assessment of the venture. That third party investment shows us we jointly did a good job on your venture.

We strive for excellence across the six criteria of autonomy, leveraging them as our guiding pillars to empower startups in their journey, much like a meticulously constructed scaffold ensuring steady and independent growth.

If you have any thoughts on the topic or are a Founder ready to go with us, let me know: oliver@startupgym.it.

Mastering the Scaffold: a perspective on venture building was originally published in Novaterra on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In the realm of startups, validation isn’t just about believing in your idea; it’s about rigorously testing assumptions, gathering data, and iterating to refine your concept. This article delves into an experimentation framework tailored for startups, offering a roadmap to validate ideas effectively, mitigate risks, and pave the way toward a successful launch.

In one year work and across 6 startups we incepted, we’ve embraced Gagan Biyani’s insights, advocating for the Minimum Viable Testing Process. Aligned with Lean Startup principles, this method focuses on essential tests, bypassing unnecessary complexities that hinder progress.

To kick off new ideas, design sprints are our go-to method. We run them with a cross-functional team, including subject matter experts, builders and product people. We dive deep to uncover hidden insights, aiming to generate robust ideas that merit further exploration.

Following this, we select our most promising idea and tackle the inevitable groundwork: comprehending the problem, mapping stakeholders and their value mix and crafting a compelling value proposition. All culminating in the assembly of our Lean Business Model.

It’s only now that we are ready to dive into experimentation! We focus on listing, prioritizing, and validating the assumptions underpinning our Business Model. Employing selected experimentation patterns, we seek to bolster our confidence in these assumptions before proceeding further to scope an MVP and put serious product effort in.

Step 1: Write down your assumptions&hypothesis

Allocate 20 minutes to assess the fundamental assumptions forming the basis of your model regarding the following areas:

• Problem (is your problem worth solving?)
• Product (does your product/service solve the problem?)
• Market (is it something a relevant amount of people want?)
• Willingness to Pay (will people reach into their pockets for it?)

Problem: E.g. ask yourself, “What Assumption are we taking regarding the problem?”. Imagine your idea is to provide aftercare for fashion products then an assumption could be “We believe that customers of high fashion products are not happy with the aftercare they get from brands currently” or “We believe that brands will be willing to outsource the operational execution” or “We belief that with every product repaired, we contribute to reducing CO2 output”.

Product: Ask yourself the same question but for your product idea. “We believe that the product needs three key features: x, y and z.” or “We believe a service can be built to automate the recognition of serviceable damages, what services to build and generate an automated quote.”

Market and Willingness to Pay: Similarly, develop assumptions such as: “We assume that brands actively invest in circular economy solutions, extending product usage.” or “We assume that the market size and growth facilitate successful fundraising.” Regarding willingness to pay, consider: “We assume that cobblers’ unit order economics maintain a margin of 50–70%, replicable in the long term.” or “We assume that customers are willing to pay up to 20% of the original price for repairs.”

As a result, you should have 4–5 beliefs for each area. Use a Miro Board or Post-Its on an A3 to do this job.

Step 2: Prioritization of the assumptions

Design a quadrant calling your one axis “Have Evidence” and “No Evidence” and the other one “Important” and “Not important”.

Take your post-its from above and place them as appropriate. Ask yourself, “Do I already have evidence that this belief is true?” and “How important for my business model is it that this belief is true?”.

You get something like this, enabling you to understand the assumptions you need to work on clearly. It’s the ones in the upper right corner. They form your set of critical assumptions.

Another important quadrant is the assumptions that are both “Important” and “Have Evidence”. Make sure you detail them out: “What’s the evidence you have?”, “Which expert did you talk to to get it?”. Add some metrics to the evidence to quantify the proof you have.

Exploring new business ideas is like peeling an onion. There are layers of uncertainty, and each step in experimentation reveals more about what works and what doesn’t. This article is about how trying things out — like peeling an onion — helps businesses figure out their path forward.

How do you ensure your concept holds promise before investing time and resources? This challenge is where an experimentation framework becomes invaluable. In the realm of startups, validation isn’t just about believing in your idea; it’s about rigorously testing assumptions, gathering data, and iterating to refine your concept. This comprehensive guide will delve into an experimentation framework tailored for startups, offering a roadmap to validate ideas effectively, mitigate risks, and pave the way toward a successful launch.

Step 3: Pick the experimentation pattern to win evidence on the critical assumptions.

There is a variety of experiments to run to win evidence on them. Find an extensive list here.

Based on the core area of your assumption (Problem, Product, Market, Willingness to Pay), you choose different experimentation patterns, making sure that you:

• Go cheap and fast early on in your journey.
• Increase the strength of evidence with multiple experiments for the same hypothesis.
• Given your constraints, always pick the experiment that produces the most substantial evidence.
• Reduce uncertainty as much as you can before you build anything.

Each experiment should be defined by summarizing the belief, wording out what you will verify with the experiment, defining the KPIs that will allow you to measure success, and finally, what drives the outcome so that you can finally mark your assumption as true. Here is an example:

Step 4: Kick off, measure and repeat

Now, you have your list of experiments to run in the next couple of weeks. Do them, but do them seriously. Make sure each week you compile for yourself a report on the result, detailing:

• what you observed
• what did you learn from that
• what you will, therefore, do next

Also, update your KPI Metrics. Once your metrics reach the level you defined as evidence, you can stop it. You have learned a lot from the assumption you tested, and your solution scoping of the MVP will benefit from this.

Summing it up:

Experimentation is key in your idea validation in order to

- go low-investment and fast early on in your journey.

- increase the strength of evidence with multiple experiments for the same hypothesis

- always pick the experiment that produce strongest evidence, given your constraints.

- reduce uncertainty as much as you can before you build anything.

If you want to dive deeper into a discussion or want access to our MIRO template to run experimentation, let’s get in touch: oliver@startupgym.it!

Peeling the Onion: How to reduce uncertainty on your business idea was originally published in Novaterra on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The recruitment industry has traditionally been slow to innovate, particularly in Italy, where services tailored specifically for startups are virtually nonexistent. Traditional agencies offer a generalist approach that often fails to address the unique needs of startups. The Right One breaks this mould by tailoring its services to the startup ecosystem.

The Right One’s edge lies in its deep-rooted experience in startup building and talent acquisition, bolstered by a vast network of seasoned professionals. This network is key in identifying candidates and providing a scalable methodology that enhances the recruitment process. With each new role, The Right One engages an extensive community of experts who enrich the search with quality referrals, ensuring that the candidates they bring to the table are not just good on paper but proven in action.

Our investment reflects a recognition of The Right One’s unique positioning. They offer something far beyond what conventional recruitment firms can: a tailored approach that prioritises cultural fit and an understanding of the startup life cycle. It’s a methodology that matches talent with the current job and the company’s future path.

StartupGym and The Right One are united in our commitment to a results-first philosophy. In an industry often clouded by jargon and exaggerated promises, we find clarity and purpose in straightforward measures of success. It’s not just about potential; it’s about tangible achievements.

This investment in The Right One is a strategic move that underscores our belief in their vision and capability to innovate within the talent acquisition space. We commend Ilaria, Diane and their team for their forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence. With The Right One, we are confident that the startup ecosystem will be endowed with a calibre of talent that is adept and culturally attuned to the unique challenges and opportunities of startup growth.

Aligning talents with vision: our investment in The Right One was originally published in Novaterra on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The response to our call for the workshop was substantial, with over 150 applicants. After a rigorous selection process, six potential founders qualified to work in two teams alongside StartupGym experts in a condensed Design Sprint. What typically spans five days was ambitiously structured to fit within 36 hours, demonstrating a high-intensity approach to venture creation.

The workshop was inaugurated by Enrico Pandian, Founding partner of StartupGym, followed by an insightful presentation by our investment team on a well-researched investment thesis concerning the transformation of Italy’s healthcare sector by the means of a network effect model among doctors.

Unlike standard design sprints, the teams had a day and a night to navigate through the phases of a regular 5-day sprint. The pressure was palpable from the first minute, starting with an exercise to frame the significant problems to solve (How Might We), followed by ideation and culminating in a fully presentable prototype.

In tandem, the teams worked on sketching a pitch deck around the idea, envisioning a sustainable business model. This dual approach ensured a comprehensive understanding and articulation of the venture from both a product and business perspective.

The highlight was the pitch session in front of an experienced panel, including Paolo Galvani, Co-Founder of Moneyfarm, Giuseppe Balzano, Co-Founder of StartupGym, Stefano Ademollo, Investment Analyst of StartupGym and Alessandro Onano, CMO of Tymit. The feedback from the panel was invaluable, providing pragmatic assessments and further acquainting the participants with the practical dimensions of venture creation.

The aspiring founders were able to test their enthusiasm for the healthcare sector and got creative with potential peer founders. For StartupGym, it was an opportunity to understand these high-potential founders more in-depth, potentially marking the beginning of a successful joint venture-building journey.

The event demonstrated the essence of StartupGym’s model, reflecting our systematic approach. Starting with a solid investment thesis, selecting the suitable talent, and extending comprehensive support to navigate the intricate path of venture creation.

This was not just a two-day exercise; it was a microcosm of what StartupGym stands for: a platform where ideas are shaped, refined, and prepared for real-world market dynamics. We are continuously searching for individuals with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, ready to traverse the challenging yet rewarding path of venture creation.

If the startup realm intrigues you, if the thought of turning a nascent idea into a market-ready product excites you, StartupGym is where you belong.

Join us in shaping the future, one venture at a time.

Unveiling entrepreneurial potentials: an insider’s look into StartupGym’s Discovery Workshop was originally published in Novaterra on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.