Daniela Marino: what I wish I knew before starting CUTISS

Founded in 2017, CUTISS is a leading biotech company dedicated to transforming patients' lives with skin defects by growing human skin in the lab. CUTISS was listed in the TOP 100 Swiss Startups from 2017 to 2022. In 2018, Daniela Marino participated in the Venture Leaders Life Sciences program, pitching to investors with the Swiss National Startup Team in Boston. The biotech startup has also been recognized as one of the TOP 100 Scale-ups in 2023. To date, CUTISS has raised CHF 92 million in capital. We talked with Daniela Marino who is also a mother, and figured out a way to reconcile family and startup life. 

 

What is one piece of advice you wish you had received before starting your business?
I wish someone had advised me to hire a Chief Operating Officer (COO) as soon as possible. Having a COO from the outset can be invaluable in managing the operational complexities of a startup, allowing the founder to focus on strategic growth and innovation. A capable COO ensures that the day-to-day operations run smoothly, helping to scale the business more efficiently and effectively.

Can you share a significant challenge you faced early on and how you overcame it?
One of the most significant challenges I faced was raising capital as a young mother, particularly while pregnant with my second child. It was an intimidating situation, but I decided to embrace it with humor. At every pitch event, I would start with a light-hearted pregnancy or breastfeeding joke. This approach not only broke the ice but also humanized me in the eyes of potential investors, making them more receptive to my pitch.


 

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What is a common misconception about starting a Biotech business that you would like to disprove?
There is a common misconception that the biotech industry is dominated by men. While this perception persists, I am pleased to see that women are rocking the biotech world—advancing rapidly and setting new standards in biotech. Female entrepreneurs and scientists are breaking barriers and proving that gender does not dictate success in this field.

In retrospect, what is one strategic decision you made that significantly impacted your business's success?
One strategic decision that had a profound impact on our success was the decision to build our own Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility. This move allowed us to have complete control over the manufacturing and development processes. By maintaining independence in these critical areas, we could ensure the highest quality standards and accelerate our product development timelines.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs about maintaining a work-life balance while growing their business?
My advice to entrepreneurs is to find an "emergency exit strategy" for stress relief, whether it's through standup comedy, sports, arts, or any other activity that allows you to unwind. It's not just about maintaining a routine balance; it's also crucial to have a way to release stress and recharge when needed. Laughing, in particular, can activate stress response mechanisms, helping you cope with the pressures of entrepreneurship.