Meet Gnubiotics Science CEO and CSO Yemi Adesokan and discover how he unlocks the power of the microbiome

13.09.2021 07:30, Isabelle Mitchell

Yemi Adesokan co-founded Gnubiotics Sciences, a Venture Leader Biotech that develops a solution for a healthier microbiome—an organ consisting of billions of microbes, most of which are found in our intestine. A damaged microbiome can lead to common gut symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea and makes us vulnerable to pathogens and the onset of diseases. Nature provides a solution to safely, precisely, and effectively nourish the microbiome in infants and puppies through complex glycans found in breast milk. Gnubiotics recreates this unique diversity of glycan structures at an industrial scale to make a difference in immune, metabolic, and infectious diseases in humans and animals. Learn more about Yemi’s expectations for the Venture Leaders Biotech experience, and find out which books, podcasts, and wise words inspire his entrepreneurial path.

Switzerland boasts one of the world’s most renowned and innovative biotech industries. To do justice to this powerful position, Swiss biotech startups now have their own Venture Leaders program: During their roadshow, the Venture Leaders Biotech will meet international investors and industry leaders and access industry-specific expertise and networks to grow their companies. For the next few weeks, we shine the spotlight on the 10 Venture Leaders Biotech 2021 and introduce you to the inaugural graduates of the program. To learn more about the startups, we asked each entrepreneur to complete a short profile and choose at least six questions from a questionnaire about their personal and professional life.

Name: Yemi Adesokan 
Location: Lausanne 
Nationality: American
Graduated from: University of California Irvine (PhD); Harvard Medical School (Fellowship in Genetics)
Your job title: CEO and CSO of Gnubiotics Sciences
Number of employees: 8
Money raised: CHF 10 million
First touchpoint with Venturelab: In 2017, Gnubiotics was a Venture Kick winner and one of the TOP 100 Swiss Startups.

“Gnubiotics is a biotech company that harnesses nature’s reservoir of glycopeptides to wholly modulate the microbiome organ and improve the health of humans and animals.”
    
How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
The idea for Gnubiotics came initially in 2014. I explored the emerging space of the microbiome as an organ and glycans—polysaccharides—as a differentiated method to microbiome modulation. I then took steps to license our foundational IP from Stanford University and teamed up with other experienced co-founders, bringing in further strategic and commercial expertise. Since then, the space has matured both in science and VC funding.

What do you expect from the Venture Leaders program, and how will it help you achieve your vision?
We have already raised CHF 9 million in investor funding with a robust IP portfolio, strong underlying data, and a clear regulatory strategy. We are poised to raise a round of CHF 40 million to accelerate our human program and build a network of strategic partners. We expect the Venture Leader program to provide a launchpad that boosts this effort.

What is one thing not many people know about you?
I played semi-pro basketball in Israel during graduate school.

What is the one talent you wish you had?
Playing the guitar better! I love songs by Bob Marley and wish I could play more of them.    

What is your favorite podcast?
Harvard Business Review IdeaCast. This weekly podcast features the leading thinkers in business and management and provides nuggets for practical and strategic management.

What is your favorite book?
The Bible—a bastion of truth.    

What are you most proud of?  
My wife and three daughters    

What is your favorite productivity hack?
Waking up two to three hours before anyone else in the morning. No distractions and a clear mind. This time, from 5:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., is also when I am most productive.  

What are your favorite apps?
Uber: Food and transport. 

What do you do when you are creatively stuck?
Go to the gym for a cardio and weight workout. It is a great way to clear my mind!               

What is the best advice you have ever received? 
My dad: Be diligent in everything you do.  

Last but not least, could you show us a picture of your workspace? 
Here are pictures of the Gnubiotics team and our lab: 



For more information and updates on Gnubiotics Science and the Venture Leaders Biotech, follow the Venture Leaders Biotech 2021 team with #VLeadersBiotech on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. 

Venture Leaders Biotech 2021 is co-organized by Venturelab and Swissnex and supported by EPF Lausanne, ETH Zurich, VISCHER, and the Canton of Zurich.