Robert Jacks, President and CEO of Sparrow Therapeutics
"Building relationships with investors who genuinely support and partner with management is essential for long-term success.”
-Robert Jacks
Robert Jacks, has 20 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. He has founded or co-founded multiple companies and raised more than $170 million with several successful exits.
He is now the President & CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals which is developing targeted therapies for serious disorders of steroid excess and raised a $50M Series A in 2021.
Key Takeaways:
1. Lean and Agile: Sparrow Pharmaceuticals' success lies in their lean approach, hiring highly experienced individuals who can guide the company's direction and outsourcing execution work to consultants and contractors. This flexibility allows for quick pivoting and preserves capital for crucial stages of development.
2. The Power of Great Investors: Working with high-quality investors brings numerous benefits, such as enhanced reputation, access to valuable networks, and invaluable guidance from experienced professionals. Building relationships with investors who genuinely support and partner with management is essential for long-term success.
3. Choosing Investors Wisely: While it may be tempting to accept funding from any source, it is crucial to prioritize investors who bring more than just capital to the table. A strong reputation, industry knowledge, and a genuine interest in partnering with management can significantly impact a company's trajectory.
Topics Covered:
Meagan M. Crawford's journey from a personal financial planner at Primerica to her role in space-related industries 02:07
Introduction to Sparrow Pharmaceuticals? 0:45
Robert joined Sparrow CEO 3:07
What is an entrepreneur in residence and what does it mean? 5:28
Working with high-quality investors 10:05 The importance of having a good team dynamic in a company. 13:47
Sparrow’s mission/vision. 17:43
What’s the focus on capital resources? 22:07
The importance of having people feel ownership in the company. 28:54
Book Recommendation: 31:44
