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SIMON MØLGAARD FROM TEITUR TROPHICS

APRIL 28, 2021

BY Nina Lyhne

MEET SIMON:

 

  • CEO and co-founder of Teitur Trophics, a biotech spinout aiming to treat chronic neurological disorders with a special focus on Huntington’s Disease

  • PhD in Biomedicine from Aarhus University

  • Founded Teitur Trophics in January 2020 with his co-founders: Anders Dalby, CSO, Mathias Ollendorff, Head of in vivo, and associate professor, Simon Glerup

HOW DID THE IDEA OF BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR ARISE?
I have always had a dream of doing something that could help patients, and therefore, I have always followed a path in my research and career that could make this possible. A couple of years ago, we realized that our work had the potential to change the lives of some patients, and in my view, it was therefore not just an opportunity, but also a responsibility to investigate this potential.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY?
As soon as we decided to investigate the possibility, we started talking to different investors and clinicians. The purpose was, of course, to talk to experts and clarify the possibilities of our discoveries. This dialogue has shaped our value proposition, and at the end of the day, this has undoubtedly helped to ensure that we succeeded in receiving the Creation House Grant of 10 million DKK last year, which made it possible to establish Teitur Trophics.

HOW DO YOU USE YOUR ACADEMIC COMPETENCIES FROM AU AS AN ENTREPRENEUR?
Even though Biotech is a variety of different things, the cornerstone of what we do is thorough research. Therefore, our academic standards are absolutely central to our development. That being said, there are, of course, many new things that need to be learned.

WHERE IS THE COMPANY TODAY, AND WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS OF FOR THE FUTURE?
Our dreams and hopes are, of course, that we can help to ensure better treatment for these patients, and that is what we are working very hard to make possible.

YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR RESEARCHERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING BECOMING ENTREPRENEURS?
If you have the interest and courage, then I can’t say nothing else than you have to throw yourself into it. I think it is really exciting, and I haven’t regretted it for a second.
Engage with people who have tried it before to get advice– it can really help. If there is anyone with an idea they would like to discuss, I would be happy to help.

Teitur Trophics: Mathias Ollendorff, Head of in vivo, Simon Mølgaard, CEO, and Anders Dalby, CSO.