founding partner and Chairwoman at BeAble Capital

Almudena Trigo

If you had asked me 20 years ago how I would envision myself in the future, I would never have thought that I'd end up leading a private equity fund specializing in Science Equity. In addition to being a Telecommunications Engineer, I hold a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, and for a time, I worked as a scientist, pioneering Synthetic Biology in Spain. However, I chose to step away from academia to turn scientific discoveries into business realities.

Within the private equity value chain, Science Equity represents an investment category, much like Venture Capital or Private Equity. This new asset class specializes in investing in Deep Science technologies at pre-seed, seed, and early stages. It encompasses strategic and fundamental sectors such as advanced materials, nanotechnology, photonics, micro and nanoelectronics, and industrial biotechnology. Science Equity plays a crucial role in bringing technologies emerging from research centers and universities to society.

I realized the need to complement the value chain that forms from developing new technology. I thought BeAble Capital could be the essential link to transform those technologies into tangible products ready for commercialization. This process is not straightforward, as it involves more than just financial investment; it requires transforming laboratory-born technology into market-needed products, making specialized investors crucial for the task. In our case, we have a highly qualified team and a unique business flow strategy that allows us to evaluate around 300 technologies per year.

We understand that technologies emerging from scientific fields have their own unique characteristics. In the case of biotech startups, longer development and scaling periods are naturally required, and it's essential to grasp this aspect. 

However, these companies also need to manage their development and commercialization timelines effectively. They should avoid getting caught up in the notion that technology can always be improved. It's crucial to maintain a clear focus and avoid dispersing efforts. The goal should be to test and commercialize, begin working with clients, and enter the market as soon as possible.

When it comes to investing in an industrial biotech startup, I primarily seek differentiation in value. The startup should address societal challenges, solve market problems, and be economically viable. Profitability is fundamental for any investor.

Currently, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment where we must consider a new sustainable industrial and economic model. We need to reindustrialize while keeping in mind that we cannot continue to exploit the planet irresponsibly. Humanity's significant advancements have been thanks to science, and in our uncertain future, science holds the key to numerous challenges, such as material scarcity, climate change, and new energy sources. As stated by the United Nations, science is the solution to the sustainability challenges we face, and Science Equity is the catalyst to achieve it.