Welcome to the Life Science Startup Digital Guidebook!

An introductory, step-by-step guide to entrepreneurship in the life sciences.

Click here for the PDF version of the Startup Guidebook 2023 (updated April 2023)

What is it intended to do?

The Guidebook provides entrepreneurs with a proven process and critical elements to get to a Proof of Concept product with specific focus on Planning for Success.

Who is it for?

All early-stage Washington life science entrepreneurs. While the guidebook is focused on medical device development, it is applicable for digital health and biotech commercialization as well.

Why are we providing it?

  • To educate entrepreneurs on critical elements of starting a life sciences company
  • To provide key activities and “must dos” along the path to commercialization
  • To provide critical questions for entrepreneurs to answer along the process route
  • To share known failure points and pass along institutional knowledge
  • To provide resources to enable the journey

 

Additional Resources:

Business Plan Template

Business Questions

Confidentiality and Invention Agreement Template

Customer Discovery Questions

Entity Formation Definitions

Executive Summary Template

Finance Terms

Regulatory Questions – Biopharma

Regulatory Questions – Med Device

Regulatory Questions-Digital Health

Term Sheet Description

Testing Your Assumptions Template

Valuation Considerations

Value Proposition Template

The advice presented in this document has been curated from the vast experience of respected Mentors and Serial Entrepreneurs within the Washington life science community. Accordingly, sections of this Guidebook provide general advice about the law and federal guidelines. However, laws and guidance documents change frequently and can be interpreted differently by different people. Please consult with a lawyer or consultant with domain expertise for specific information related to your company or situation.