Art and science might seem like polar opposites – but great visuals can simplify complex processes and help potential investors engage with them, says Beth Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Arkitek Scientific.

A bioscience company’s journey is marked by distinct, challenging phases—not only in scientific advancements, but also in communicating with the right audiences to propel the project forward.

As biotech startups evolve, they need to speak effectively to those who will help fund the next stage of development.

In the early stages, new biotech CEOs, often fresh from academia, bring immense enthusiasm and optimism about their groundbreaking discoveries. However, they often lack experience navigating the commercial world and are eager to share every intricate detail of their science.

Their primary audience is likely early-stage investors, who will scrutinise the rationale behind their approach. What matters most to these investors is a novel idea with the potential for success – though that success may still be a long way off.

It’s common to see early-stage companies overwhelm angel investors with excessive technical detail, burying the underlying potential of their science. While investors may want to understand the technical specifics, it’s essential to avoid overloading them with unnecessary information.

Instead, consider presenting the information in three layers:

Overview of the Problem: Start by explaining the problem your research aims to solve.

High-Level Science: Provide a simple, clear description of the science involved, accompanied by visuals to give context and show relationships to existing approaches.

Deep Dive (if requested): Offer in-depth scientific data and papers for those who want more technical details.

This tiered approach allows investors to engage with the information at the level that suits them, providing just enough detail to spark interest without losing them in jargon. If they’re intrigued by the overview, they’ll be more likely to ask for deeper information.

As the company progresses, it may reach its second critical phase where the founding CEO’s technical expertise is no longer enough to push the company forward. At this stage someone with experience in fundraising and commercial growth typically takes on the role of CEO. The focus shifts to engaging with early-stage investors, building the company’s intellectual property portfolio, and refining the pitch to appeal to a broader audience.

Today’s investors are more sophisticated than ever, many holding advanced degrees and a deep understanding of biotech. Still, their primary interest remains straightforward: Can this company make money?

By now, the science is well-developed, but it’s still a challenge to communicate it clearly, especially to those outside the field. This is where an effective visual—such as a concise, high-quality animation—can make a big impact.

Investors are bombarded with multiple pitches every day, and a standout visual can help your company’s story stick in their minds.

When a company reaches the next level of stability, it’s often led by a seasoned CEO with a track record of navigating growth. At this stage, the company has likely made significant strides in its R&D, but the real challenge is raising much larger sums of funding to support ongoing research and expansion.

The company may have to balance two key approaches: one focused on securing additional investor funding, and the other on preparing for a potential acquisition by a larger pharma company.

At this pivotal stage, biotech companies must decide whether they want to remain independent and push toward market entry themselves or explore an acquisition by a larger pharmaceutical company. Both options require different strategies and pitches:

Pitch #1 – Independent Journey: If the company wants to stay independent and bring its product to market, the pitch needs to convince investors that the company can reach the finish line on its own. This means articulating the unmet need, the product’s potential effectiveness, and the market opportunities.

Pitch #2 – Acquisition by Pharma: If the goal is to be acquired by a pharmaceutical company, the pitch needs to address key factors such as trial data, market size, competition, and patient benefits. Strong visual assets can help make the story more memorable and persuasive.

Regardless of the path chosen, the visual representation of the company’s science and progress remains a key asset. High-quality animations and other visual tools can simplify complex scientific concepts, help differentiate your company from others, and ensure your pitch resonates with the right audience – be it investors or pharma executives.

Whether your company is just starting out or nearing a significant acquisition, how you present your work – through clear messaging and compelling visuals – can make all the difference in securing the funding and partnerships needed to succeed.

After all, you’re working on technologies that could change lives. Don’t leave it to chance – make sure the world sees the value you’re creating.