EP 165 – Jason Foster: 153 Rejections Later — What Every Founder Must Learn About Resilience
Most founders dream of raising millions. Few survive the 153 “no’s” it takes to get there. Behind every biotech breakthrough lies exhaustion — late-night calls, failed rounds, and investors who walk away at the finish line. What separates the ones who make it isn’t luck or timing — it’s resilience built into process. In this episode, Jason Foster, CEO of Ori Biotech, shares how he transformed relentless rejection into a billion-dollar trajectory. From rebuilding cell-therapy manufacturing to leading global teams through economic storms, Jason reveals how founders can systematize grit, master storytelling, and survive when everything seems to fall apart. You’ll learn how to navigate fundraising winters, why leadership begins with self-care, and how to build companies that endure long after the hype fades. If you’ve ever doubted your path as a builder, this conversation will remind you that resilience is not a trait — it’s a practice. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1️⃣ The real reason most founders fail long before capital runs out 2️⃣ How to turn rejection into momentum using process and habit 3️⃣ Why storytelling is the most underrated skill in biotech leadership 4️⃣ How resilience and self-care directly drive performance and valuation 5️⃣ The mindset that separates enduring companies from short-term success 👤 About Jason Foster Jason Foster is the CEO of Ori Biotech, a leading innovator transforming cell and gene therapy manufacturing. With 20+ years in global health, he has raised over $140M, led companies through IPO-level growth, and serves as a mentor and investor to emerging founders in life sciences. His mission: make advanced therapies accessible to every patient, everywhere. 💬 Quotes That Might Change How You Think (00:14:09) “There are cures for cancer today, but patients can’t reach them — access must change.” (00:37:22) “The science is extraordinary — but if we can’t make it at scale, it means nothing.” (01:22:17) “Purpose, not money, drives talent to transform lives through innovation.” (01:46:17) “Fundraising is a war of attrition — constant rejection tests your resilience more than your idea.” (02:02:16) “You only have to get up one more time than you’re knocked down.” 🧭 Timestamps to Explore (00:02:00) Embracing Hard Challenges — How Biotech Founders Build Resilience That Lasts (00:13:40) The Unacceptable Truth: Cures Exist, Yet Patients Still Can’t Access Them (00:26:23) Navigating Cultures — What European and American Biotech Leaders Can Learn From Each Other (00:32:52) Why Great Science Isn’t Enough Without Commercial Viability (00:39:19) Revolutionizing Cell Therapy Manufacturing — The Seven-Day Bottleneck Explained (00:50:11) Automation and Digitization — Unlocking Scalable Patient Access in Cell and Gene Therapy (01:09:30) Rethinking Capacity Utilization — Making Regional Biotech Manufacturing Centers Work (01:14:27) Mass Personalization — The Future Delivery Model for Advanced Therapies (01:23:00) Purpose-Driven Talent — The Secret to Retaining Top Biotech Performers (01:32:18) Fundraising as a War of Attrition — Building Vision Alignment With Investors (01:39:14) Building Investor Trust Before You Need It — A Founder’s Long Game (01:47:23) Resilience Transforms Rejection Into Triumph — Lessons From 153 Investor “No’s” 🎙️ Beginner’s Mind Top 10% globally. The leading podcast for founders, investors, and policymakers shaping the future of biotech and innovation. Send us Fan Mail Join Christian Soschner for expert coaching. 50% Off - With 35+ years in deep tech, startups/scaleups, and public companies, Christian offers power video sessions. Elevate strategy, execution, and leadership. Book Now. Support the show Join the Podcast Newsletter: Link
- Transcript
