Best Startup
At Best Startup UK we track over 130,000 UK startups and over 500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top London based CEO’ operating in the Pharmaceutical space. If you think a CEO’ is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.co.uk.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Companies House UK, Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Furquan Kidwai
Founder & CEO of Dawaai
Furquan Kidwai is an entrepreneur building a pharmacy for emerging Asia. Prior to this journey, Kidwai was an investment banker for over eight years in London where, in his last role, he was the Head of CEEMEA Financing as well as a Senior Vice President in the Fixed Income business at the Royal Bank of Scotland. Before joining RBS, Mr. Kidwai worked at Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers in their London and New York offices. Mr. Kidwai has a Master’s degree in International Relations from Cambridge University. He also holds an MSc in Financial Engineering & Risk Management from Imperial College London and BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Bristol.
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About Dawaai: Dawaai operates as a digital health platform with an online network of pharmacies and generic medicine.
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Avi Lasarow
CEO Europe, Middle East & Africa of Prenetics
Avi Lasarow is a multiple award-winning South African entrepreneur referred to by the media as ‘a lifestyle genetics pioneer’ known for his work associated with DNA testing. Avi is currently founder and CEO of genetic testing company DNAFit Life Sciences, which conducted the worlds 1st peer-reviewed and published clinical trial using both genetics and exercise interventions. In 2011 he became the youngest person to be appointed Honorary Consul for South Africa to the United Kingdom by His Excellency President Jacob Zuma. Avi was recently named African Businessman of the year in London at the African Enterprise Awards, his company DNAFit has won numerous awards, including the Lloyd’s Bank National Business Award for Innovation of the Year in 2015, winner at the UKActive Flame Awards and an award for Innovation at the South African Chamber Awards. Most recently, DNAFit was named as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative in the field of Data Science.
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About DNAFit, Prenetics: Prenetics is a genetic and diagnostic health testing company that helps identify health risks with the use of a DNA sequencing technology.
Maria Chatzou Dunford
CEO and Co-Founder of Lifebit
Dr. Maria Chatzou, CEO of Lifebit, is a biotech innovator and a proud geek, expert in bioinformatics, medical informatics and high performance computing. She is also a passionate entrepreneur and has founded two companies, Innovation Forum Barcelona and Techstars-backed Lifebit. Prior to Lifebit, she was a researcher at the Centre for Genomic Regulation, in Barcelona, where she was designing and deploying tools and methods that facilitate the analysis of Big Biomedical Data, allow for biological discoveries, and promote personalised medicine. She was part of the developing team of Nextflow, a programming framework that is revolutionising the computational analysis of genomic data and setting the foundations for personalised medicine computational analyses. Maria is also a frequent industry speaker and has spoken in many international conferences on the subjects of docker containers, genomics workflows, the computational challenges of personalised medicine, AI and HPC in genomics, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, science ventures, among many other topics.
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About Lifebit: Lifebit CloudOS is the intelligent genomics platform that is the industry standard for unified, secure research over distributed big data.
Greg Bailey
CEO of Juvenescence
Dr. Gregory H. Bailey is a Managing Partner at Palantir Group, Inc. Dr. Bailey is the Co-founder of Ascent Healthcare Solutions; VirnetX Inc. (AMEX:VHC) and Duramedic Inc. He was also the initial public financier and an independent director of Medivation, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDVN), from 2005 to December 2012. Dr. Bailey served as the Managing Director and co-Head of Life Sciences at MDB Capital Group LLC from May 2004 to January 2007. Previously he served as Life Sciences Analyst at Participating Capital, Corp. He has served on the board of directors of multiple public companies. Dr. Bailey has Medical Doctorate from the University of Western Ontario and practiced medicine as an emergency physician for ten years.
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About Juvenescence, Portage Biotech: Juvenescence is a biotech company that develops therapies and products to modify aging and help people live longer.
Robert Habib
Chief Executive Officer of MiNA Therapeutics
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About MiNA Therapeutics: MiNA Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutic medicines to harness gene activation mechanisms.
Zhangming Niu
Founder & CEO of MindRank AI
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About MindRank AI: MindRank is a developer of an AI-enabled drug-discovery platform intended to discover and develop next generation precision medicines.
Dennis O’Brien
CEO of Lucid Group Communications
Role To lead our team to be the best we can be and to make a difference to patients through healthcare. Pharmacology graduate. 13 years in pharma in a variety of roles. Co- founded Lucid in 2007 based on a passion to help pharma improve education to healthcare professionals. Background Favourite part of the job Helping to shape our future. Seeing and rewarding progress in line with our vision.
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About Lucid Group Communications: Lucid offer talented writers an exclusive, tailor-made package to suit their individual needs and desires.
Yiannis Kiachopoulos
CEO, Co-Founder of Causaly
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About Causaly: Causaly is teaching computers to read all knowledge in Biomedicine
Barney Gilbert
Founder, Co-CEO of Pando
Barney Gilbert worked in the NHS as a doctor before founding Pando, a healthtech company working to connect everyone working in healthcare. Listed in the UK’s Disruption50 Index for 2019. Forbes 30 Under 30 alum.
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About NHS England, Pando: Forward is now Pando! Pando is an essential tool for teamwork and secure collaboration in health and social care.
Alex Zhavoronkov
Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Insilico Medicine
Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine (insilico.com), a leader in next-generation artificial intelligence technologies for drug discovery, and biomarker development. He is also the founder and CEO of Deep Longevity, Inc, a global company developing a broad range of artificial intelligence-based biomarkers of aging and longevity. Since 2015 he invented critical technologies in the field of generative adversarial networks (GANs) and reinforcement learning (RL) for generation of the novel molecular structures with the desired properties and generation of synthetic biological and patient data. He also pioneered the applications of deep learning technologies for prediction of human biological age using multiple data types, transfer learning from aging into disease, target identification, and signaling pathway modeling. Under his leadership Insilico raised over $50 million in multiple rounds from expert investors, opened R&D centers in 6 countries and regions, and partnered with multiple pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic institutions. Prior to founding Insilico, he worked in senior roles at ATI Technologies (acquired by AMD in 2006), NeuroG Neuroinformatics, Biogerontology Research Foundation. Since 2012 he published over 130 peer-reviewed research papers, and 2 books including “The Ageless Generation: How Biomedical Advances Will Transform the Global Economy” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013). He serves on the editorial boards of Aging Research Reviews, Aging, Trends in Molecular Medicine, Frontiers in Genetics, and co-chairs the Annual Aging Research, Drug Discovery and AI Forum (7th annual in 2020) at Basel Life, one of Europe’s largest industry events in drug discovery. He is the adjunct professor of artificial intelligence at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging.
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About Deep Longevity, Insilico Medicine: Insilico Medicine develops an AI platform for drug development to treat cancer and age-related diseases.
Atul Devani
CEO of The GP Service
A serial entrepreneur, Atul has held a number of senior positions in software technology companies operating in various sectors including finance, mobile, telecoms, food & drink, health and pharmaceuticals.
He was founder and chief executive officer of AIM listed United Clearing Plc, which was sold to BSG in 2006 for £25m. He became CEO of BSG wireless which in 2008 was then sold to nasdaq listed Syniverse Tecnologies for $290m. Atul is currently CEO of leading online UK Healthcare provider “The GP Service” and Chairman of a Venture Capital Trust at Maven Capital and an investor in a number of private companies.
He is also a mentor of entrepreneurs at the Company of Information Technologists in the City of London. Atul has a First Class Honours Degree in Electronic Engineering from Bangor University.
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About The GP Service: The GP Service is a provider of online services for general medical consultations and prescriptions.
Edward Ungar
Co-Founder & CEO of Pharmacierge
Edward Ungar is a Co-founder at Pharmacierge.
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About Pharmacierge: The free e-prescribing service chosen by Private GPs and Consultants to deliver medication to their patients nationwide
Kamil Tamiola
Chief Executive Officer of Peptone
I am a physicist, founder and CEO of Peptone Ltd.
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About Peptone: Peptone is a UK-based startup that is helping pharmaceutical companies unravel the secrets of proteins.
Loubna Bouarfa
Co-Founder & CEO of OKRA Technologies
Loubna has won several awards and was recognised as a leading innovator by the MIT Technology Review in 2017. Beyond her business, Loubna has recently been appointed by the European Commission as a High-Level Expert on Artificial Intelligence. She will support the EU by developing recommendations on ethical, legal and societal issues related to AI, impacting the health, safety and freedom of the wider society. On a personal level, Loubna is a strong advocate for diversity and challenging the status quo. Having lived in Morocco, moving to the Netherlands at the age of 17, and later to the UK with a young family, she realised the power of remaining outside her comfort zone.
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About OKRA Technologies: OKRA is an AI analytics company for healthcare. We combine complex data sets, you get evidence-based insights and predictions in real time.
Rasmus Hansen
Co-founder & CEO of Airfinity
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About Airfinity: Airfinity is a science information and analytics company
Olga Kubassova
Chief Executive Officer of IAG, Image Analysis Group
Olga Kubassova is the Founder and CEO at IAG, mage Analysis Group. Mathematician with 10+ years expertise in actively managing innovation in life science companies, asset positioning, strategy and capital rising. Extensive expertise and domain knowledge in identifying innovative approaches to clinical research, disruptive technology platforms and novel therapeutics. Olga is a renowned healthcare innovator and biotech investor, with passion for improving people’s health.
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About Analytics Ventures, Bio Capital Impact Fund, European Commission, IAG, Image Analysis Group: IAG, imaging expert company helps to accelerate novel drug development by using the right analytical tools and modern trial infrastructure.
Ozgur Tuncer
CEO & Executive Director of Stablepharma Ltd
Ozgur Tuncer CEO & Executive Director – two decades of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry including working for blue chip companies such as Pfizer, IQVIA and Pharmacia. Most recently, he was Global Vice President in IQVIA, and strategic adviser to life sciences investors. In addition to his role in Stablepharma, Özgür is an Investment Partner with Ascension Ventures.
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About Stablepharma Ltd: An innovative Biotech, developing a wide range of reformulated thermostable and fridge free StablevaX vaccines
Jamie Denison-Pender
CEO of Prescient Healthcare Group
Jamie is Prescient Healthcare Group’s CEO and a career consultant, having spent more than 20 years growing and managing healthcare-focused consultancies. In 2007, he became managing director of a global competitive strategy consultancy and led the company’s transition from an industry generalist to a biopharmaceutical specialist. He rebranded the company to Prescient in 2010 and led a management buyout in 2014. Jamie remains actively involved with our clients, mainly focusing on strategic simulation workshops and mature brand strategies.
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About Prescient Healthcare Group: Prescient Healthcare Group was founded in London in 1995, originally specializing in competitive insights.
Ibraheem Mahmood
CEO of DrugDev
Ibraheem Mahmood is the president and CEO of DrugDev.
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About AMO Pharma, DrugDev: DrugDev is a cloud technology based solutions that enable better clinical trials.
Wayne Danter
Founder, President & CEO of Cotinga Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Wayne Danter is the President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director. Previously, he held the position of Chief Scientific Officer at COTI. Dr. Danter is the inventor of the CHEMSAS® process and one of the founders of COTI. He trained at the University of Western Ontario in Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology. Prior to founding COTI, Dr. Danter was an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Western Ontario. His clinical focus, in addition to his teaching role, at the University was in General Cardiology, Cardiovascular Diseases associated with HIV a1d Cardiovascular Risk Management. Dr. Danter’s initial research focused on the medical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to disease diagnosis and outcome prediction. The primary aspect of his research has focused on developing Hybrid AI models to pattern the relationship between molecular strudzure and biological activity. This research has resulted in a sophisticated process for decomposing complex molecules into critical elements that permit accurate molecular structure activity modeling (CHEMSAS). His research has been published in peer-reviewed publications and he has presented at numerous international meetings. Dr. Danter is a pioneer in the evolving interface between AI Technologies and pharmacotherapeutics. These AI technologies are anticipated to play a major role in 21st century drug development.
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About Cotinga Pharmaceuticals: Cotinga Pharmaceuticals discovers and develops drug therapies for diseases.
Javier Gonzalez-Zabaleta
Founder & CEO of Medimsight
Javier Gonzalez-Zabaleta was the main designer of the cloud model to bring worldwide medical imaging artificial intelligence solutions accessible to everyone. As one of the pioneers in this space, he has achieved a good experience in both market space and the technology. During last 10 years, he focused at the same time in business development, including direct communication with clinicians, and the understanding of the clinical trials market. Always open to talk, partnering and sharing knowledge. At the university, he studied computer science before made a master degree in computer vision making research in areas like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer disease. Following his dream, empowering researchers and building super doctors, he has lived in Ponferrada, Madrid and now in London.
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About FundRx, Medimsight: Medical image triage and biomarkers analysis for precision medicine.
Duncan Hall
Founder and CEO of Triumph Research Intelligence
Duncan has over fifteen years of consultancy experience, thirteen of which have been within clinical R&D in both CRO and Pharma businesses. Duncan started Triumph in 2002 with the aim of building a global business which would be focused in improving the delivery, quality and value of clinical systems. Duncan now takes a primarily strategic role in TRI, but still performs client delivery roles where possible.
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About Triumph Research Intelligence: Triumph Research Intelligence is a risk-Based Monitoring Company.
Malcolm Weir
Founder & CEO of Heptares Therapeutics
Former Visiting Professor of Biochemistry at Imperial College, London. Former Head of the Molecular Sciences Division of Glaxo Wellcome Inc. (present Glaxo Smithkline plc.) Former CEO of Inpharmatica Ltd.（present Galapagos NV). Founder and CEO of Heptares Therapeutics Ltd.
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About Heptares Therapeutics, Sosei Group: Heptares Therapeutics develops novel, small-molecule drugs for G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
Allison Jeynes-Ellis
Co-Founder & CEO of Avillion
Over 20 years of senior leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Significant global drug development experience and successful EU and US drug approvals across a range of therapeutic areas. Leadership of global clinical development teams for Phase 3, including CRO selection and management. Strong networks within the pharma industry and relevant regulatory bodies
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About Avillion: Avillion LLP, a London, UK-based company that focuses on clinical co-development of therapeutics.
Sarah Howell
Chief Executive Officer of Arecor
Sarah Howell joined Arecor Limited as Chief Executive Officer in 2015.
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About Arecor: Arecor is a leader in developing superior biopharmaceuticals through the application of its innovative formulation technology platform.
Jeff Moore
Founder & CEO of Curileum Discovery Ltd
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About Curileum Discovery Ltd: Curileum Discovery Ltd is a drug target discovery company in London targeting defective stem cells underpinning serious GI diseases
STEVE HOLMES
CEO and Founder of Capella BioScience
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About Capella BioScience: Capella Bioscience engages in the discovery and development of monoclonal antibodies.
Simon Haworth
Chief Executive Officer of Intelligent OMICS
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About Dynasty Biotechnology and the Sino-UK Fund, Intelligent OMICS: Intelligent OMICS is a translational company that converts big data into biological intelligence.
Hakim Yadi
CEO & Co-Founder of Closed Loop Medicine
Hakim Yadi is the CEO and Co-Founder at Closed Loop Medicine.
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About : Developing personalised digital healthcare solutions to improve outcomes for patients and clinicians
Manoranjan Das
Co-founder and CEO of Allot
Founder and CEO Manoranjan Das has more than 22 years of experience working in the IT sector at a global level. He established Allot Limited after realising that there was a need in the industry for a straightforward and professional business intelligence provider which fully utilises cloud computing. He decided that he could use his own expertise to help other businesses realise their full potential by making their data and information processes as efficient as possible. Over the course of his career, Manoranjan has lived and worked in the USA, Taiwan and India, before finally settling in the UK. He has setup business intelligence practices for a large number of organisations with P&L responsibilities. This included creating, developing and delivering multiple and multifaceted data warehouse, data migration, data quality and business intelligence solutions within the utility, manufacturing, banking, insurance, retail and healthcare sectors. His areas of expertise include: data management; Big Data; BI competency; data governance; and data migration; along with an expert understanding of various products and technology. Manoranjan has worked closely with a number of major international corporations, including British Gas, General Electric, Diageo, Lloyds Bank, AEGON, Deutsche Bank, Prudential, Aviva, Prudential Financial, Motorola, TSMC, BP, News International, the NHS, Eli Lilly and BOOTS, helping them to complete their technology-driven organisational transformation. Manoranjan is highly qualified in his field, holding a post-graduate diploma in planning and a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He is also a chartered member of the British Computer Society.
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About Allot: Data analytics startup that helps pharmaceutical companies market launch and commercialise their drugs.
Matt Lowe
CEO and founder of performance.io
Networker, broker, influencer, and experienced digital ambassador and communications advocate, Matt is passionate about accelerating growth and innovation in healthcare through use of new technologies and modern day communications disciplines. He provides high-end consultancy to many C-suite executives and fortune 500 healthcare companies, building integrated brand engagement strategies on forensic insights that deliver measurable outcomes impacting the lives of millions. A judge on several awards networks, a regular contributor to many leading publications and regular keynote speaker he also provides advice for a number of start-ups, is a faculty member at BartsXMedicine and sits on the Advisory Board for Webit Health, the single most influential digital economy, tech, policy & startup event for Europe in 2018. Having joined the Board of an integrated network group, in 2015 he founded and launched the world’s first health specialist SEO and SEM company out of London and NY. Passionate about mental wellness, people and productivity he is a Board member for the Hatch supported PeaceLove Foundation, and through his Marketing agency he provides pro bono solutions to ensure as many people as possible help create peace of mind. With faith in people, technology and the marriage of the two, Matt also advises for Artmatr, a pioneering company that are developing next level technologies that sit at the nexus of art, engineering and robotics. Artmatr have several labs and incubators that allow engineers and artists to collaborate to find new solutions in health, art and engineering that are the driving force for the next great crossover of our time, (digital art and physical art) and are helping people with disabilities to express their creativity through technology.
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About performance.io: performance.io is a performance marketing agency focused on health & tech.
Andrew Hook
Founder & CEO of Tracepad
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About Tracepad: Tracepad develops innovative solutions for pharmaceutical provenance.
