Stephanie Michelsen

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Stephanie Michelsen and I am the founder and CEO of Jellatech. Jellatech is an early stage biotechnology company that focuses on enabling human health and longevity by producing high-value and complex proteins in the lab. I started Jellatech in the summer of 2020 and since we have made significant progress to improve and potentially extend healthy lifespan with the success of our first protein, Human Collagen.

What did it take/how did you get started?

I started Jellatech right after graduating from university with a degree in Engineering in Biotechnology. I realized that there was a growing unmet need for complex, functional proteins (for various applications, food, cosmetics, biomedical, materials etc.) so I wanted to build a company that could help support the transition of a more reliable, safer and sustainable way of producing these proteins without having to source them from animals or human cadavers - and that with biotechnological tools we could instead grow them in the lab.

What does the future look like for you and your business?

We provide complex proteins for companies that operate in various industries. Currently I am most excited about our companies role in the future of longevity. By providing a larger, cheaper and safer supply of complex human proteins we can support the development of new therapeutics, tissue regeneration, medical aesthetics and more - in the larger vision to improve the quality of life and maybe even extend lifespan. As we age our body does too, and our tissues - if we can help support the body and prevent degradation and promote regeneration with our proteins, I think we are going to help change the world for better.

What drives / motivates you on a daily basis?

I love biotechnology. It is a scientific yet so very creative field and it's a tool we can use to improve and better the world. As cheesy as it sounds, it motivated me to think about how if everything falls into place and things go the way we want/hope for them to go - then we can actually help people and the planet. I think we have a clear objective and it is my companies responsibility to do everything in our power to make sure we do.

So the overall goal of improving and extending people's lives, but not at the expense of the planet. Outside of our mission I also am motivated by the day to day challenges that come with the journey of being a founder. I am learning new things and pushing not just scientific boundaries but also my own limits and I think that is a luxury to be able to make an impact while learning so so much.

What advice would you give someone interested in doing what you do?

I would say that there is no better time to start than now. There will never be a perfect time, or a perfect product, or even a perfect pitch deck. If you have an idea you think can change the world for the better (big or small) it is your duty to share it with the world and to go for it. I also encourage people to think about not only "what if" you do it, but "what if" you don't.

I know myself and I would much rather say that I tried and failed than to never have tried. It's more rewarding to fail at something you love and are passionate about, than something you aren't. And there are no "safe" choices in life and nothing rarely goes according to plan - so why not just give it a go? :-)

What has been the hardest part of your business journey?

There will be a lot of doubt and it will get lonely. You will sometimes doubt yourself, your company and your idea. And so will many others. There will be a lot of "no's" and "it can't be done". So you have to prepare yourself to meet a lof of naysayers - just make sure you never become one to yourself.

And also - the founder journey can and will be lonely at times. The higher you climb the lonelier it gets so it is important to surround yourself with and build a support system that can have your back when the going gets hard.

How have you managed burnout thus far?

I think I am pretty good at seeing hardship and failures as learnings and not dead ends. I also try to separate the things that are inside and outside of my control. The things that are outside of my control, I avoid overthinking or letting them get to me. It is also important to take time for yourself and time off where you are not thinking about your company at all. And when you are burned out, step away for a bit and then remind yourself of why you are doing what you are doing, and that you are building something that is likely much bigger than yourself.

What are a few resources that you'd recommend?

I love the Y Combinator youtube channel. I have found so many resources on their channel and their website. I also highly encourage to go to some startup events and find some founder friends and entrepreneurs who are/and are not in the same field/space as yourself. Try and learn as much as you can from others (both their failures and successes).