Building Biotech Across the U.S.–Mexico Border | Ashley Marín, Scirena BioVentures

📬 Get free weekly tips & resources for biotech founders: https://www.biofounder.io/ Why Mexico? For early-stage biotech founders looking across the U.S., the Mexico border could open up new relationships with investors, research partners, manufacturers, and potential customers. In this episode of Bio Founder GPS, I sit down with Ashley Marín, founder and GP of Scirena BioVentures, to explore the opportunities she sees on both sides of the border - and what it takes to build the ecosystem founders need to succeed. Ashley’s own attempt to launch a biomaterials startup exposed gaps in access to resources and entrepreneurial support. That experience helped shape her work connecting Mexican scientific talent with capital and global networks, while helping U.S. companies explore development and commercial partnerships in Mexico. We get a candid, behind-the-scenes look at raising a first fund, how Ashley evaluates founders and investment opportunities, and what an investor can bring beyond the check. In this episode: • Ashley’s journey from molecular biology and biomaterials to venture capital • Building bridges between the biotech ecosystems in Mexico and the U.S. • Research, clinical trial, manufacturing, and commercial partnerships founders can explore • What it takes to raise a first fund and build investor relationships • What Ashley looks for in founders: customer understanding, persistence, adaptability, and self-awareness • How emerging fund managers can support companies beyond capital • Finding your community and staying grounded through the uncertainty of building Connect with Ashley and Scirena BioVentures: Ashley on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashleymarin Ashley on Instagram:   / ashleycmarin   Scirena BioVentures: scirena.bio Scirena on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/scirena-bioventures Work with me through Bench2Bio: Raising capital, exploring licensing opportunities with pharma, or looking to build visibility and tell your company’s story? My advisory firm, Bench2Bio, helps life sciences founders do just that. Learn more and get in touch to see whether there’s a fit to work together: bench2bio.com Connect with Vadim: Free Bio Founder GPS newsletter and community: biofounder.io LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vadim-shepel Instagram: instagram.com/vadim.bio Substack: substack.com/@biofoundergps Bio Founder GPS Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033iviW... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... YouTube:    / @biofoundergps   If you found this conversation useful, subscribe and share it with a founder who’s figuring out their next step. Bio Founder GPS: Build the business your science deserves. https://www.biofounder.io/