With most companies, the primary route towards good investor relations is to become profitable. Investors will be happy once they make the company a valuable asset. However, not every business can promise immediate profitability. Biotech firms, for example, are engaged in a business that is notorious for its long research phase, high-risk projects, large short-term expenses, and delayed profitability. These are incredible challenges that only a few investors are willing to tackle. These unique individuals and entities have the money, the understanding, and the patience to take chances in the right biotech companies for what they perceive as a worthy endeavor. Still, maintaining good biotech investor relations, like LifeSci Advisors, under these circumstances can be challenging.
Technology
Biotech firms are always in a race to develop new life-saving technologies and other scientific breakthroughs. These are their greatest assets since these are under the protection of intellectual property rights. However, it should be noted that the basis for these companies are usually immature technology that has only been partially proven. It will take a large fortune and a long time before they can turn these into money-making ventures. Sometimes this is good enough to attract attention and massive valuations. Firms must be able to explain their technology in simple terms to get the appreciation that they deserve. This requires crafty storytelling and an understanding of audience needs.
Risk
A lot of things need to come together in order for the project to become a success. For example, developing a drug that actually works for its intended purpose is only the beginning. They will need to prove that this drug is safe given strict definitions of acceptability. If it kills or injures as much as it cures, then it cannot proceed to the next phase of testing. After all, that work, companies will have to convince regulators in each country to give their approval so that you can sell the drug in their markets. Once you have your foot in the market, you will have to convince the people to purchase your drug. All of the regulatory hoops make this an incredibly difficult industry to navigate.
Prospects
Despite the enormous challenges, biotech firms persist because of the equally tremendous opportunities that await those who are successful in their research and development. Companies that are able to develop a vaccine for a large-scale outbreak can recoup their costs if governments purchase millions of units to immunize their populations. They will also gain instant fame that should help them to convince even more investors to support them in future efforts. Indeed, the profits can far exceed all the investments poured into the project. The firms can also prove their expertise and efficiency in widely publicized products of national or worldwide concern.
Funding
The biotech space is not for everyone. Companies involved in this sector stand to lose a lot of money before they can make a single cent. They need to employ hundreds of medical experts and conduct large-scale field tests with many stages just to satisfy regulatory requirements. They must practice good timing in their attempts to raise money, often having to prove a certain amount of competency through positive results at key phases.
