Transforming Agriculture with Pheronym

Are you a founder seeking inspiration from the pioneering paths of real-world entrepreneurs? Join host Josh David Miller, aka JDM, as he interviews Dr. Fatma Kaplan, the brilliant co-founder and CEO of Pheronym, on the StartupSac Podcast. This episode delves into Dr. Kaplan’s entrepreneurial journey, the innovative solutions Pheronym brings to agriculture, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way.

About Dr. Fatma Kaplan

Dr. Fatma Kaplan is a distinguished scientist and entrepreneur dedicated to revolutionizing agricultural pest control. With a PhD in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology and extensive postdoctoral experience in chemistry and nematode pheromones, Dr. Kaplan combines her expertise to address critical agricultural challenges. She co-founded Pheronym to bring cutting-edge biopesticide solutions to market, leveraging her deep scientific knowledge and innovative spirit.

About Pheronym

Pheronym is an agricultural biotech company focused on harnessing pheromones to control pests in the soil. Utilizing pheromones from nematodes, Pheronym offers eco-friendly solutions to enhance the effectiveness of beneficial nematodes in pest control. Their flagship product, Nemestim, improves nematode dispersal and infectivity, making them more efficient biopesticides. Pheronym’s unique approach not only targets harmful nematodes but also boosts the performance of beneficial ones, providing sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control.

Key Learnings

Dr. Kaplan’s Journey as a Founder: Dr. Kaplan’s transition from academia to entrepreneurship highlights the significance of perseverance and adaptability. Her story began during her postdoctoral research, where she identified the first mate-finding pheromone from nematodes, attracting significant interest from the USDA. Despite facing challenges, including the elimination of her position at USDA, Dr. Kaplan’s determination led her to start Pheronym, demonstrating the value of resilience and seizing opportunities.
From Scientific Discovery to Market Application: The shift from research to commercialization is often fraught with hurdles. Dr. Kaplan’s experience highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and leveraging grant funding. By collaborating with the University of Florida’s incubator and the IndieBio Accelerator, Pheronym was able to refine their product and pitch effectively to investors, demonstrating the power of mentorship and support systems in scaling scientific innovations.
Customer Discovery and Product Development: Dr. Kaplan’s story emphasizes the critical role of customer discovery in product development. Through NSF’s customer discovery program, Pheronym engaged with over 180 agricultural professionals to understand their needs, shaping the development of their products. This approach ensured that their solutions were aligned with market demands, enhancing their chances of success.
Navigating Funding Challenges: Securing funding for deep tech startups can be challenging. Dr. Kaplan’s journey with Pheronym showcases the importance of strategic fundraising and networking. By synergizing grants from USDA and NSF with accelerator investments, Pheronym was able to advance their technology and move closer to commercialization. Dr. Kaplan’s experience highlights the necessity of perseverance and strategic planning in securing financial resources.

Listen In and Learn More

To dive deeper into Dr. Fatma Kaplan’s entrepreneurial journey and discover the groundbreaking innovations of Pheronym, tune in to the StartupSac Podcast. This episode is packed with insights on transitioning from research to market, navigating funding challenges, and the importance of customer discovery in product development.