#FollowLifeCellsNI
Catherine King, the visionary founder of LifeCellsNI, is revolutionizing the field of stem cell storage. With a passion for personalized medicine and a drive to make a positive impact, Catherine's entrepreneurial journey is driven by her unwavering dedication to the potential of stem cells. From her academic background in biomedical sciences to her experience in clinical trials and the pharmaceutical industry, Catherine's expertise positions her as a trailblazer in the field. Join us as we delve into her inspiring story of perseverance, ambition, and the quest for a healthier future.
Catherine is one of our SheGenerate2.0 cohort and also a SheGenerate2.0 showcase pitcher. Be sure to register HERE to join us on the 23rd May at 5pm.
To get us started - how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
Fun, Hard Working, Passionate, Keen, and willing to always learn new things
What prompted you to start your business?
I have always had an interest in stem cells and starting my own stem cell storage facility was something I always wanted to do. I wanted to provide a service to families that could potentially make an impact on lives. The importance of storing stem cells is that we have access to personalised medicine and stem cell therapy for children. There is treatment of over 80 approved diseases currently, and advancements in treatment in the future of cancer care in children and later life. Our Potential customers will be expectant parents and young families, who have an interest in securing the future health of their children.
Tell us a little bit more about you?
I am from Derry in N.Ireland, my degree is BSc Biomedical Sciences. I have experience in research clinical trials, Working in hospital laboratories as well as working in the pharmaceutical industry.
Fill us in on your female founder journey.
Starting a stem cell storage facility definitely has its challenges. Starting something of this scale and working alone to begin with has been hard work, but I would not change any of it. I have had to locate a facility to base LifeCellsNI, and consider the logistics of everything that is involved, including equipment, Human Tissue Authority Accreditation, staff, projections and cash flow for the next few years and room for expansion. I receive a lot of support from mentors, family and friends which helps on the days where I need a little push in the right direction.
The biggest challenge so far has been choosing a facility. Due to LifeCellsNI being the only HTA accredited lab for this type of business there was no where in N.Ireland and ROI to use as a facility to carry out analysis. I identified a warehouse which we are now currently submitting plans to renovate. I am working with an architect to design our lab and clean room to the specifications that are needed, which will be amazing to have achieved when complete. I have recently been awarded a TechStart grant for 10K to help with logo and branding. This was the first grant I have received and it was great to have achieved and has given me more confidence in the process of acquiring the funding I need to start my business. To be a female founder can be challenging but very rewarding, and gives you a great sense of achievement. It opens up a massive support network around you, and I am glad I am on this journey and loving meeting new people along the way.
How did you hear about AwakenHub and what prompted you to apply for SheGenerate?
I had heard about AwakenHub when I spoke with Mary McKenna and it was exciting to know that my business idea would fit in with the ethos of AwakenHub. When reading up about AwakenHub I was excited about how much support there was from members and mentors. Before I had applied for AwakenHub I felt alone when starting up my business, there was not much help or advice from local enterprises and I was left feeling like there may be no hope for my business. I needed guidance and help and support and I got that all from SheGenerate and I am very grateful for my experiences so far.
What have you gotten out of the SheGenerate process?
I have met life long friends, a great network of women who are empowered and have amazing businesses on the go. I have got great mentors who are there when needed for advice and that is so valuable. Attending workshops that help with different aspects of business has been great.
What does success look like to you - in 12 months and in 5 years?
In the next 12 months I would like to have received investment for my business and our lab/clean room will be fully operational and HTA Accredited. In the next 2-3 years, I would like to see our stem cell facility branching out from storing Umbilical cord stem cells to adult stem cells with bone marrow and fat tissue stem cells for orthobiological treatments. In Year 3-4 I want to open a hub in ROI and other countries, and Year 5 onwards I would like to see a separate hub set up in Northern Ireland for veterinary stem cell storage.
SheGenerate is only a small part of AwakenHub - now that you have the community's attention - what can we/they do for you?
I would like to connect with investors to discuss the potential of LifeCellsNI.
As a founder - what are your non-negotiables?
The journey of establishing a start-up company is very unknown. So I think my non-negotiables would be to always be up for an adventure, you cannot tell where your company will be from one year to the next. Another is to be patient. I know success won’t happen overnight, but perseverance is key, and it will pay off in time. Professionalism, honesty and integrity are also big factors. Six words to live by ‘Be A Doer Not A Dreamer’.
