Luke Bilton

Luke Bilton is Co-Founder at Life Science Networks

Tell us about your background and how you came to launch our company?

Before starting Life Science Networks, I spent over 20 years in events and media, with a significant portion in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Following the disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic – both the advances it made in remote collaboration and the supply chain challenges it exposed – Chris and I felt the time was right to create a next-generation community for this amazing industry. 

What is your role at the company, and what are your main responsibilities?

As a Co-Founder, I wear multiple hats. My day could include fixing an annoying website bug, recording a podcast or researching strategic questions such as where to launch our next event. 

My main areas of operational responsibilities include ensuring our products, content, and marketing exceed community expectations.  To continue our current growth rate, it’s really important that we are producing high-quality insights and best practices, collaborating closely with members to perfect the formula for engagement and business generation.

How would you describe the company culture?

As a new market entrant, we embrace a growth mindset, fostering a culture of psychological safety where everyone is encouraged to take risks and grow. Our culture is fast-moving, rewards experimentation, and is supportive. 

Remote working is also a key element, providing us with great flexibility while we connect in-person whenever possible.

Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while working here?

There are so many! From sketching out our business plan with Chris at Brewdog Waterloo to launching and growing PharmaSource from zero to over 25,000 members.

Currently, we’re excited about our upcoming event in Rotterdam, the new home for our first live event, CDMO Live.

What do you like about working in the life sciences industry? 

Working in the life sciences is incredibly inspiring. 

It’s highly complex. Biology is the most complex system in the known universe, and most scientific discoveries do not make it to the commercial stage. 

But rather than choose an easier path, the biopharma industry is striving to solve some of the biggest issues we face as humanity. We’ve all lost people to cancer and other conditions, so being part of an industry trying to solve those problems is truly motivating.

What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know? 

I used to play in bands and produce music. The microphone I use for the PharmaSource podcast is from my music days!

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Connect with Luke on LinkedIn