Expert Diploma in Planning and Financing of Pharma-Biotech Startups (Startpharm)
Successfully finance your Pharma-Biotech startup:
DESIGNING AN ATTRACTIVE AND OPTIMIZED BUSINESS model
BUILDS A SOLID FINANCIAL STRUCTURE
IDENTIFY, EVALUATE AND MANAGE YOUR SOURCES OF FINANCING.
DEVELOP SKILLS TO COMMUNICATE AND DEFEND YOUR STARTUP IN FRONT OF EXPERTS AND INVESTORS.
The StartPharm program combines the academic excellence of the University of Navarra with the direct experience of investors and industry experts. Designed exclusively for Pharma-Biotech companies, this diploma offers aninternship and personalized training , oriented to real results: startups that finish the program with a validated Business Case, a financial plan prepared for investment rounds and a presentation to potential partners and investors.
Pharma-Biotech startups move 21 billion euros capital risk per year worldwide
Why are pharma-biotech startups so interesting for a VC?
The pharma-biotech sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. New startups with great potential to transform healthcare and biotechnology are emerging every year. According to a study conducted by France Biotech:
56%
Of the new drugs launched in 2023 were developed by startups.
2/3
Of the clinical programs of study underway are led by startups.
72%
Of the products in advanced stages of development are in the hands of startups.
58%
Of the agreements between companies in the sector in 2023 were between startups.
What do venture capital firms look for when funding a pharma-biotech startup?
1
solid business model
2
multidisciplinary team integrating scientific knowledge with a clear business vision
3
Consistent and viable financial projection
4
Clear and viable regulatory path
| AREA | MODULES | WHAT WE WORK ON |
| Business |
- Business case - 8 sessions |
- business model |
| Finance |
- Search for financing - 4 sessions |
- Structural finance - Operational Finance - Accounting - Sources of financing (public and private) |
| Storytelling | - The narrative of your project - 2 sessions | - Narrative - Communicating your value proposal - Communicate your business model - Present your project to investors |
María Luisa Garayalde 
Professor of Finance IESE / Director of MG Valores
D. in Finance, independent valuation consultant for business and advisor on corporate shareholdings. She was Director of Analysis at MG Valores, the brokerage company of group Metallgesellschaft in Madrid.
Esperanza Regueras 
CEO AXIS PHARMA / Business Case Pharma Expert
D. in Pharmacy from UNAV, MBA from IESE. General Manager general of business AXIS PHARMA, signature of consultancy service specialized in strategic marketing, development business and business intelligence.
Alex Grasas
IESE Operations Professor / Agile Expert
Master's Degree and doctorate in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Florida (USA). consultant of agile operations and partner founder of the Institute for Transformational Leadership. Professor at IESE.
Santiago Lozano
Director of VC core topic Capital / Investment assessment expert
graduate in Business Administration from the University of Navarra, Master's Degree in Finance from ESIC Business. More than 20 years of experience in management, in industry, finance, and more than 15 years in Venture Capital (start ups and tech transfer projects).
Agustin Alconada
partner ABG Patentes / Patent Expert Health
D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. European Patent Attorney and partner at ABG Intellectual Property Law, S.L.
Francesc Paris
CEO Startup Opetc4life / Investor Relations Expert
Double Degree in Pharmacy and Nutrition by UNAV. Current director executive of Optec4life, business dedicated to medical and diagnostic laboratories.
Roger Piqué
Inveready VC partner / Investment expert
Economist from the University of Barcelona. partner at Inveready Investment Technology Group.
Belén Torregrosa
Communication Consultant / Storytelling Expert
Graduate in language and German Literature and founding partner of LAVIDITA, a consulting firm dedicated to transformation through words.
Dr. Manuel Rodríguez Mariscal
Pharmaceutical sector expert and biotechnology entrepreneur
Dr. Sara Secall
General Partner Inveready
Dr. Esperanza Regueras
CEO strategic consultancy service Axispharma
Dr. Juan Manuel Irache
Associate Dean of postgraduate program and Expert in Pharmaceutical Innovation
Start: April 2026
Campus Madrid
University of Navarra
Semi-Presential
(intensive classes + online mentoring)
4.995€
for Start-up
Contact
José David Alvarenga Fortín
Project Manager
School of Pharmacy and Nutrition
+34 948 425600 (Ext. 802830)
jalvarengaf@unav.es
