Investment
Management Team
Dr Nadia Gopichandran Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Nadia is co-founder of Ostara Biomedical and co-inventor of its core technology. She has over fifteen years' experience of research in reproductive biology. She holds a PhD in early embryo biochemistry from the University of York and worked for five years as a post-doctoral researcher in reproductive medicine at the University of Leeds, focusing on the immunological mechanisms involved in infertility and a number of obstetric and paediatric conditions. Nadia has contributed to a number of University spin out companies focused in the human IVF sector, pregnancy related disorders and artificial reproduction in animals, and has overall responsibility for delivery of the ProgenySys™ platform.
Dr Sarah Field Technical Director
Sarah earned her PhD in Reproductive Physiology from the University of Leeds, focusing on the endometrial response to mating at a systems biology level. Sarah has co-authored several publications in international journals such as BMC Systems Biology and Reproduction, and maintains collaborations with prestigious research centres such as Harvard Medical School. She has commercial experience from several sectors, firstly contributing to R&D in animal foodstuffs at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition (Mars UK). Sarah manages Ostara's development programme and the relationships with collaborators
Dr David Danson Chairman
David is a veterinarian with significant experience in general practice and industry, which include Marketing Director, Europe for Solvay Animal Health, Director, Global Marketing for the US-based pharmaceutical Group, Mallinckrodt, CEO then Chairman of the Lausanne-based, Biokema SA and CEO of UA Group plc, an AIM-listed property company where the share price rose from £1.35 to £14.70 in his 8 year’s tenure. David is currently Deputy Chairman of Council at The Royal Veterinary College in the University of London and has a portfolio of Non-Executive directorships including Eco Animal Health Group plc, a veterinary pharmaceutical company, and Moredun Scientific Ltd, a contract research company.
Richard Smith Chief Financial Officer
Richard is a qualified chartered accountant (ACA). An experienced Group Financial Controller, he has held numerous finance director positions in both large multinationals and SMEs including Advanced Medical Solutions and Astra Zeneca. Richard’s expertise covers financial planning and analysis, acquisitions, disposals, business valuation and intellectual property. His experience as a business partner to life science and healthcare companies provides Ostara with sound financial management.
Dr Nic Orsi Scientific Advisor & Co-Inventor
Nic is an Academic Clinical Fellow in Histopathology at St James's Hospital (Leeds) and a Visiting Fellow/Lecturer at both Harvard Medical School and the University of Leeds. After graduating in Animal Science (Reading), he pursued his combined interests in biochemistry and reproduction earning a PhD in early mammalian embryo development (York). Nic has extensive experience in the commercialisation of diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and innovations aimed at improving pregnancy rates in both veterinary and clinical arenas.