A Serial Founder and Investor on the Importance of Asking for Help with Erik Halvorsen, PhD

In this week’s episode I’m sitting down with an investor who has been a founder or co-founder himself multiple times for a candid conversation about the importance of not going it alone as a founder.

We also discuss the traits that he as an investor is often looking for in the founders of startups he’s considering investing in, how he makes space for his mental health and family life despite his demanding job, and the personal story that fuels his passion for supporting innovations in healthcare.

Erik Halvorsen, PhD, is a Partner at pHpartners healthcare investment bank leading up the therapeutics vertical. He has 20 years of experience in the Healthcare & Life Sciences sectors. With a background in neuropharmacology and regenerative medicine, he is passionate about translating cutting edge innovations into new companies & products that help people.

As an entrepreneur, Erik has founded or co-founded several companies including therapeutics, clinical genomics, robotics, diagnostics and AI focused digital health. He also launched and ran early-stage life science investment funds in Boston and Houston.

Prior to pH Partners, Erik was the founding director of the Texas Medical Center Innovation Institute. In four years, Erik grew the TMCx healthcare accelerator to national recognition and launched the TMC Venture Fund.

In addition to his successful career, Erik enjoys traveling with his family, specifically to tropical destinations. He spends lots of time scuba diving on these trips, as well as relaxing on the beach with a good book.

This is a must listen for any founder, or aspiring founder. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I didi!

Find Erik online:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikhalvorsen1/

Connect with your host, Dr. Melissa Parks, elsewhere:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissacparks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissaparksphd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaparksphd/

Website: https://melissaparks.com/

Looking for 1:1 coaching as a founder to help you improve your mental fitness and emotional resilience? Set up your free discovery call with Melissa - https://melissaparks.com/free-consultation-call/

If you’d like additional support for your mental and emotional well-being as a founder please visit Melissa’s website for a list of resources to help you find a coach, therapist, or peer support.