92 How a CEO Biotech Founder Scaled to IPO Without Silicon Valley

What does it take to build a biotech company without burning billions—or losing your conviction? In this episode of CPO PLAYBOOK, Felicia Shakiba sits down with Dr. Shalabh Gupta, Founder & CEO of Unicycive Therapeutics, a physician-turned-Wall-Street-analyst who built and took a biotech company public in a way few ever do. Dr. Gupta shares how he raised $150M+ in public markets, went public with just one employee, and scaled to FDA submission readiness with only 22 people—all without relying on traditional Silicon Valley venture capital. This conversation unpacks what real CEO discipline looks like in one of the most unforgiving industries in the world—and what leaders in any industry can learn from it. You’ll learn: • Why great CEOs start with the problem—not the product • How to scale a capital-intensive business with radical focus • Why FDA alignment is a leadership skill, not a regulatory hurdle • How public-market thinking changes founder decision-making • What investors actually look for in CEO credibility and trust Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unisysive Therapeutics 04:27 Innovative Approach to Biotech 07:55 Understanding the Biotech Landscape 10:39 Transition from Medicine to Wall Street 14:08 Lessons from Genentech 19:46 Building a Company Alone 22:47 The Importance of Networking 27:00 Engaging with the FDA 30:57 Raising Capital in Biotech 41:58 Navigating Investor Relationships This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, capital discipline, and building companies that last. — Subscribe to CPO PLAYBOOK for more conversations at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and capital strategy: https://www.cpoplaybook.com/newsletter Need support scaling leadership or culture? Let’s talk: https://www.cpoplaybook.com/contact-us

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