As Managing Partner at LIM Global, I’ve had the opportunity to work with life sciences companies worldwide for over 25 years. Ahead of BIOSPAIN 2025, where LIM Global is proud to participate as a Gold Sponsor, I share my views on the current challenges in attracting talent, the specific needs of startups, and why this event is so important for our sector.

Ase Bio Interview: Michael Thiele, Managing Partner at LIM Global – Gold Sponsor at BIOSPAIN 2025

From your perspective, what is the current picture of the challenges the life sciences sector in Spain is facing in terms of talent acquisition?
Globally, and also in Spain, the projects that interest the sector—from established companies to startups—are innovative projects with advanced technologies such as ADCs and ATMPs, especially in oncology and rare diseases. In Spain, we have very good scientists in these areas, but at the management level there is less experience. It is often necessary to “sell” these projects to senior professionals in Europe, as well as to Spaniards who may wish to return from the US or other parts of Europe.

How does LIM Global contribute to finding solutions to these challenges?
At LIM Global we are life sciences experts and have worked exclusively in this field for 25 years at an international level. We have a database with thousands of CVs and a strong network of experienced professionals. Our role is to help companies with any talent need—sometimes complex and confidential searches—covering positions from mid-level managers to C-level executives.

Specifically for startups, what are the main challenges they face when attracting and retaining talent?
For startups we have recruited, and continue to recruit, key positions that allow them to move projects forward. What startups need are professionals not only with scientific and research expertise but also with solid biotech and pharma industry experience. These professionals may come from established companies, even big pharma, but in a startup they must be very “hands-on,” ready to take on tasks outside their formal job description.

In an increasingly globalized and competitive environment, what strategies do startups use to differentiate themselves and attract the talent they need?
Typically, startups that attract experienced professionals and senior executives are those with innovative and differentiated technologies. These executives often expect similar salaries to what they already earn, but what truly motivates them is a stock option plan (SOP). If the pipeline succeeds, the company may be acquired by a multinational, which represents an important financial opportunity.

Based on your experience, what professional profiles are the hardest to find for startups and why?
The hardest-to-find profiles are those with prior startup experience and expertise in advanced preclinical development, taking projects from preclinical to clinical stages. It is also very important—and often difficult—to identify CMOs with expertise in the specific therapeutic and scientific areas a startup is working on.

How do training, international mobility, and collaborations with universities or research centers help address talent challenges?
Startups and growing companies always need professionals with strong scientific backgrounds. They require people with biotech, pharma, or medtech experience. Since they often develop innovative products, deep knowledge of the underlying science and technology is crucial.

What differences do you see between startups and large companies when it comes to attracting and retaining talent?
Startups usually begin with complex early-stage projects, which carry higher risk compared to established companies. Their medium-term viability is uncertain, which is why it is fundamental that talent becomes passionate about the project and its innovative treatments. The chance to help patients and improve global health is a special motivation in our sector.

As a Gold Sponsor of BIOSPAIN 2025, what motivated LIM Global to support this event, and what objectives do you expect to achieve with your participation?
At LIM Global we work exclusively with life sciences companies, and half of our searches are for startups. In early-stage companies, decisions about what kind of talent is needed are often made by the Board of Directors, where VCs play a significant role. BIOSPAIN is of great interest to us because it brings together all our key stakeholders—from established companies and big pharma to startups, investors, and VCs. It is a unique opportunity to connect with clients and partners across the entire ecosystem.


You can also read the AseBio interview at this link.