Show notes
“What I could offer is I'm willing to work hard. I'm willing to learn. I'm willing to be a good contributor.”
Philip Borden explains how realizing he did not want to pursue a PhD or spend his career at the lab bench led him toward venture capital. With a molecular biology degree, limited finance experience, and a list of biotech VC firms, he picked up the phone and cold-called his way into Frazier Healthcare in Seattle.
Philip shares why personal relationships, phone calls, and in-person conversations matter more than email when building trust. He discusses selling as communication and listening, the humility required to ask for an opportunity, and the culture lessons he learned from working alongside experienced investors.
He also explains why investors owe founders timely, respectful answers, including a clear no. The conversation closes with the small customer rituals Labshares uses to honor entrepreneurs, from ribbon cuttings to creating a fun place to work.
