At the UKSPA 40th anniversary conference, experts emphasized that excelling in science alone doesn’t guarantee business success or venture capital (VC) attraction. Dr. Sandy Reid from Mercia Ventures highlighted the importance of understanding market dynamics over scientific merit, noting that most VC inquiries are rejected due to unrealistic expectations and a lack of commercial insight. Panelists discussed challenges in securing Series A funding, often due to overvaluation and investor risk aversion. They stressed the need for experienced management teams and better communication of the value of life sciences to attract investments, especially in light of shifting market conditions and funding landscapes.