To succeed in the life sciences, innovators need more than just a great idea—they need a pathway to bring that idea to life. At Texas Medical Center (TMC), we don’t just support entrepreneurs; we build companies.
We provide the comprehensive resources, clinical validation, funding, and mentorship needed to transform innovative concepts into scalable, market-ready solutions. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the healthcare space, the Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) role is designed to help you build a successful company. With access to TMC’s collective expertise, infrastructure, and a community of advisors, investors, and strategic partners, EIRs are positioned to create impactful ventures that drive the future of healthcare.
A Proven Model for Entrepreneurial Success
Embedded within the dynamic TMC community, EIRs gain access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and a network that empowers them to take their ventures to new heights.
For Michael Torres, CEO of CrossBridge Bio, the EIR experience was instrumental in shaping his company’s trajectory. Formed through TMCi’s Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics (ACT), CrossBridge Bio has attracted significant investment to develop cutting-edge cancer treatments. As Michael puts it, “TMCi’s ACT provided the foundation to put all the pieces together: team, technology, and capital in a way that accelerated the trajectory of CrossBridge Bio. We would not be where we are without this program.”
Sarah Hein , co-founder of March Biosciences, leveraged her EIR experience to propel the company forward. Within the TMC ecosystem, Sarah and her team have raised over $53M in dilutive and non-dilutive capital to advance their lead program into a Phase 2 trial. “TMC provided the right platform to bring together the best people, partners, and resources to bring our therapy forward into the next stage of clinical development and get it to more T cell lymphoma patients,” Sarah reflects. 
The success of the EIR role goes beyond resources—it’s about the holistic approach to developing entrepreneurs. The support system is designed to ensure that EIRs don’t just receive guidance but are actively immersed in a network that accelerates both their personal growth and the growth of their companies. From working directly with medical experts to collaborating with seasoned investors, EIRs are continuously refining their strategies with input from key stakeholders. This collaborative environment empowers them to move their ideas forward with clarity, confidence, and a solid foundation for future investment.
“The Entrepreneur in Residence role plays a unique de-risking role when evaluating investments from a venture perspective,” says Emily Reiser, Director, Strategy and New Ventures, TMC Venture Fund. “EIRs have experience building companies and leverage feedback from a network of experts as they evaluate each project and determine value-creation milestones. This feedback is shared with all participants in TMCi’s Accelerator programs, providing them with clarity on how to take the next step in their science or business. When an EIR is preparing to launch a company, they have performed significant diligence themselves and will have a strong foundation for engaging with early-stage venture investors.”
The EIR Advantage
The EIR role at TMC Innovation is not just a position—it’s a carefully crafted model designed to give entrepreneurs the time, resources, and support they need to succeed. Unlike traditional incubators or accelerators that often focus on late-stage companies, the EIR model provides a tailored environment.
First and foremost, the EIR role offers entrepreneurs the time to truly build their company. With a dedicated space entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to refine their ideas, test their products, and seek funding. This environment in which to develop is invaluable—allowing entrepreneurs to focus on the science, the strategy, and the partnerships that will make their company successful in the long term.
Equally important is the network and mentorship that comes with the role. The EIRs are deeply embedded within the TCM network, and are able to build their early team, board, and advisors with individuals who have navigated the complex journey of commercialization previously. This team-based system helps entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and the inevitable challenges that come alongside building an early stage biotech company. As Sarah Hein from March Biosciences puts it, “When we started March we started with the people – mentors and foundational team members who had been through the process and knew where the rocks under the water might be. This has made all the difference for us, helping us avoid problems and find outsized success as we were building the company.”
The EIR model also sets itself apart by providing built-in credibility. Being a part of TMC Innovation signals to investors, partners, and customers that a startup is backed by one of the most respected institutions in healthcare innovation. Texas Medical Center is a trusted name in life sciences, and this connection provides a level of validation that is hard to come by in such a competitive field.
Finally, the path to funding is clear and direct. TMC Innovation doesn’t just offer guidance on how to pitch investors; it actively connects EIRs with potential investors and venture capital firms. By being embedded in the TMC community, EIRs have access to a rich network of healthcare investors including the TMC Venture Fund who understand the nuances of life science startups and are eager to support new ventures.
This integrated approach to entrepreneurship ensures that EIRs have everything they need to move from concept to commercialization, from developing the right product to securing the necessary funding. It’s a proven model that gives entrepreneurs the best chance of success, creating a sustainable path for companies to grow and make an impact in the healthcare world.
Ready to Build the Future of Healthcare?
Whether you’re a seasoned C-suite executive with a breakthrough idea or ready to scale one of our innovative concepts, Texas offers a uniquely fertile ground for building transformative healthcare companies. At TMC Innovation, we partner with top-tier talent to convert vision into impactful, market-ready solutions. Our community is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and networks needed to succeed.
Ready to partner with us? If you’re eager to join a dynamic collective at the world’s largest medical center and drive the future of healthcare innovation, come to one of our events and meet with the TMC Innovation team. We look forward to partnering with you.