Meet the Entreprenista Making Waves with the FDA: Somer Baburek, Co-Founder of Hera Biotech

Describe your business in a few words:

Somer Baburek is the CEO and Co-Founder of Hera Biotech. Prior to founding Hera Somer spent 7 years with the largest life science VC Fund in San Antonio assisting with diligence activities. Somer also served in 2 of the fund’s sister companies as the Director of Clinical Operations. During her time with the companies, the clinical program went from a single investigator-initiated IND to 4 open INDs, saw the successful license of a 5 sku product line to the largest industry participant, and successfully managed an End of Phase 2 Meeting with the FDA before the companies were acquired for $250M USD. Somer took a short break following the exit, while she looked for available technology in her field of passion, women’s health. After completing diligence on the underlying technology, Somer founded Hera Biotech and began developing the world’s first non-surgical, tissue-based test capable of both diagnosing and staging endometriosis.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I’ve spent the last 8 years in life science venture capital and a life science startup company.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, I’ve been honing those skills since I was a kid selling popcorn in my father’s lumberyard.

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out, and did it go as planned?

We are still somewhat in stealth mode for the product, so I must admit I don’t have a formal marketing plan yet.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Being selected as a finalist in the Ignite Fire Pitch Competition and to present at the Texas Life Science Forum.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

Absolutely! Control your calendar or it will control you. Block time on your calendar and make yourself “unavailable” during that time, if you see blank space on the calendar, it’s much harder to keep it reserved for yourself.

What have you achieved recently that you’d like to celebrate with our community?

We are very close to closing our first round of funding.

What’s next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

2 clinical trials, a product launch, and an FDA clearance.

What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?

I’m excited to connect with other female founders, funders, & mentors!

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!