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About Pepper Landson - Principal

Lived experience. Independent perspective.

I bring more than three decades of experience translating promising science into development programs, approved products, and viable biotech companies. I'm a three-time founder, former biotech CEO, public-company executive, and credentialed executive coach.


My experience spans the full arc of biotech development, from evaluating scientific opportunities and shaping development strategy to raising capital, leading global clinical programs, and navigating high-stakes decisions.


Today, I combine that technical and executive experience with leadership coaching to help founders and executives build stronger companies while becoming more effective leaders.

EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Drug Development

Company Building & Financing

Company Building & Financing

Across 30+ years in industry, active in > 100 development programs, 40+ clinical programs, international pivotal studies, and approved products in oncology, neurology, infectious disease, and infertility. 

Company Building & Financing

Company Building & Financing

Company Building & Financing

 Founder and CEO of Praetego. Raised more than $7 million in private and non-dilutive funding, secured multiple NIH awards, and led intellectual property, development strategy, and partnerships. Served on leadership team during Nephrogenex IPO, 2013. Launched and led international Phase 3 program.

Biotech Advisory

Company Building & Financing

Executive Coaching

UNC–Chapel Hill Entrepreneur-in-Residence since 2021. Advising scientific founders and emerging companies on commercialization, development strategy, financing, and investor readiness.

Executive Coaching

Emerging Technologies

Executive Coaching

Credentialed executive coach since 2012. Leadership development and mentorship for founders, executives, and emerging women leaders through Women In Bio.

Emerging Technologies

Emerging Technologies

Emerging Technologies

MIT Sloan Executive Education in AI for Pharma & Biotech. Applying AI and machine learning to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

Guiding Principles

Integrity & Alignment

Founder/C-Suite Experience + Sound Judgement

Founder/C-Suite Experience + Sound Judgement

We approach every engagement with candor, discretion, and respect for the science and people involved. We challenge assumptions, address difficult questions, and align recommendations with evidence, values, and business objectives.

Founder/C-Suite Experience + Sound Judgement

Founder/C-Suite Experience + Sound Judgement

Founder/C-Suite Experience + Sound Judgement

Our counsel is grounded in the realities of building companies, raising capital, managing scientific risk, and answering to boards and investors. Every recommendation reflects what consequential decisions require when resources are limited and outcomes remain uncertain.

Practical Solutions, Meaningful Results

Founder/C-Suite Experience + Sound Judgement

Practical Solutions, Meaningful Results

Early-stage companies must do more with limited capital, time, and talent. We favor solutions that fit the company's stage, resources, and priorities. Whether refining strategy, strengthening leadership, or applying emerging technologies, our focus is on actions that create measurable value.

Grounding Outside the C-Suite

Perspective Is Part of the Work

Biotech leadership requires immense stamina. Decisions carry significant financial and human consequences, often with years between action and outcome.


Outside the C-suite, I find perspective through horses, nature, and the daily responsibilities of managing my farm. These experiences continually reinforce the importance of presence, patience, clear communication, and knowing when to lead and when to listen.


I believe sustaining effective leadership requires more than professional expertise. It requires self-awareness, sound judgment, and a life that supports the person doing the work.

What Could an Experienced Thought Partner Make Possible?

Whether you're exploring new opportunities, evaluating strategic decisions, or seeking to lead more effectively, the right thought partner brings fresh perspective, constructive challenge, and practical experience to the conversation.

Start a conversation

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