Testimonials

At 1IB, we are committed to driving innovation and business success. Our partners—ranging from startups to established enterprises—have experienced first-hand the impact of our expertise in strategy commercialization, and growth. Here’s what they have to say about working with us.

Let their words inspire you to take the next step with 1IB!

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Daily tips to help you turn your innovation into a thriving spin-off while staying true to your passion for academic entrepreneurship.

Productivity I Leadership I Business Development I Technology Transfer I Spin-offs I Academic Entrepreneurship

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Martin Valks

CEO, Marvapharm, Switzerland

We evaluate pharmaceutical products for funding, expansion, and differentiation. Through expert interviews and database research, we assess market potential, registration strategy, and development roadmaps. Projects span painkillers, veterinary products, and Minoxidil mapping. Mario ensures efficient execution, flexible deals, and shares valuable insights via newsletters and books.

Catalina Pavez

Head of the Entrepreneurship Program, Hubtec, Chile

I am the head of the entrepreneurship program at HUBTEC, a technology transfer center dedicated to transferring academic research into viable market products and services. One of the main challenges we face with most projects in our portfolio is their lack of commercial vision and strategy. Additionally, many of these projects have not yet fully understood the real needs of their clients, users, or strategic partners, both locally and globally. In this regard, 1IB has been a key partner in the customer discovery process, helping us identify the key players to understand their needs and challenges. 1IB focuses not only on the commercial aspects but also on regulatory challenges, IP strategy, governance, and financial strategy. Furthermore, 1IB has assisted us in the international prospection for our portfolio, providing access to European and American markets.

Prof. Sergi Trilla

President, trifermed, Spain

Mario Schaefer’s ‘Doing What Matters: The Power of Purposeful Productivity’ is a masterclass in efficiency and focus, qualities I’ve seen him embody since our early days at trifermed. This book is not just a guide; it’s a testament to Mario’s own journey towards purposeful productivity.

Bo Tandrup

CEO, Alkalon, Denmark

It has been my great pleasure to work with Mario during the last 5 years where he has helped my company identifying licensing partners for an OTC nicotine gum portfolio in Europe and elsewhere. Mario Schäfer is a very proactive person and has a unique ability to stay focused and keep things on track.

Bastian Homsy

Student, ESADE, Spain

I had the pleasure of having Mario as my tutor for my in-company project which consisted in validating a new business model for the commercialization of new type of Cancer treatment in the US. His expertise provided me with the guidance I needed to obtain a Summa Cum Laude designation for the work. His support and academic knowledge ensured the project’s fruition, and kept me motivated throughout the endeavor. He provided me with useful industry contacts and insight to validate my recommendations. Mario is a reliable, resourceful, and driven person to work with. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for academic support on any type of assignment.

Zain Shah

Student, ESADE, Spain

I was fortunate enough to have crossed paths with Mario while i was pursuing my Masters at ESADE. As my assigned tutor, i found Mario to be very supportive, driven and resourceful. My masters project was focused on validating a business model for an American health-tech startup in Spain. Mario provided me with direction, industry contacts, guidance, tools, frameworks and insights to validate my recommendations. Most importantly, he was always there for me when i needed him and kept me motivated and focused. Not only is Mario an incredible mentor, but he is also a stellar human being. I would highly recommend working alongside Mario.

Enric Gibert

CEO, Pharmacelera, Spain

Pharmacelera is a hardware/software company for Computer-Aided Drug Design. We were put in contact through a start-up acceleration program and Mario acted as our business model mentor. Through his professional guidance and his motivation, we were able to improve our value proposition and to establish links with relevant stakeholders from the pharma industry.

Xavi Ametller

Entrepreneurship Manager, ESADE Creapolis, Spain

I had the pleasure to meet Mario in ESADECREAPOLIS where he took part of our startup acceleration program EMPENTA as a business model mentor. I have to say that he demonstrated his professionalism in every edition of the program, giving a lot of value to the startups he mentored. He is an experienced, commited, humble and well connected professional that can make the difference that you are looking for.

Antoine Defour

New Product Development Project Manager, Zentiva, France

I recommend Mario without hesitation. His ability to work under tight deadlines and his thoroughness to details are among his many strengths.

Denny Poller

Senior Manager Tender Management, Business Planning & Pricing, Zentiva, Germany

It has been a great pleasure working with Mario over the last years. Mario is very analytical and strategic, with a great understanding of the German healthcare system. The German Zentiva team greatly benefited from Marios guidance and expertise, resulting in a very robust and prosperous launch pipeline of Gx- and OTC products for the next five years. I can highly recommend Mario for business development projects in the pharmaceutical industry.

Kuntal Chatterjee

Managing Partner, Pharmacircuit, Germany

I manage start-ups and run a consultancy in Germany. I've known Mario for over a decade, initially meeting for consulting and later deciding to collaborate, forming the Pharmacircuit Platform. Through 1IB, Mario aided effective project and focus management. His wide network facilitated intercultural projects. Mario's dedication to his book, supporting 1IB, and Pharmacircuit reflects his execution spirit. We joined forces years ago to benefit the pharma industry and create a positive impact. We've collaborated on podcasts and shows. I hope for more individuals like Mario, passionate about what they do, to inspire others daily.

Volker Weber

CEO, NIXDORF Kapital AG, Germany

Founders are creative and leaders in their field. To build a company successfully and establish a strong market presence, more than just technical competence is necessary. Business acumen and the implementation of success-oriented processes and workflows are further key factors for success. In this regard, Mario Schäfer's work makes a valuable contribution and offers helpful guidance for founders right from the start.