Our team
Dr Koby Baranes
PhD, Neuroscience
Koby is a highly accomplished neuroscientist with over 13 years of experience. After completing his PhD in Neuroengineering in Israel, he conducted transformative postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge. There, he developed an aging model in human iPSCs, which faithfully reflects the hallmarks of aging. Koby’s innovative work contributes to advancing anti-aging interventions and understanding the root causes of aging. With a commitment to pushing scientific boundaries, Koby is dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of aging and developing innovative strategies to mitigate its effects.
Dr Koby Baranes
PhD, Neuroscience
Dr Grant Belgard
PhD, Bioinformatics
Grant is a computational biologist and entrepreneur with a passion for bioinformatics. As Senior Director of Bioinformatics at bit.bio, he leads efforts in computational prediction and analysis for scalable cell reprogramming. Grant is also the Founder and CEO of The Bioinformatics CRO, a global provider of computational biology contract research services. With an impressive academic background, including a quadruple major from Rice University, he holds an Executive MBA and a doctoral degree earned as a Marshall Scholar from Oxford & NIH. Dr. Belgard’s career includes stints at UCLA, Oxford, and a biotech startup. He also serves as a trustee and treasurer of an educational foundation.
Dr Grant Belgard
PhD, Bioinformatics
Dr Tilmann Bürckstümmer
PhD, CRISPR
Tilmann, an avid CRISPR enthusiast since its early days, trained as a biochemist and joined Haplogen as Principal Scientist and later became their CSO. Following the acquisition by Horizon Discovery, he served as Director R&D and Head of Innovation, overseeing their technology platform. In 2018, Tilmann co-founded Myllia Biotechnology, specializing in single-cell CRISPR screens. He also leads as CEO of bit.bio discovery, a joint venture between Myllia Biotechnology and bit.bio. With a fervent passion for science, Tilmann thrives in multi-disciplinary, multinational teams, embracing the power of collaboration.
Dr Tilmann Bürckstümmer
PhD, CRISPR
Markus Gstöttner
Incoming CEO
Markus Gstöttner is clock.bio’s incoming CEO. He co-founded Meatable, a cultured meat company that uses iPSC and opti-ox technologies, which he started with Mark Kotter and others. Building on this cooperation, Markus will join clock.bio as CEO, to harness the self-rejuvenation capabilities of iPSCs to improve human healthspan. Markus is currently EIR at BlueYard Capital, with a prior background in public service, management consulting (McKinsey), and development economics.
Markus Gstöttner
Incoming CEO
Dr Joana Tavares
PhD, Neuroscience
Joana is a scientist merging bio-engineering expertise with neuroscience, driven by a profound desire to improve humanity and create a positive impact on the world. With a master’s in bioengineering and a PhD from the University of Cambridge, she explored cellular metabolism’s role in myelin formation and regeneration. Applying her multidisciplinary approach to aging, she aims to unlock novel insights and develop therapeutic strategies for age-related conditions. Joana exemplifies a commitment to serving others and utilising her diverse skills to leverage advanced technologies for societal advancement.
Dr Joana Tavares
PhD, Neuroscience
Dr Mark Kotter
MD, PhD, Scientific founder
Mark, a stem cell biologist and neurosurgeon at the University of Cambridge, embarked on a medical career at the age of nineteen with a passion for making a positive impact. His curiosity guided him through clinical service and laboratory research, where he developed a fascination for synthetic biology and its potential to revolutionise medicine. Alongside clock.bio, Mark is the CEO and Founder of bit.bio, driving advancements in scalable cell manufacturing for regenerative medicine. Additionally, he co-founded Meatable, a cultured meat start-up that addresses ethical and environmental challenges in the meat industry. Mark’s diverse roles reflect his commitment to serving others and leveraging innovative technologies.
Dr Mark Kotter
MD, PhD, Scientific founder
Florian Schuster
Serial entrepreneur, Adviser
Florian, a dynamic entrepreneur and investor, also serves as the Co-founder and Chief Corporate Officer (CCO) of bit.bio. With a background in investment banking and degrees from Stanford School of Engineering and Harvard Business School, Florian brings financial expertise and strategic thinking to his ventures. As the former CFO & Head of Strategic Partnerships at Tessa Therapeutics, he played a key role in driving the company’s success. Florian’s entrepreneurial drive, commitment to innovation, and strategic mindset continue to shape his ventures, making a significant impact in the business landscape.
Florian Schuster
Serial entrepreneur, Adviser
Dr Koby Baranes
PhD, Neuroscience
Koby is a highly accomplished neuroscientist with over 13 years of experience. After completing his PhD in Neuroengineering in Israel, he conducted transformative postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge. There, he developed an aging model in human iPSCs, which faithfully reflects the hallmarks of aging. Koby’s innovative work contributes to advancing anti-aging interventions and understanding the root causes of aging. With a commitment to pushing scientific boundaries, Koby is dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of aging and developing innovative strategies to mitigate its effects.
Dr Grant Belgard
PhD, Bioinformatics
Grant is a computational biologist and entrepreneur with a passion for bioinformatics. As Senior Director of Bioinformatics at bit.bio, he leads efforts in computational prediction and analysis for scalable cell reprogramming. Grant is also the Founder and CEO of The Bioinformatics CRO, a global provider of computational biology contract research services. With an impressive academic background, including a quadruple major from Rice University, he holds an Executive MBA and a doctoral degree earned as a Marshall Scholar from Oxford & NIH. Dr. Belgard’s career includes stints at UCLA, Oxford, and a biotech startup. He also serves as a trustee and treasurer of an educational foundation.
Dr Tilmann Bürckstümmer
PhD, CRISPR
Tilmann, an avid CRISPR enthusiast since its early days, trained as a biochemist and joined Haplogen as Principal Scientist and later became their CSO. Following the acquisition by Horizon Discovery, he served as Director R&D and Head of Innovation, overseeing their technology platform. In 2018, Tilmann co-founded Myllia Biotechnology, specializing in single-cell CRISPR screens. He also leads as CEO of bit.bio discovery, a joint venture between Myllia Biotechnology and bit.bio. With a fervent passion for science, Tilmann thrives in multi-disciplinary, multinational teams, embracing the power of collaboration.
Markus Gstöttner
Incoming CEO
Markus Gstöttner is clock.bio’s incoming CEO. He co-founded Meatable, a cultured meat company that uses iPSC and opti-ox technologies, which he started with Mark Kotter and others. Building on this cooperation, Markus will join clock.bio as CEO, to harness the self-rejuvenation capabilities of iPSCs to improve human healthspan. Markus is currently EIR at BlueYard Capital, with a prior background in public service, management consulting (McKinsey), and development economics.
Dr Joana Tavares
PhD, Neuroscience
Joana is a scientist merging bio-engineering expertise with neuroscience, driven by a profound desire to improve humanity and create a positive impact on the world. With a master’s in bioengineering and a PhD from the University of Cambridge, she explored cellular metabolism’s role in myelin formation and regeneration. Applying her multidisciplinary approach to aging, she aims to unlock novel insights and develop therapeutic strategies for age-related conditions. Joana exemplifies a commitment to serving others and utilising her diverse skills to leverage advanced technologies for societal advancement.
Dr Mark Kotter
MD, PhD, Scientific founder
Mark, a stem cell biologist and neurosurgeon at the University of Cambridge, embarked on a medical career at the age of nineteen with a passion for making a positive impact. His curiosity guided him through clinical service and laboratory research, where he developed a fascination for synthetic biology and its potential to revolutionise medicine. Alongside clock.bio, Mark is the CEO and Founder of bit.bio, driving advancements in scalable cell manufacturing for regenerative medicine. Additionally, he co-founded Meatable, a cultured meat start-up that addresses ethical and environmental challenges in the meat industry. Mark’s diverse roles reflect his commitment to serving others and leveraging innovative technologies.
Florian Schuster
Serial entrepreneur, Adviser
Florian, a dynamic entrepreneur and investor, also serves as the Co-founder and Chief Corporate Officer (CCO) of bit.bio. With a background in investment banking and degrees from Stanford School of Engineering and Harvard Business School, Florian brings financial expertise and strategic thinking to his ventures. As the former CFO & Head of Strategic Partnerships at Tessa Therapeutics, he played a key role in driving the company’s success. Florian’s entrepreneurial drive, commitment to innovation, and strategic mindset continue to shape his ventures, making a significant impact in the business landscape.