Trius Therapeutics

San Diego
Founders: Jeff Stein, John Finn, and John Schmid
VC Investment over the last four quarters: $35.16 million

Founded in 2004, the 35-employee biopharmaceutical company is working to develop antibacterial drugs to treat infections caused by resistant bacteria. Besides the VC investment, Stein says Trius has raised $32 million in government grants and contracts. As far as his perspective on the impact of the recession on his company, which expects less than $1 million in revenues in 2008, Stein says it will make the fundraising environment more challenging and may impact the partner environment as well.

Key to startup success: "Recruit top-tier executives. Focus on advancing your most valuable asset and seek alternative financing for earlier-stage programs."

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