Rising ICON #20: Brad Larmie
What name do you prefer to be called?
I have always preferred Brad, but both my mom and fiancé call me Bradley. So, at this point either option is okay with me.
What are your pronouns?
He / him
Where did you grow up?
Lake Elmo, MN
What city are you currently based in?
St. Paul, MN
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
Hey, I am Brad, I lead UEL, we’re a launchpad helping Minnesota’s next biotech and life science breakthroughs.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
Even though my background is deep healthcare and life sciences, I actually enjoy chatting and connecting with founders / innovators of all industries.
Who do you help?
Primarily, I help support startups in biotech and life sciences. At UEL we are providing flexible lab space and support services, such as connections to partners. We help researchers and innovators turn their ideas into reality in a supportive environment.
What are you building now?
What I am building now is a launchpad that offers more than space – it’s a targeted response to Minnesota’s growing demand for innovation in biotech and life sciences. This isn’t just an incubator, it’s a beacon for Minnesota’s bright future in biotech and life sciences.
What were you building ten years ago today?
Ten years ago, I was 21. I was building the confidence to follow through on a gutsy call – ditching my premed track. I wanted to be a neurosurgeon when I was younger but realized it wasn’t the career track for me.
What do you predict of yourself 10 years from now?
In ten years, I envision myself scaling up significantly: a larger portfolio of companies, forging more robust connections, offering enhanced support to a broader range of innovators, and expanding our facilities to accommodate this growth. This progression will solidify our position as a key driver of innovation and economic development.
What’s a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
MN ranks 2nd nationally for “biggest medical device states”
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
Picture this: You’ve got a dream, a burning desire to bet on yourself, to launch your own company. You’re ready to invest your own resources, tackle a problem you’ve spotted in the market. But here’s the hitch – you’re stuck. Why? There’s a significant gap in lab space in Minnesota, or it’s just too costly to set up early on into your journey. That’s where UEL steps in. We’re not just providing space; we’re building a community and a launchpad for these dreamers to not just start but change the world.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they’ve given you?
Sue Slocum, Children’s Minnesota’s Chief Investment Officer, and my mentor, often reminds me, “you don’t need to be qualified on paper to do it”.
What piece of content about your or your company are you most proud of?
At UEL, we’re launching something that I’m incredibly proud of: the Spotlight Series. This initiative is dedicated to showcasing the groundbreaking work and innovative leaders. It’s our way of highlighting the vibrant biotech scene thriving right here in Minnesota.
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
Forbes
Who would you love to be interviewed by?
Alex Hormozi and Simon Sinek
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
Why answering “So What” is the only thing that matters.
What award would mean the most to win?
40 under 40
What makes zero sense to you?
Being realistic instead of following your wildest dreams
What’s a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
Ecosystem. The word “ecosystem” is overused to the point where it’s lost its real meaning. It’s often through around to sound impressive, but it actually makes things less clear. It is an overgeneralized statement and static interpretation of how an ecosystem should actually work.
What game are you changing?
Imagine a future where UEL is the heartbeat of biotech and life sciences innovation, a fertile ground where startups, investors, and students converge to shape the future. Here, groundbreaking ideas find both the resources and the mentorships to flourish, attracting global investments and nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders. UEL, in this vision, is not just an incubator, but a transformative force.
What’s the next thing you’re a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
I recently joined Full Stack Saint Paul, an organization that is committed to amplifying tech and innovation in Saint Paul. I invite more people to participate in opportunities and organizations that improve the cities that they work or live in.
Where can we follow you online?
My LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/bradlarmie
UEL LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/uelmn
What’s one thing that makes every leader better?
Curiosity. My second choice would be empathy, but curiosity drives us to ask questions, seek out new ideas, and continually learn and adapt. While empathy connects us to others, curiosity propels us forward.
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We’re grateful to each Rising ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, Brad, for sharing your story!
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“...curiosity drives us to ask questions, seek out new ideas, and continually learn and adapt. While empathy connects us to others, curiosity propels us forward.”
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