Ignite Startups: Darren Cooke on Leading Berkeley’s Startup Ecosystem and Innovation| #120

Ignite: Conversations on Startups, Venture Capital, Tech, Future, and Society

In this episode of the Ignite Podcast, host Brian Bell speaks with Darren Cooke, Interim Chief Innovation & Entrepreneurship Officer at UC Berkeley, about his multifaceted journey and his contributions to life sciences entrepreneurship. Darren shares how his career evolved from mechanical engineering research to patent law and eventually to fostering startups. He reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his transition to in-house counsel at Bio-Rad Laboratories, where he gained a deeper appreciation for the innovative energy of startups.

Darren discusses his role at Berkeley SkyDeck, the university's premier startup accelerator, and his instrumental efforts in launching the BioTrack program. Through his involvement, he has supported numerous startups, including standout successes like DeepScribe and a life sciences venture that secured a $230 million BARDA grant. Darren also highlights the collaborative ecosystem at Berkeley, crediting initiatives like the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Council for breaking down silos and fostering synergy across 55 organizations on campus. This collaboration, he explains, has helped Berkeley surpass Stanford in alumni-founded, venture-backed startups in recent years.

The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of working with startups, including Darren’s passion for guiding young, energetic founders. He shares insights into programs he has developed, such as the Bio Startup Speed Teaming event and the Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Center (LSAC). These initiatives bring together technical and business talent, enabling the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies. Darren also introduces the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) pilot program, designed to provide experienced entrepreneurs with a framework to launch campus-born startups.

The episode wraps up with Darren offering practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of customer discovery and validating market needs before fully committing to a venture. He also reflects on the transformative impact of strong presentation skills, drawing from his own journey as a leader and mentor. Listeners are invited to explore Berkeley’s entrepreneurship resources at begin.berkeley.edu to learn more about the programs and support available for innovators.

Chapters:

Introduction and Darren Cooke’s Background (00:01 - 03:30)

From Engineering to Law: Career Pivot (03:31 - 08:00)

Joining Bio-Rad and Gaining Startup Insights (08:01 - 12:00)

Berkeley SkyDeck and the Launch of BioTrack (12:01 - 18:00)

Collaboration Across Campus: Breaking Silos (18:01 - 22:30)

Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Center (LSAC) (22:31 - 28:00)

Programs Supporting Startups (28:01 - 33:00)

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (33:01 - 38:00)

Berkeley’s Rise as a Startup Powerhouse (38:01 - 42:30)

Closing Thoughts and Resources (42:31 - 45:50)