Apto-Gen Case Study

UK-based Apto-Gen was established in 2019 by two molecular biology specialists, who share over 40 years’ technical and commercial experience in the field.

Apto-Gen’s expertise has generated extensive collaborations with several of the largest diagnostics and biotechnology companies globally.

The Task

Regional growth via a crucial commercial hire – Apto-Gen had reached a point in their business cycle where they needed to make their first commercial hire, in order to increase sales (revenue) in the UK and Europe. An unsuccessful hire at this stage would have cost them time and money, and could have damaged the Apto-Gen brand at a point where they were focused most on growth.

The Process

An initial ‘client strategy call’ was set up to discuss Apto-Gen’s requirements.

We then worked closely with the Founders to build a comprehensive roadmap for managing and growing one of Apto-Gen’s most significant assets—their people. We put together a people strategy to support Apto-Gen’s business plan to drive the business forward.

Once the people strategy was in place, we got to work on the recruitment and resourcing plan, which included market mapping, devising a targeted search, candidate screening and organising client interviews, spanning eight weeks. Although the technical skill mix was straightforward, the challenge came with sourcing candidates with a solid molecular biology background and individuals with the mindset to operate within a startup environment.

We implemented our sourcing strategy, with each shortlisted candidate put through their paces before CV submission.

The Result

Following our methodology, ScaleX presented five high-calibre candidates to Apto-Gen for review.

The ScaleX team was on hand to provide support and recommendations throughout Apto-Gen’s interview process ensuring that the right candidate filled this critical position. Once they did, we continued to work with Apto-Gen through the onboarding process, supporting them with offers, acceptance and contracts.

The Feedback

“2021 is a pivotal year in our growth and ScaleX has proven to be an excellent resource. It is always a significant challenge to identify and hire high calibre candidates and I thank ScaleX for being direct, easy to work with, and delivering an ideal candidate as we expand our commercial team.”

Dan Corey, Commercial Director, Apto-Gen