Board Director and CFO of Heartseed Inc.
Mutsuki Takano, a distinguished financial strategist, currently serves as the Board Director and Chief Financial Officer of Heartseed Inc., a pioneering biotechnology company at the forefront of regenerative medicine for heart disease. With a career spanning over two decades, Takano has played a pivotal role in corporate finance, risk management, and venture capital, driving innovation and business growth in the healthcare sector.
A Career Defined by Financial Expertise and Strategic Leadership
Takano began his professional journey at Mitsui & Co., Ltd. in 2004, where he gained extensive experience in risk management and international trade. His tenure at Mitsui laid a solid foundation for his transition into the venture capital sector, where he worked with cutting-edge biotechnology firms.
In July 2018, he took on a new challenge as Japan Branch General Manager at Promethera Biosciences SA (now Cellaion). As Group CFO, he played a key role in raising approximately EUR 50 million, demonstrating his expertise in navigating complex financial landscapes and securing vital funding for biotechnology advancements.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Takano joined a gene analysis company, contributing to the establishment of an efficient logistics system for PCR testing services across Japan. His leadership helped sustain economic activities by ensuring swift and accurate testing while supporting public health initiatives.
Leading Heartseed’s Financial Strategy and Global Growth
Takano’s journey with Heartseed Inc. began in August 2020, when he assumed the role of CFO and Board Director. His financial acumen has been instrumental in strengthening the company’s financial framework, leading to the establishment of the Strategic Finance and Investor Relations Department. He also played a key role in risk management during negotiations with Novo Nordisk, ensuring a robust business partnership.
Under his leadership, Heartseed secured JPY 6 billion in funding and successfully negotiated a transformative global licensing agreement with Novo Nordisk. This collaboration is expected to drive groundbreaking advancements in heart failure treatment, positioning Heartseed as a leader in the global biotechnology space.
A Personal Connection to Medical Innovation
Takano’s passion for medical advancements stems from personal experiences. Growing up, he witnessed his mother manage severe asthma while maintaining a successful career in software engineering. Her resilience, coupled with access to effective medication, reinforced his belief in the power of medical innovation to transform lives.
His exposure to biotechnology companies during his time in venture capital further fueled his commitment to advancing life-changing treatments. Joining Heartseed marked a defining moment in his career, as he became deeply inspired by the company’s groundbreaking work in regenerative medicine.
Advancing Regenerative Medicine for Heart Disease
Heartseed is committed to revolutionizing heart failure treatment through regenerative medicine. The company focuses on the transplantation of ventricular-specific cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Unlike conventional treatments, Heartseed’s approach aims for long-term cell engraftment, necessitating rigorous safety protocols and advanced manufacturing processes.
The company has achieved an unprecedented 99+% purity in cardiomyocyte production through its innovative metabolic selection process, ensuring safety and efficacy at scale. With ongoing clinical trials demonstrating promising results, Heartseed’s remuscularization therapy is poised to become a game-changing solution for patients with severe heart failure.
Driving Financial Strategy in Biotech
Takano emphasizes the crucial role of financial strategy in advancing medical innovation. “Success in financing directly impacts clinical trials and R&D efforts,” he explains. “In times of financial constraints, prioritizing key pipelines is essential.”
His leadership has been instrumental in securing vital funding for Heartseed’s development programs. In addition to overseeing equity financing rounds totaling JPY 6 billion, he played a key role in the company’s global licensing deal with Novo Nordisk, a major step toward bringing Heartseed’s therapy to patients worldwide.
Building Trust and Collaboration
Beyond financial expertise, Takano values trust and collaboration as essential components of success in the biotech industry. He recalls a lesson from his time at Mitsui & Co.: “Building trust requires three key principles—Responsiveness, Speed, and Commitment.” By adhering to these values, he has cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders, investors, and industry partners.
A Vision for the Future
With the recent release of one-year initial data from the LAPiS study for advanced heart failure patients, Heartseed is making significant strides toward bringing its therapy to market. “We are excited about the future progress of our clinical trials,” says Takano. “Our goal is to offer a transformative treatment for heart failure patients worldwide.”
Takano remains dedicated to bridging the gap between finance and medical innovation, ensuring that Heartseed’s groundbreaking research reaches those in need. His journey—from venture capital to leading financial strategy in biotech—reflects his unwavering commitment to driving progress in regenerative medicine.