By Kristy Dorsey

Dunedin Solutions has appointed two new executive directors as the Edinburgh-based firm seeks to accelerate the commercial success of start-ups in the biotechnology sector.

US-based Pirooz Parvarandeh joins in the newly-created full-time role of chief technology officer, while Charles Swainson takes on the role of chief medical officer. They join Dunedin founder and chief executive Mo Hakimi.

Mr Parvarandeh is based in Silicon Valley and will spearhead efforts to bolster international links between young Scottish life sciences firms and potential partners in that country. Mr Swainson has extensive connections to the market in China, another major player in the biotechnology industry.

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Originally established in 2008, Dunedin Solutions has an “expert panel” of more than a dozen leaders in the fields of innovation, science, IT, finance and communications. Together, they advise firms on a range of commercial and corporate issues as they seek to break into the wider health care market.

Dunedin also provides direct seed funding, and works with a wider network of angel investors such as the Equity Gap syndicate.

“The added expertise that Charles and Pirooz bring to Dunedin will provide significant value for our clients, partners and network of investors,” Mr Hakimi said. “Together, our ability to identify the best journey for our clients’ unique innovations and goals will bring our clients to market more quickly and successfully, without missing a step.”

Mr Parvarandeh has almost 40 years of experience in advisory and consulting roles across the biotech, semiconductor, machine learning and software sectors. He is currently chief operating officer of Taygo, a US-based broker and lender locator engine, and prior to that held the same role with transceiver manufacturer Aquantia.

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He said he was honoured to be joining Dunedin, which is currently working with start-ups in Glasgow and Dundee.

“Dunedin is well-positioned to tap into the intellect and ideas in the biotech sector that originate from Scottish and US universities,” Mr Parvarandeh said. “Furthermore, I look forward to introducing US biotech start-up opportunities into the Scottish healthcare sector.”

Trained as a kidney specialist in the UK, Professor Swainson has 30 years of experience in the field of renal medicine. He’s also served as a clinical leader, medical director and board member in areas such as planning, patient safety and research and development, and is an advisory to the Scottish Government on health policies.

“I have worked with Mo and Pirooz over the past four years and continue to be impressed by their depth of knowledge,” Mr Swainson said.