Co-Founder & CSO at Ventera Bio | Transforming Venom Peptides into Sustainable Biopesticides & Life-Saving Drug Discoveries
A Passion for the Hidden Code
Long before he was leading boardrooms or navigating the complexities of biopesticide patents, Steve Trim was a young student in Paignton, Devon, captivated by the invisible blueprints of life. The 1993 David Suzuki program, The Secret of Life, served as a “North Star,” illuminating the vast potential of the human genome. For Steve, science was never just a sequence of laboratory tasks; it was a narrative of discovery. This early fascination with how nature encodes its survival—whether through human genetics or the intricate chemistry of venom—has become the defining theme of a career dedicated to solving some of the world’s most stubborn biological puzzles.
Lessons in Leadership and Laboratory
Steve’s professional journey was built on a unique duality: the precision of high-level genetics and the soft skills of service. While his peers might have seen his volunteer work with St. John Ambulance as a simple extracurricular activity, Steve recognized it as his first true leadership laboratory. It was here, training as a non-commissioned officer and teaching first aid to cadets, that he learned a fundamental truth: “Understanding how people learn in different ways is essential; when you are leading, you must adjust your message to be effective.”
This human-centric approach was soon complemented by a rigorous technical baptism. During his sandwich year at the Sanger Centre, Steve found himself at the epicenter of the Human Genome Project. This wasn’t just work experience; it was a pivotal “step up the ladder” that bridged the gap between academic theory and industrial reality. By the time he joined Pfizer Global Research and Development in 1999 as a Research Associate, he wasn’t just a graduate—he was a scientist with “technical green fingers,” a reputation for meticulous detail that would follow him for decades.
The Entrepreneurial Pivot
The decade Steve spent at Pfizer was a masterclass in drug discovery, spanning pain, neuroscience, and complex gene expression. He became the “go-to” expert for qPCR and biological safety, a specialist who could extract high-quality RNA from the most challenging tissues. However, the true test of his resilience came in 2010. When site downsizing led to redundancy, Steve didn’t see a dead end; he saw a laboratory of his own making.
Armed with a diverse toolkit of biochemistry and pharmacology, he founded Venomtech Ltd. His vision was bold: to turn nature’s most misunderstood defense mechanisms—venoms—into a library of solutions for drug discovery and cosmetics. Yet, perhaps his most significant milestone during this era was an act of intellectual humility. Recognizing that his strengths lay in the laboratory rather than the commercial ledger, Steve eventually brought in a CEO to run the business side. This self-awareness allowed him to flourish as a scientific visionary, proving that true leadership often means knowing when to hand over the reins to ensure the mission succeeds. As noted by his colleagues, “Steve reacted positively to significant job-related changes by setting up his own company… no task is too complex or mundane for Steve, he will undertake both with equitable relish.”
Protecting the Planet’s Future
Today, Steve’s work has moved beyond the petri dish and into the global ecosystem. As the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Ventera Bio, he is spearheading the development of biodegradable peptide biopesticides. This is science with a conscience: creating solutions that ensure food security by controlling pests without harming essential pollinators or aquatic life.
His impact is reflected in over 30 publications and a legacy of mentorship. Whether he is chairing the Veterinary Invertebrate Society or leading the Automation in Agri-Tech group for SLAS, Steve remains committed to the idea that “always be open to learning new things” is the only way to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. His peers at Innovate UK describe his work as a “winning combination of scientific expertise, hard work, and passion,” noting that his dedication continues to expand the horizons of biotech.
A Legacy of Innovation
Steve Trim is currently focused on securing the investment necessary to scale Ventera Bio’s eco-friendly innovations. His philosophy for the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs is clear: seek out the “meandering” paths, volunteer, and never stop looking for the passion that makes the mundane parts of a job worthwhile.
As he looks toward the future, Steve isn’t just seeking to build a company; he is seeking to build a safer, more sustainable world. His journey from a curious student in Devon to a pioneer in venom-based biotechnology serves as a powerful reminder that when you combine scientific expertise with a willingness to learn from every mistake, you don’t just solve problems—you create a legacy.
Editorial Note
Steve Trim’s journey highlights a critical lesson for today’s executives: the most potent innovations often come from looking at the world’s “dangers”—like venoms—through a lens of curiosity rather than fear. His transition from big pharma specialist to biotech founder demonstrates that redundancy can be a catalyst for reinvention. We invite our readers to reflect on how they might turn their own specialized expertise into a mission-driven venture that serves both industry and the environment.
