BioVenture VoiCes with Chris Garabedian Episode 31: Polaris Partners' Amy Schulman
Dec 29, 2025
Amy Schulman, managing partner at Polaris Partners and former Pfizer exec, brings law and corporate leadership to venture. She talks about translating science into commercial success. She recounts moving from litigation to running businesses. She explores how funding cycles and platform vs indication choices shape biotech strategy.
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In-House Role At Pfizer Transformed Her
- Moving in-house at Pfizer was a major career gift where she loved being general counsel and building a strong team.
- She found corporate hierarchy and being an employee required learning new leadership skills.
Decentralize To Empower Global Teams
- As nutrition business head she centralized less and empowered country teams in China, the Philippines and Middle East.
- That decentralized approach helped the business thrive and led to a lucrative divestiture.
Bob Langer Opened The Door To Polaris
- Bob Langer introduced Schulman to Polaris after Denny Osiello suggested they meet.
- She valued Polaris's lockstep partnership and team-focused culture when joining.