On Corporate-Startup Collaboration: Mark Bini of Express Scripts
It’s no secret that St. Louis’ size allows for unique collaborations. Startups are able to gain access to corporate leadership and big businesses can feed off of the growing energy in the innovation space. We asked leaders in the startup space, corporate space and community to speak on what each sector can learn from one another and about what’s happening right now in our region.
Mark Bini is vice president of new solutions for Express Scripts.
What are some things that startups need support on that larger enterprises can provide? What are challenges that larger enterprises have that startups can help solve?
Startups benefit from our industry reach: 1 in 3 Americans. We work with startups to create unique solutions addressing key pain points for clients and members.
What are three ways corporate-startup collaborations benefit the region?
Collaborations bring light to gifted entrepreneurs who may not otherwise have opportunities. This further positions St. Louis as a hotspot for tech startups and attracts talent.
How has your organization or company created or facilitated corporate-startup partnerships?
We support startups with mentoring and funding. Last year, we committed $25 million to Lewis & Clark Ventures Fund for healthcare innovation.
What’s one challenge in creating these partnerships?
We recently sponsored an event at Venture Café that included startup pitches, panel discussions, virtual tours of our innovation lab and networking.
In the future, what are some levels of engagement you’d like to see happen at your organization, in terms of startup-corporate relationships?
With the Lewis & Clark Ventures Fund, we’ll likely focus investments in healthcare IT and solutions that can increase prescription drug adherence and improve public health.
Read more about how Express Scripts drives innovation.