Alumni

Paul Chipperton

Career Path: CEO & President, Mperia Therapeutics Inc.
Location: Toronto, Canada

The Chemistry degree provided a baseline in a core science of a major global industry. My industrial placement in third year at Roche (courtesy of Northumbria) confirmed I could do the science, but was not actually excited about it. Friends said go into Sales & Marketing and then I met a Quebecoise who said Canada was a meritocracy and I'd do well there so we emigrated to Montreal. I joined a four person start-up in producing peptides for the pharma industry to find new drugs. I was immediately responsible for all Sales & Marketing, and I grew revenues from c.$4000/quarter, to c.40,000/month in 4-months. We sold to a US company for $12M in 18-months, and I was hooked on 'the business of science'.

More recently I co-founded and was CEO of a company called Profound Medical, which is a new way of treating the horrible disease that is Prostate Cancer. We won a several awards under my tutelage, I raised more than $16million in venture capital financing, and eventually that company went public. Most recently I have been involved in closing the gap between the languages of business and science, lecturing Masters courses at three Universities in Canada, and one in Europe in Vienna. My experience has been recognised by companies with appointments as Chairman of the Board at two tech start-up companies, and I have also joined the Board of Angels' Investors in Ontario (AIO).

What are you doing now?

I am currently CEO & President of Mperia Therapeutics Inc as well as working as an MBA Lecturer and MEI Lecturer at the Queen's University Masters Queens University. I also currently sit on the Ryerson University Board of Directors, Angel Investors Ontario Board of Directors, SWFTCharge Inc. Board of Directors and Intronix Inc. Board of Directors.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Its ridiculous to be honest - I loved the TV show Auf Weidersehen Pet and of those stereotypes the Geordies were far and away the most likeable, so that was a factor.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

A hardcore science course is just that...hardcore. There are definitive right and wrong answers, there are empirically proven better and worse ways to do things. So lots of lecture time and lots of labs. Its demanding, but anything remotely successful in life or sports pursuits requires structure, schedule, practice and focus - all good life skills.

How connected was your course with industry?

It was very connected , the placement at Roche for the third year was brilliant in letting me know what I was good at, but did not like to do.

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?

Real world experience confirms greater employ ability. Unquestionably.

What was the best thing about your course?

Well I liked Organic Chemistry most, it seemed the most creative of the core components.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

It provided and fostered self-confidence.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Honestly, the mention of the degree confers a level of comprehension that I may not have after 25-years, but its a calling card of credibility.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

All my social circles, almost all of which were not Chemists.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Studying at Northumbria is the perfect balance of work and social life, in one of the cheapest yet somehow best cities in the UK. Summer in the Northumbrian countryside is amazing!