About us
The Heart of SampleFacts
The heart of SampleFacts is our shared ambition, to make blood sampling simpler, more accessible, and cost-efficient. Based in Uppsala, Sweden, we are a team of academic researchers and business professionals united by a vision to bridge cutting-edge science with practical solutions. Our focus is on enabling the seamless collection of separate blood cells and plasma samples, paving the way for discoveries and innovations in research, clinical studies, and beyond.
Simple facts about SampleFacts
SampleFacts builds on the groundbreaking work of Professor Ulf Landegren and Dr. Johan Björkesten from Uppsala University. With decades of combined expertise, their research has inspired the creation of intuitive microsampling devices that break down the barriers often associated with traditional blood sample collection. The company’s vision is clear: to simplify the process for everyone—from scientists in research and pre-clinical studies to, ultimately, healthcare professionals.
Founded in 2023 and rooted in a city known for its rich academic heritage, we are driven to deliver tools that empower discovery and improve lives. As we grow, our mission remains unchanged: to transform how blood sampling is done, making it easier, faster, and more reliable for all.
“Separately collected dry cell- and plasma fractions of blood are perfectly suited for modern molecular analyses. The sampling method will also enable facile construction of extensive biobanks, with many consecutive samples from large numbers of donors. These types of longitudinal biobanks are a prerequisite for identifying early markers of disease, and to enable precision medicine in routine patient care.”
Prof. Ulf Landegren, Founder
Management
Maryam Poorafshar
Chief Executive Officer
Senior leader and executive with over 20 years of experience within life science industry.
Experience and previous assignments:
PhD in Immunology. Executive VP R&D (Biotage AB), Senior position in Medical affairs, Clinical affairs and Product marketing (Phadia AB, BRAHMA GmBH, Thermo Fisher). KOL management. More than 20 product launches.
Frida Ekholm
Vice President of R&D
Senior leader with over 20 years of experience in immunology and scientific innovation.
Experience and previous assignments: PhD and Associate Professor with a strong background in T cell research, Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics, and antibody development. Led groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research focused on therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. 12+ years at Thermo Fisher Scientific IDD, leading scientific advancements.
Kristina Svensson
Director of Operations
Senior leader in engineering and project management.
Experience and previous assignments: BSc in Chemical Engineering. 20+ years of experience in international medical and biotechnology companies. Strong background in operations and quality control with a focus on ensuring new products being manufacturable and ready for shipment. Previously worked at Thermo Fisher Scientific IDD, OssDsign and Olink Proteomics.
Board of Directors
Anna Beskow
Board Member
PhD and expert professional in bio-banking and building research infrastructures.
Experience and previous assignments:
Head of Uppsala Biobank initiated and built up the organization in Uppsala. Deputy director Biobank Sweden and adjunct lecturer at Uppsala University. Member of operative management team SCAPIS. Member of the Swedish Twin Registry board. Member council representative for Sweden in BBMRI-ERIC (appointed by the Swedish research council).
Ove Öhman
Board Member
Former senior research fellow at J&J and Pharmacia. Serial Entrepreneur with several successful ventures.
Experience and previous assignments:
Master of Science Linköping University, IMD Business school CEO. Vast experience as a board member in IVD and life science startups and co-founder of successful companies like Astrego Diagnostics, Ginolis and Åmic.
Jon-Sverre Schanche
Chairman of the Board
Former senior executive with over 35 years in the life science industry.
Experience and previous assignments:
PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Bergen. CTO at Biotage AB. Vice President of R&D at Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Immuno Diagnostic Division. CTO at Gyros Microsystems AB, Vice President of R&D at Dako A/S Denmark (now Agilent).
Gunilla Lundmark
Board Member
Senior executive with broad experience in life science, from both operational operations as well as strategic positions and various board assignments.
Experience and previous assignments:
CEO of Uppsala University Invest ABCEO of Pharmanest AB. Senior positions within Q-Med AB as well as within Pharmacia, both in Sweden and internationally. Board position in several companies within life science.
Ulf Landegren
Founder, Board Member
Ulf Landegren’s research has resulted in 10 companies, including ParaAllele, Olink Bioscience (renamed Navinci), Halo Genomics, Q-linea, Olink Proteomics, Rarity Bioscience and Readily Diagnostics.
Experience and previous assignments:
Professor of Molecular Medicine, Uppsala University. Invented 46 patents/applications. Member of EMBO and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Former senior visiting scientist at Riken, Yokohama, and a Fellow of the School of Engineering at Tokyo University.
Scientific Advisor
Ulf Gyllensten
Advisor
PhD and cofounder of two companies, Decipher Genetics AB and Quantovir AB. Holds patents for several molecular biology methods. His research interests include the molecular underpinnings of cervical cancer (including developing both genetic and proteomic screens). Over 250 publications in international, peer-reviewed journals.
Investors
