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
Alexandra Gylfe
Board Member
Managing Partner and Co-founder at Nordic Science Investments. Biotech executive with global R&D and business development experience.
Experience and previous assignments:
PhD in Cancer Genetics, University of Helsinki. MBA, Aalto University Executive Education. Over a decade of experience in academia and biotech startups. Led the Cancer Genomics Team at Human Longevity Inc., a US-based biotech company. Former Business Development Director at iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine and Helsinki Innovation Services. Deep expertise in biobanking and building national research infrastructures. Board member in several early-stage life science companies.
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.
Gunilla Lundmark
Chairman of the Board
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.
Magnus Eriksson
Board Member
Deeptech investor and board member of deeptech companies including several medtech startups. Entrepreneur with two profitable exits.
Experience and previous assignments:
B.Sc. Physics, Lund University and University of Sussex. M.Sc. Physics Major Lund University. International Business Development, VMI. Stockholm School of Economics.
Established operations in Finland, Russia and India. Pioneer in VR and Home automation. Head of nuclear reactor physics at Vattenfall AB. Technical Attaché, San Francisco/Silicon Valley. Former chairman of Gartner Denmark AS, Board member of Gartner Sverige AB and Gartner Norway AS. Gartner Consulting Group Vice President and Head of Sweden, Head of Scandinavia, Head of Germany, Head of EMEA.
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
