How CellTrio Is Using Robotics to Transform Drug Discovery

What happens when robotics meets life science? Charlie Duncheon, Founder & CEO of CellTrio, has built a company using robotic automation to help pharmaceutical and life science companies automate cell culturing and biobanking. CellTrio has raised $18 million and is expanding internationally after building strong demand in the US without a traditional sales team. In this episode, Charlie shares how he acquired and commercialised robotics technology from Korea, why CellTrio is expanding into Asia and Europe, and what it takes to scale a highly specialised B2B technology company. Andrew Lee Miller also breaks down the marketing strategy CellTrio can use to build a consistent pipeline, strengthen its authority in the life sciences market, and become easier for both customers and AI search tools to discover. In this episode, we dive into: Building CellTrio: How Charlie turned robotics technology developed in Korea into a US-focused life science automation company. Automating Cell Culture: How CellTrio's RoboCell system automates the production of human, animal, and plant cells while reducing human error and contamination. Automated Biobanking: How robots safely store and retrieve biological samples from cryogenic freezers operating at around -195°C. Raising $18 Million: Why CellTrio raised capital after establishing strong US demand and how the company is using the funding to expand internationally. Going Global: How CellTrio is expanding through CellTrio Asia, European orders, new sales hires, and increased manufacturing capacity. Marketing to a Highly Focused B2B Market: Why companies with a small number of highly valuable customers still need consistent marketing, content, PR, and social media. Building a Marketing Playbook: Andrew explains why CellTrio should test what works in one market and turn those lessons into a repeatable playbook for international expansion. PR, Case Studies & Testimonials: How customer results, industry publications, joint press releases, and testimonials can build credibility in a specialised industry. AI & the "Second Brain": How founders can use AI to analyse company knowledge, customer conversations, competitors, and industry news to uncover new opportunities. Why Human Expertise Still Matters: Andrew explains why companies using AI need subject matter experts with knowledge that goes beyond what AI can find publicly. Creating Consistent Pipeline: Why good marketing should help smooth out the "feast or famine" cycle that many B2B companies experience. If you're interested in robotics, AI, life sciences, drug discovery, B2B growth, or startup marketing, this episode is packed with practical insights. Featured Guest: Charlie Duncheon Charlie Duncheon is the Founder & CEO of CellTrio, a robotic automation company focused on cell culturing and biobanking for the life sciences and drug discovery markets. Charlie is a serial entrepreneur with multiple exits in the robotics industry and has spent decades building businesses around automation and emerging technology. 🔗 Connect with Charlie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-duncheon-3ba327/ 🌐 CellTrio: https://celltrio.com About the Show Funded, Now What?! is the world's leading podcast for startup founders and growth leaders. Hosted by Andrew Lee Miller (@AndrewStartups), the show analyzes how startups grow after raising capital and provides the tactical marketing playbook founders can use to turn funding into growth. 📅 Book a Growth Audit: https://www.growthexpertz.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growthexpertz 🔗 Connect With Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewstartups 📖 Read The Startup Growth Book: https://cutt.ly/Ftb3156K 📩 Want to work with us? justin@growthexpertz.com