TESSITURA combines scientific and commercial experience to transform research projects into operating biotechnology companies. Liddy McCall says establishing Tessitura to incubate start-up businesses has been her greatest business challenge. Ms McCall’s prior experience as an associate director of the corporate advisory group at Macquarie Bank has provided the skills to manage the complex aspects of corporate mergers and acquisitions domes-tically and in an international context. Tessitura has extended her skills further by requiring her to undertake similar tasks within the constraints of a start-up environment with limited financial and management resources. During the past 12 months, two research projects have progressed to spin-out companies that employ six full-time scientific researchers, sub-contract two scientific researchers and support more than six consultants. They have been awarded federal grants and have attracted significant international and interstate investment in addition to local funding. Ms McCall needed flexibility, adaptability and an ability to focus on the core essentials to launch the two companies, in conjunction with Tessitura’s consulting work and caring for a young family. During the year her activities have included technology assessment, strategic and business planning and evaluation, financial management, fundraising activities, legal documentation, general admini-stration and identifying and managing human resources. A barrister and solicitor, Ms McCall is adept at managing people and spends a significant amount of time developing personal connec-tions. She believes fostering success is all about having the right team with the right motivations.