Meet the Team
Jeff Searles
Chief Executive OfficerJeff Searles is an entrepreneur and operator with over two decades of experience building and scaling companies across biotech, fintech, and insurtech.
He has worked across product, partnerships, and go-to-market in complex, regulated environments, helping early-stage companies grow into scaled platforms.
He previously served as CEO of VARDA and COO of Aural Analytics, a biotech company focused on early detection of neurodegenerative disease.
Jeff leads company strategy, fundraising, and execution.
Dr. Noel Moya, PhD
Co-Founder & Chief Science OfficerDr. Noel Moya is a stem cell scientist focused on cellular reprogramming and pancreatic islet development.
His work centers on differentiating induced pluripotent
stem cells into functional insulin-producing cells.
He trained and conducted research at leading institutions including the Salk Institute, UC San Diego, and Scripps Research, and completed his PhD at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in collaboration with Helmholtz Zentrum München with Magna cum laude honors. His research has been published in journals including Cell, Stem Cell Reports, and The CRISPR Journal.
Following personal experiences that highlighted the gap between scientific discovery and patient impact, he co-founded delphistem to translate advanced biology into accessible therapies.
Noel leads scientific strategy, platform development, and translational execution.
Danae [Vassilopoulou] Moya, MBA
Co-Founder & Chief Operations OfficerDanae Moya brings global experience across strategy, operations, and growth. She began her career in international media and marketing, developing global strategy across London and Dubai.
She later earned her Executive MBA from London Business School, with additional work at Columbia Business School and IAE Business School. Her background includes leadership roles in luxury consumer businesses, with a focus on scaling operations and building high-performing teams.
After a personal connection to the impact of serious illness, she co-founded delphistem to help bring advanced medical innovation to broader patient populations.
Danae leads operations, partnerships, and go-to-market execution.
George J. Huntely- CEO, Diabetes Leadership Council
AdvisorGeorge is a founding member of the Diabetes Leadership Council (501c3) and currently serves as CEO of both the DLC and its affiliate, the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (501c4). He has been living with type 1 diabetes since 1983 and has 3 other family members also living with T1D. A passionate advocate for people with diabetes, George is a past National Chair of the Board of the American Diabetes Association and currently serves on the board of Children with Diabetes and the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.
A former CPA, George spent his business career as CFO of Theoris Group, Inc., United Pentek, Inc. and MicroProse Games, Inc. In his corporate roles, he was the plan administrator of self-insured, employer-based health plans for more than 25 years. He learned firsthand the impact of chronic disease management on his company’s bottom line and the importance of strategic health plan design decisions to manage cost, reduce overall risk and improve health outcomes. George is also a highly rated and frequent speaker on the topic of health plan design and drug pricing.
Ben Cherian
Board Member & AdvisorBen Cherian is a seasoned entrepreneur, angel investor, and advisor with three successful startup exits and investments in more than 40 companies. He brings extensive experience in venture growth, business strategy, and scaling early-stage companies, and has been a close supporter of delphistem since its early days.
Shefqet Avdullau
AdvisorShefqet Avdullau is an entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist with experience supporting early-stage companies through growth, fundraising, and strategic partnerships. He brings a strong network within the startup and investment ecosystem and advises delphistem on fundraising strategy and company growth initiatives.