Nathan Tops

Could you tell us a little about yourself, both personally and professionally, and how you have reached where you are today?

I was born and raised in Belgium, in a small town near Brussels, as the eldest of four brothers. Like many other children, I dreamt of becoming a professional footballer—a goal I pursued very seriously. However, at the age of 18, I let go of that dream and began my university studies in the booming biotechnology industry. During this time, I participated in an exchange programme in South Korea, which truly opened my eyes to the world’s possibilities. This inspired me to travel to six more Asian countries over the past four years.  

Professionally, I developed a strong interest in cancer research, which led me to specialise in cancer biology during my master’s degree. For my thesis, I conducted research on late-stage melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. Alongside this, I undertook several internships across the drug development cycle, spanning translational research, market access, and the commercialisation of new therapeutics. These experiences cultivated my passion for the intersection of biotechnology and finance. 

Any fun or quirky facts about yourself you’d like to share?

I’m a massive fan of DJ and producer Peggy Gou! I once flew to Madrid for just 36 hours to see her perform. My friends are a bit tired of me playing the same songs on repeat 😊.  

Could you tell us what led you to pursue the INSEAD Master in Management programme?

As I mentioned earlier, my academic journey has evolved from a broad interest in biotechnology to a clear goal of contributing to the biotech investment landscape, with a focus on early- and mid-stage biotech start-ups. However, coming from a scientific background, I lacked financial and managerial education, both of which are crucial in biotech investing.  

Additionally, the biotech investment field is highly connection-driven. My primary motivation for choosing the MIM at INSEAD was its exceptional academics and the vast alumni network it offers. On a personal level, I also wanted to bridge the gap between Western and Asian biotech/healthcare ecosystems. Emerging markets such as Singapore, Japan, and Korea are often overlooked in Europe and the US, despite offering incredible opportunities. Conversely, Asian markets sometimes lack the trust and resources to bring their products to Western markets.  

I aspired to be the person connecting these ecosystems, and INSEAD provided the ideal platform for that.

Its unique opportunity to study in both Europe and Asia is invaluable for my personal and professional growth, enabling me to build an international network and understand the dynamics of these diverse markets—critical to achieving my aspirations.  

And why did you choose INSEAD? Were there any other business schools you considered?

Given my specific goals for the Master in Management programme, INSEAD was the only real contender. Some friends thought it was risky not to have other business schools as backup options, but my desired outcomes made the decision straightforward. I explored other renowned programmes, but none came close to INSEAD’s internationally oriented curriculum. This was validated by the recent Financial Times ranking, which placed the INSEAD MIM in the third rank worldwide!  

How has your experience on the programme been so far? Could you describe your interactions with professors, classmates, and life on the Fontainebleau campus?

It has been 1.5 months since I arrived in Fontainebleau. It might sound odd, but it feels both like I’ve been here only a few days and as if I’ve been here for over a year. There’s so much to do and explore that you lose track of time.  

Thanks to Launch Weeks and the close collaboration with my classmates, we’ve formed strong bonds very quickly. Whether it’s playing sports, working on group projects, studying together, or partying, everyone is eager to make new friends and connections. This made it easy for me to integrate into this charming little town.  

During my time here, I haven’t left Fontainebleau because both the campus and the town provide everything we need. Our sections are relatively small, with about 100 students each, so interactions with professors are very personal. They know most of us by name and adopt an interactive teaching style. While they expect us to prepare thoroughly for assignments, classes, and exams, they push us to give our best and are approachable whenever we need help.  

What does a typical day currently look like for you? 

At the moment, we are a week away from our P1 exams, so my classmates and I are balancing classes, group work, studying, job searches, sports, and socialising.  

A typical Friday starts with me waking up at 7:30am, having a quick breakfast, and heading to campus by 8:30am for my first class (always on time, in true Swiss train fashion). Classes run back-to-back in Financial Accounting, Data Analysis, and Marketing until 1:30pm.  

My favourite part of the day is lunch in the canteen! I usually have soup and whatever is on offer at the Asian corner—it’s delicious and reasonably priced. After lunch, I grab a coffee at Freddy’s and relax for a while before diving into assignments with my home group.  

Depending on how the day goes, I sometimes go for a run to clear my mind 😊 (though it’s mainly to balance out the beers I’ll have later!). In the evening, I spend time job hunting and preparing for interviews. By 8pm, many of us MIMs gather at L’Éphémère or Swing Bar to celebrate the week with drinks, chats, and sometimes a bit of dancing 😊.

Before you know it, you’ll be heading to Singapore. Is this something you’re looking forward to? 

As I mentioned earlier: absolutely! Both professionally and personally, I am counting down the days until I step off the plane at Changi Airport and feel the heat on my face. I’m excited to immerse myself in the Southeast Asian business landscape and engage with local biotech entrepreneurs, gaining insights I couldn’t acquire in Europe. 

Aside from your academic pursuits, what extracurricular activities are you involved in at INSEAD, and how do they enhance your MIM experience? 

I am currently involved in organising the Global Empowerment Fund Gala. This event raises money and awareness for social issues worldwide. It will take place towards the end of our time in Fontainebleau, so in addition to supporting a good cause, we aim to give our fellow MIMs a memorable farewell. More details will follow soon—stay tuned 😊.  

I also join weekly football practice and am looking forward to an upcoming tournament where we’ll compete against previous MIM classes! 

For any student interested in applying to INSEAD, please feel free to message me on LinkedIn—I’d be happy to chat about life at INSEAD and assist with the application process!