About us
Why Fulgurite AB
A fulgurite [fuhl-gyuh-rahyt] is a rare, glassy structure formed when a lightning bolt carrying temperatures that can exceed 30,000 Kelvin strikes silica-rich sand, soil, or rock. The intense heat melts and fuses quartz grains (SiO₂) and other mineral impurities into elongated, hollow tubes of natural glass. These structures often retain the branching shape of the lightning path itself, capturing in solid form the exact route of the electrical discharge.
The process requires three key ingredients:
Silica Content – High purity quartz sand provides the silicon dioxide matrix needed for vitrification.
Moisture & Mineral Impurities – Trace minerals and water in the substrate can influence color, opacity, and structural integrity.
Instantaneous Cooling – The molten glass solidifies within milliseconds, preserving a snapshot of the event.
For Fulgurite AB, this is more than a geological phenomenon, it’s a perspective. Like lightning striking the ground, scientific innovation is sudden, intense, and transformative. The raw “sand” of early-stage drug discovery is shaped by focused energy, rapid execution, and precise control, resulting in something distinctive, stable, and valuable. At Fulgurite AB, we aim to capture that transformative moment, supporting your opportunity with diligence and expertise,, turning breakthrough science into lasting therapeutic impact.
Who is Fulgurite AB
William C. Stafford
Founder & Consultant
William C. Stafford is a scientist and biotech strategist with over a decade of experience in early drug development. He has led drug discovery programs, developmental and translational strategies, and licensing efforts across the U.S. and Europe.
At UC Berkeley, William started his scientific career in the laboratory of Nobel Laureate Randy Schekman. He entered the biotech field with Olema Oncology, helping drive early discovery and development efforts. After a move to Sweden from the U.S., he lead the small molecule oncology program at Oblique Therapeutics, and also served as Translational Director at Oxcia AB. In 2021 he founded Fulgurite AB to provide consultancy services for multiple companies across the US and Europe.
William holds a Ph.D. in Medical Biochemistry & Biophysics from the Karolinska Institutet and a B.A. in Molecular & Cellular Biology with an emphasis in Neurobiology from UC Berkeley. He is an inventor on several patents, author of peer-reviewed publications, and is ICH-GCP certified. A California native, William has lived in Europe for many years and holds both United States and Swedish citizenship. He enjoys playing music, riding motorcycles, and traveling.
