Swiss Biotech Day Recognizes Selexis' Pioneering Role

What does this award mean for you?

It means the Swiss biotech industry also encourages companies and initiatives that were built on models other than venture capital. This is very important to me. Innovation is essential for the biotech industry, so as long as you innovate and protect your ideas with patents, you can create value and a return on your investment. This prize is an encouragement for all the entrepreneurs who have decided to build their startups around a scientific platform, rather than a single product.

 

Is this an example for future Venture Kickers?

No, this shouldn't be a strict role model for Venture Kickers. It should simply encourage them to believe in themselves and the platform they want to build. Again, in the biotech industry it is all about innovations and innovators.

 

You are also on Venture Kick's Strategy Board, the philanthropic initiative that's been nominated for 2020 for its lasting impact as a catalyst for biotech entrepreneurs. How do you read this?
Switzerland recognizes new ideas, new ventures and independent initiatives. Worldwide, Venture Kick is one of the most successful independent initiatives at encouraging startups and stimulating the minds of future entrepreneurs. I'm honored, proud and pleased to serve on the board.

 

What is your vision for building great startups in Switzerland?

My vision is simple: believe in your idea, convince people of your idea and then travel to customers to win sales for your startup. Ultimately – even in biotech – it isn't about one single product, it's about applying innovation to bring more drugs to clinical trials and to market. This can be helped by structuring deals very early on.

 

What advice do you give to entrepreneurs?

Believe in yourself, in your ideas and in your capacity to convince other scientists to test your ideas. Every entrepreneur should think about business development and sales.