InFocus Therapeutics, co-founded by Emily Fang and Kyle Giesler, is revolutionizing RNA drug discovery with a platform that offers unmatched scale and throughput. Drawing from their multicultural backgrounds, they have assembled an international founding team that promotes creativity, adaptability, and a comprehensive understanding of global biotech needs. “There’s so much that an international background brings to problem-solving,” Emily notes, having led initiatives in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. She adds that this global perspective enables InFocus to navigate diverse regulatory environments and healthcare systems, allowing the company to provide state-of-the-art solutions across various markets.
However, managing an international team also presents unique challenges that require strong communication and trust. Emily and Kyle attribute the success of their co-founder relationship to their ability to navigate these complexities. “We’ve watched other founders in similar positions break down, not because of any work stressors, but because they couldn’t keep a solid personal relationship,” Kyle explains. He adds that their own commitment to maintaining a healthy partnership helps them avoid common pitfalls and keeps their leadership strong.
Global expansion also calls for flexibility in both fundraising and marketing to align with regional investor priorities. “When we’re pitching in Boston, the conversation gets right to the point: Why are your molecules, your programs, different? What are the metrics behind this?” Kyle states. In Silicon Valley, he adds, investors are eager to understand how quickly a company can scale and what distinguishes it from competitors, but they also show a keen interest in the larger vision of a product’s potential to disrupt a market. Additional nuanced differences in investor expectations apply in Europe and Asia. Emily and Kyle find that the key to successful pitches lies in framing their narrative to emphasize the long-term health implications and ethical considerations of their products on a regional basis. This approach has proven effective for securing funding and forming strategic partnerships in various markets.
Emily and Kyle also stress that their mission with InFocus is guided by their commitment to building a dynamic and inclusive company culture. “The people side of things is sometimes undervalued in our culture,” Kyle observes, recognizing that emotional well-being is often overlooked yet plays a critical role in the motivation and creativity of team members. Emily compares this dynamic to any relationship. “It takes constant work and understanding,” she notes. By fostering empathy and support within their workforce, they create an environment where employees feel valued and engaged, which equips them to navigate setbacks effectively.
With a global outlook and a culture of care, Emily and Kyle are positioning InFocus Therapeutics to make a significant impact in the biotech field. As they continue to expand, the multicultural lessons they have learned will guide their strategies, driving innovative solutions that are globally relevant.
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