A fairy tale in the world of biotechnology start-ups might read like this: Once upon a time, there was a young molecular biology PhD student in Cologne who, working with his friend, managed to find the solution to a difficult biological riddle which could help in the fight against disease. They founded a biotech company and sold their technology to laboratories all over the world. After 10 years the successful company became part of a larger biotech firm and the two entrepreneurs are—after a multi-million dollar deal - off to new adventures.
In retrospect the gist of the story is true, but when Rainer Christine and his friend Gregor Siebenkotten started the Cologne-based biotech firm Amaxa in 1998, the future was not predictable; in fact it was decidedly uncertain. Balanced against this concern was the strength of their vision, early recognition through the winning of a business ...
