Ever wonder how many business ideas and new partnerships could trace their genesis back to TIGR’s annual genomics conference? When a lightbulb went on this year, the originators of a bright idea wasted no time. The four founders of DysFunctional Genomics (see photo) pulled together a senior management team and launched a public relations campaign before they left Miami.
Chief Operating Officer
Doug Bigwood
(nee: Bioinformatics Director, Bayer)
Says strategy is to conduct expression profiling to determine differential between functional and dysfunctional humans. Gambling that “underlying molecular basis of dysfunctionality will provide clues about genome-industry behavior.”
Corporate Communications Director Steve Lincoln
(nee: VP.Bioinformatics R&D, Incyte Genomics)
Says he’s cutting and pasting from business plans of “existing dysfunctional genomics companies and using a lot of 50-cent words.”
Marketing Director, Roger Wiegand
(nee: VP Technology Acquisition, Cereon Genomics)
Admits business plan is “still a bit sketchy.” Can’t recall marketing strategy — “you’ve caught me a bit flatfooted.” Estimates need for $100 million in startup capital. Says venture “absolutely” aspires to go public.
Chief Scientific Officer, Dave Schubring
(nee: Sr. Systems Administrator, Incyte Genomics)
Not available for comment. COO Bigwood says, “Dave has no idea what we’re talking about. He’s really the computer guy.”
Operations Director, Chris Marcazzo
(nee: Product Marketing Director, Lion Bioscience)
Will oversee Falkland Islands and Cuzco, Peru facilities. According to business plan: “Sheep are useful model organism for studies of genomic-industry investor behavior.”
Chairman, Todd Smith
(nee: President, Geospiza)
Explains choice to finance startup with his credit card: “I don’t know these people. I was recruited by the communications guy. But they’re a top-notch team with a proven track record.” Will measure company’s success by quality of freebies it distributes at GSAC 2001.