Instructions
Genentech is a rare success story in the biotechnology industry. Hundreds of billions of dollars of venture capital have been invested without the expected transformational effects. Established in 1976, Genentech was to develop the new science of recombinant DNA into viable therapeutic products with mass market appeal, something that most scientists agreed was at least a decade away. The founders, Herbert Boyer and Robert Swanson had limited financial resources, so they turned to Tom Perkins, the co-founder of Kleiner-Perkins, for venture funding. Genentech developed through an effective union between scientific and venture investment mindsets. In 1980 an IPO valued Genentech at $300 million. In 2009 it was fully acquired by the Swiss-based healthcare company, Roche, for $47 billion. Roche had held a majority stake in the company since 1990.
Prompt: To begin, read the case study: Kleiner-Perkins and Genentech (2012) When Venture Capital Met Science.
Once you have reviewed the case study and researched the main points, write a paper that addresses the following:
• Summarize the scenario in which you identify the key points, the stakeholders, setting, and situation.
• Discuss the specific issue and secondary issues, and explain how they relate. Explain your reasoning and support your analysis with research from journal articles.
• Describe a solution to address the issues, explaining who should be involved in the solution, and identifying strengths and weaknesses of the solution. Be sure to analyze your own assumptions, and others’ assumptions, when considering the strengths and weaknesses of the solution.

Home

• Describe at least two alternative solutions to the issues, and analyze their pros and cons. Consider why the solutions would or would not be effective, and the assumptions that are made in reference to the solutions.
• Explain how to evaluate the effectiveness of the main proposed solution, once implemented, and discuss the implications of the solution