Then and Now: 120 Bioeconomy Pioneers look at yesterday, today, inspirations and challenges

Bill Baum

Then: I was EVP, of Diversa Industrial Enzymes, San Diego. Diversa raised over $200M in 2000, so had mucho cash.  We had JV’s with Syngenta and Dow Chemical totaling another $200M.

Now: I  am still in San Diego doing consulting and a board member with Gevo,  Leaf Resources , ZeaChem and another company to be announced July 15. I served on Genomatica board 11 years and headed BD signing deals with BASF, Novamont, Versalis and Braskem.  I have consulted for 12 different industrial biotechnology companies.

Inspirations: The challenges are never ending; the accomplishments and  compensation have been rewarding.  There are unlimited growth opportunities.

Challenges:  There are no consistently profitable growth companies. We badly need successes and long term profitable growth companies.