In Conversation with Nicolas Krink, CEO - BioHalo | Interviews with Biofounders
Featured BioFounder: Nicolas Krink
Interview By: Meghiya Michelle (iGEM Startups) & Hassnain Qasim Bokhari (iGEM Community)
Entrepreneurship is a journey of navigating opportunities and challenges, learning from mistakes and building on experiences.
As with every community, we grow and build better, when we learn from each other. We’re launching this interview series to delve into the firsthand stories of iGEMers venturing into entrepreneurship, and how they transitioned into the roles becoming BioFounders.
Meet Nicolas Krink, the CEO and co-founder of BioHalo. Nicolas wears multiple hats in the realm of synthetic biology and innovation. Apart from leading BioHalo, he serves as an Advisory Board Member for the German Association for Synthetic Biology (GASB). His strategic insights and analytical prowess extend to his role as a Senior Business and Research Analyst at SPRIND. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Nicolas dedicates his time and expertise to the iGEM Competition as an iGEM Judge.
In this interview, Nicolas reveals invaluable insights, hard-earned lessons and transformative experiences that have shaped his bioentrepreneurship journey.
Can you share a bit of your experience in iGEM?
iGEM was undoubtedly my gateway into the Synthetic Biology ecosystem. Embarking on a SynBio research project was both a challenging and immensely rewarding experience. Winning the undergraduate grand prize in 2013 with the Paris Bettencourt team marked a pivotal moment in my life. iGEM opened numerous doors for me, such as conducting my master's thesis in Jay Keasling's lab, and it cemented my resolve that this was the research area and community I wanted to be deeply involved in.
Nicolas Krink with his 2013 Paris Bettencourt iGEM team
Continuing my iGEM journey as an advisor and later as an instructor taught me the true essence of leadership, teaching, and teamwork. Giving back to the community as a judge for several years now is my way of expressing gratitude to an engaging and dynamic community. As a judge, my aim is to guide and motivate teams rather than merely assess them. iGEM inspired my colleagues and me to establish the German Association for Synthetic Biology (GASB), the national SynBio organization in the EU, which is now run by the third generation and boasts nearly 300 members. I still serve on the advisory board, further shaping my leadership style.
All these experiences are now part of BioHalo's DNA and our core values. Curiosity, transparency, and a zeal for learning drive BioHalo just as much as they do every iGEM team I've interacted with.
What inspired you to transition from academia to founding BioHalo? How did the idea for BioHalo come about?
At the inception of BioHalo, my journey was twofold: deeply entrenched in academia while simultaneously navigating the venture capital world with BlueYard. Being at the crossroads, observing the hustle and heart of various startups, was nothing short of inspiring. In the lab, our results were promising, yet the academic pursuit often blinded us with the quest for groundbreaking discoveries, overshadowing the real essence of innovation.
It's not merely the invention itself that transforms the world, but its application—when it steps out of the lab and into the marketplace—that truly makes an impact.
During this period, we identified a growing demand for alternatives to PFAS, a notorious class of pollutants. Upon evaluating our work, we realized we possessed a solution. It wasn't perfect, but it was a viable starting point, desperately needed in the market and ripe for further development. This realization was pivotal; it highlighted the limitations of an academic setting for certain types of work. Our project required a different kind of soil to flourish—one that could nurture the seeds of innovation in a way academia simply couldn't. With the help of ValleyDAO, which gave us an initial kick-off, we could start our journey! This understanding marked the beginning of a new chapter for us, steering BioHalo towards a mission where innovation meets real-world application, aiming to fill a critical gap in environmental safety.
Starting a company comes with its set of challenges. What were some of the initial hurdles you faced when establishing BioHalo, and how did you overcome them?
This journey came with its myriad of challenges, each new day presenting something unfamiliar and daunting. We likened our experience to building a plane in mid-flight—embracing the complexity because of the challenge, not the ease. The cornerstone of any venture, we found, was assembling a team. Collaborating with individuals who not only shared a similar drive but also brought diverse strengths to the table was instrumental in navigating through tough times.
We faced particular hurdles with Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and had to recalibrate some of our research tasks. Adopting the principles of lean agile project management proved beneficial, highlighting a significant advantage of startups: the ability to swiftly pivot in response to fresh insights. Are all challenges resolved? Far from it. Each day brings new obstacles, requiring constant adaptation and perseverance. Not all solutions are flawless, but the early months of our startup journey taught us the value of finding workable solutions that, while not perfect, are sufficiently effective. This acceptance and adaptability have been crucial lessons, shaping our approach as we forge ahead.
Navigating the world of investors can be complex. Where did you meet your early investors, and could you share insights into that experience?
Currently, our lifeline comes from the BioInnovation Institute, providing us with not just funds but also credibility in the biotech ecosystem. We are engaging with various investors, some of whom have sought us out, thanks to our expansive network and our active participation in numerous events. I strongly believe that venture capitalists (VCs) can—and should—be more than just financial backers for startups; they can be invaluable partners, propelling startups faster towards market success.
The relationship with a VC isn't just transactional; it's a partnership that, when nurtured from an early stage, can offer much more than capital.
co-founders of BioHalo: Nico and Mariela Mezzina
It can provide mentorship, access to a wider network, and strategic guidance, which are crucial for a startup's journey. This is why I always advocate for starting conversations with VCs early on. Building these relationships is about laying a foundation for future collaboration, where VCs are not just investors but allies in the startup's mission. It's a strategy that not only positions the startup for better funding opportunities but also aligns it with partners who can help navigate the complexities of bringing innovations to market.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for BioHalo in the next 5-10 years? Are there specific milestones or goals that you aim to achieve, both in terms of technological advancements and market impact?
At BioHalo, we're on a mission to revolutionize the traditional, harmful halogen chemistry industry, transitioning it into a sustainable, circular BioHaloChemistry paradigm. Our journey begins with fluorine, not only because it's the most utilized halogen but also the most formidable challenge. We believe that mastering fluorine chemistry sets us up to tackle any halogen. Initially, we're breaking into the market by offering innovative alternatives to PFAS through our novel films and coatings. However, our vision extends far beyond these products. We aim to redefine halochemistry itself, creating solutions that span across various industries.
Our approach is grounded in the belief that sustainability and industry can coexist. By focusing on circular economy principles, we're not just mitigating the environmental impact but also unlocking new possibilities for innovation. This transformation from harmful practices to a model that respects and utilizes resources efficiently is at the heart of what we do. BioHalo is not just a company; it's a movement towards a future where the chemistry that shapes our world is both effective and responsible. Through perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, we're paving the way for a new era in halochemistry, making a significant impact across different sectors.
For founders, What’s one advice you have for up and coming founders?
My advice to founders is to truly value your team.
Embarking on a startup journey is a wild adventure, and your team is your most crucial ally in the challenges ahead. Understand and respect the fact that perfection is unattainable; instead, aim for sufficiency.
In the wise words of Mick Jagger, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need." This mantra is vital in the startup world, where flexibility and adaptability are key. Embrace the journey with your team, learn from each other, and remember that the quest for perfection should not overshadow the achievement of necessary milestones. Together, you can navigate the unpredictable waters of entrepreneurship, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Do You have any books, podcasts, interviews, movies, or documentaries recommendations
To be frank, wearing many hats leaves me with little time for podcasts, books, movies, and interviews. I seek to consume information quickly and efficiently. To this end, I use ChatGPT for summaries of podcasts, and I'm a big fan of Blinkist, an app that offers book summaries in both written and short audiobook formats. This approach allows me to stay informed and continuously learn, despite the demands on my time. Leveraging these tools, I'm able to absorb essential insights and knowledge from a broad spectrum of sources, ensuring I remain up-to-date and knowledgeable without compromising my productivity.
To learn more about how iGEM supports startups and biofounders, check out the iGEM Startups program.
To learn more about the jobs, events and news coming from the global synthetic biology ecosystem check out the iGEM Community website.
If you want to participate in the iGEM Competition, but don’t know where to start? Connect with your regional iGEM Ambassadors.
