In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes Joel Harris, CEO and co-founder of Genvax Technologies. Joel shares his journey from growing up as the son of veterinarians and studying economics to joining his father's vaccine startup, Harrisvaccines, after the 2008 financial crisis. He discusses the challenges and experiences he faced, including the eventual sale of Harrisvaccines to Merck Animal Health. Joel also explains his transition into venture capital with the Ag Startup Engine, where he invested in over 40 companies, and his decision to return to entrepreneurship with Genvax Technologies. Genvax focuses on utilizing advanced RNA technology to address infectious diseases in livestock and the broader food supply chain, aiming to bring innovative, accessible solutions to the market.

Joel also reflects on his venture capital experience and offers advice for entrepreneurs navigating the current funding landscape. He emphasizes the importance of understanding investor motivations and maintaining constant communication with stakeholders. Joel highlights the role of mentorship in his career, particularly the influence of his father, and discusses his commitment to supporting innovation in the Midwest. He encourages founders to focus on solving real-world problems and to be mindful of the balance between pursuing grant funding and achieving commercialization goals. Joel concludes by expressing his willingness to mentor others.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/joel-harris-bioscience-and-ag-startups