How I Built This with Guy Raz Moderna and Flagship Pioneering: Noubar Afeyan
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Oct 11, 2021 Noubar Afeyan, co-founder and chairman of Moderna and founder of Flagship Pioneering, shares his journey in biotechnology. He discusses the ten-year timeline and risks of developing life-saving treatments and reflects on how Moderna quickly created a COVID-19 vaccine amidst a global crisis. Afeyan recounts his family's escape from Lebanon and how that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. He emphasizes the importance of innovation and mentorship in biotech, highlighting Moderna's groundbreaking use of mRNA technology and the creation of multiple startups under Flagship Pioneering.
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Fleeing Lebanon
- Nubar Afeyan's family fled Lebanon for Montreal during the Lebanese Civil War, leaving their business and belongings behind.
- His father, in his 40s, restarted the same plastic import business in Montreal.
Meeting David Packard
- While at MIT, Nubar Afeyan had a chance encounter with David Packard at a conference.
- Packard's story of starting Hewlett-Packard inspired Afeyan to pursue entrepreneurship.
Choosing the Right Startup
- Join startups where your contributions matter significantly.
- Don't be swayed by titles or prestige, focus on impactful work.