Belyntic

Why did you start your start-up, which problem do you address and how do you solve it?

We have had problems with peptide purification in our own research - this was the trigger for us to think about new and simple ways of peptide purification. We developed a technology called "Peptides Easy Clean". This chemical approach enables the parallel purification of chemically synthesized peptides with high chemo-selectivity. The technology saves a lot of time and resources.

How did you come up with the idea to found Belyntic?

We were friends from the university. Together we decided to start our own chemical company. When we examined our research projects, we found the greatest overlap in expertise in the area of peptides. Looking for value generations in this field, we came up with the idea of "HPLC-free" peptide purification - the birth of "Peptide Easy Clean".

What is special about your business model, what do you do differently?

The technology can be used in the form of purification kits for chemically synthesised peptides (the first of its kind in the world), which we sell to clients in academic and pharmaceutical development and production. After 20 months of development, we have offered the first products in our online shop. This rapid access to the market promoted our development and maturation of the technology.

What were the biggest challenges you had to overcome in the beginning?

We are still working on our biggest challenge: to convince people to change the way they have worked since then. Our technology replaces an old but reliable method for purifying peptides, which is called HPLC. People just don't see its disadvantages just because they have become used to it.

What was the most valuable advice someone gave you during your start-up phase?

There are three things investors look for: Team, innovation and/or business model. The only thing that is certain to convince is the team!

What has been your greatest success so far?

Hard to say, it's a constant challenge. One success - say, the first sale - leads to another, bigger thing.

What is the next challenge for you?

To find and strengthen our position in the field. Our technology must be seen as a robust and efficient solution for peptide purification, not just for individual cases, but for routine applications.

Why are you on the starting base?

Visibility

What would you recommend to other founders?

Be patient and always be confident that there is a solution. There will be a lot of challenges that make you think everything is falling apart. I think that's normal.

Where did you two meet?

We've known each other since freshman year at college. Andreas joined the team in our EXIST research transfer period. He completed the founding team.

What has really gone wrong since your foundation?

Everything and nothing. I think everything can be improved. Mistakes and failures lead to progress. As long as you keep learning and are open to change, the journey continues.

Picture source: BAM