Joel Harris: CEO and Co-Founder of Genvax Technologies

The Iowa Tech Podcast, hosted by Kaylee, features an interview with Joel Harris, CEO and co-founder of Genvax Technologies. Joel shares insights about his journey into entrepreneurship and how he transitioned from the venture capital side to founding Genvax. He details his upbringing as the son of veterinarians, his education in economics, and how he eventually joined his father’s vaccine startup, Harrisvaccines, which was successfully sold to Merck Animal Health. This foundational experience in the animal health and vaccine space laid the groundwork for his current venture.

Joel discusses the mission of Genvax Technologies, which focuses on addressing infectious diseases affecting livestock and the food supply chain. The company leverages advanced human vaccine technologies and applies them to the animal health sector. Joel explains how Genvax prioritizes diseases to tackle, focusing on established targets like influenza while also preparing for potential outbreaks such as African swine fever, which could have devastating economic impacts.

In the podcast, Joel also shares his experience in the venture capital world, particularly with the Ag Startup Engine, where he invested in early-stage agricultural startups. He emphasizes the importance of investing in people with domain expertise and passion for their work. Despite the challenges in the current fundraising landscape, Joel successfully raised an oversubscribed seed round for Genvax by demonstrating progress and understanding investor motivations.

Joel offers advice to other founders, highlighting the importance of understanding venture capital dynamics and maintaining constant communication with stakeholders. He shares insights on how Genvax navigates between grant funding and venture capital, emphasizing a focus on aligning funding sources with the company’s long-term goals. He also discusses the role of strategic investors in their funding strategy.

Mentorship has played a significant role in Joel’s career, with his father being a key influence. He talks about the value of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable individuals and being open to guidance from various sources. Joel also reflects on his efforts to mentor others and improve the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Iowa, aiming to foster more successful, smaller-scale exits that can drive regional innovation.

Finally, Joel encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to leverage available resources, such as the Ag Startup Engine’s annual Ag Tech Unconference, and to engage in continuous learning. He stresses the importance of understanding the unique aspects of the Midwest market and adapting strategies accordingly. Joel remains committed to helping others and is open to connecting with those interested in entrepreneurship and innovation in the agricultural sector.