How does the MBA help you further develop your company?
We have been working on the company for about three years now, but we noticed that when sitting down with prospective clients or investors, I feel very comfortable discussing the technology. However, when it came to agreements or matters related to business models, I was less confident. That is why I felt it would be beneficial to strengthen my business knowledge, which is how I came across the VU MBA.
I noticed almost immediately during the Supply Chain Management course that our product represents a significant innovation in the field of vaccine supply chains. I was then able to apply this directly when writing grant proposals for investors. I subsequently received very positive feedback, noting that I not only highlight the technological aspects of the product effectively, but also its broader implications for the world and the future. The knowledge I gain from the MBA is therefore very practically applicable when working on my company.
If you had to name one thing you enjoy most about the MBA, what would it be?
For me, it is something completely different from my background. What I have noticed is that I can now look at biotechnological innovations from a very different perspective. Whereas I previously focused solely on the scientific and molecular aspects, I now have a much broader and more holistic view of new innovations. I see this not only in my own company but also in other start-ups. You also notice that many strong innovations fail to progress because there is no business-minded person behind them to drive and guide them.
Why did you specifically choose the MBA at VU?
I live in Amsterdam, which is of course convenient. I also had contact with other institutions, but I felt that the MBA at VU is the most academically oriented. Given my own academic background, that was a decisive factor. My initial impression has proven to be accurate, and I am very much looking forward to the thesis, where you can use your own company as a business model.
