Biotechnology follows disruption patterns similar to previous technological revolutions but with unique characteristics stemming from its fundamental nature—it works with life itself.
The Capability Unlock Pattern
Biological capabilities have always existed; we just couldn't access them. Each unlock creates cascading opportunities across industries.
Marcus tracked capability unlocks: - Reading DNA (genomics) → Personalized everything - Writing DNA (synthesis) → Designer organisms - Editing DNA (CRISPR) → Precision modification - Programming cells → Biological manufacturing - Engineering tissues → Regenerative solutions
He built businesses at each unlock point, providing tools and services that made new capabilities accessible to non-specialists who needed them most.
The Convergence Acceleration Pattern
Biology converges with other technologies creating capabilities neither could achieve alone. These convergence points birth entirely new industries.
Jennifer identified convergence opportunities: - Biology + AI = Drug discovery revolution - Biology + Robotics = Automated laboratories - Biology + Materials = Living materials - Biology + Computing = Biological processors - Biology + Engineering = Synthetic biology
Her ventures specialized in bridging disciplines, helping experts from different fields collaborate on convergence innovations.
The Democratization Wave Pattern
Like computing before it, biotechnology democratizes in waves. Each wave creates opportunities for those who facilitate broader access.
David surfed democratization waves: - Wave 1: Big pharma to biotech startups - Wave 2: Biotech startups to academic labs - Wave 3: Academic labs to community labs - Wave 4: Community labs to garage biology - Wave 5: Garage biology to consumer biotech
His companies provided infrastructure for each wave—equipment, education, safety systems, and regulatory compliance.