A 29-year-old founded a biotech startup to cure rare cancers after he got a life-changing diagnosis

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March 2, 2017 3:32 PM

David Hysong was being trained as a US Navy Seal when he got his cancer diagnosis. Now he's the co-CEO of a biotech that's trying to cure rare cancers.

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David Hysong's life is like something out of a James Bond film.

The 29-year-old recent inductee to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for science has traveled the back roads of four different continents on his motorcycle. He's been hit by a bus going 60mph, and he spent some time in the streets of Cambodia fighting child slavery. At one point, he was even in the pipeline to become a US Navy Seal.

Then, in 2015, he was diagnosed with a rare head-and-neck cancer. That life changing moment was the impetus for him finding his firm Shepherd Therapeutics.

The biotech firm

"Everything I've tried to do in my life has been underpinned by a desire to save others, and after my diagnosis I knew that this is where I was going to turn my attention," Hysong told Business Insider.

An idea in the shower

Hysong was in the middle of a shower when the idea to start a biotech struck him.

"I literally jumped out of the shower, put on a towel, and grabbed my phone to call my father," Hysong said."I think I might have left the water running."

Hysong said his connection to the firm's co-founder Gene Williams, the executive chairman at ProMIS Neurosciences, was critical to getting the company off the ground.

"I coached his son so I figured I'd asked him to get lunch to pitch him my idea," Hysong said.

Hysong added.

Hysong said Williams brought 30 plus years of biotech experience and an extensive network. Williams' experience coupled with Hysong vision was the perfect recipe for success, according to Hysong.

Hysong told Business Insider that being comfortable reaching out to industry experts for advice and guidance is integral to starting a successful company. He also said aspiring entrepreneurs should consider the following:

Follow your gut. Typically your bold and craziest idea is your best. Don't be afraid of it. From my experience if you listen to that idea, it'll pay off.

Be Courageous. You need to be courageous. But that doesn't mean you should be overly confident. Humility and knowing where you fall short and should seek out help is just as important.

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