Maximilien Levesque, AQEMIA

What inspires a theoretical physicist to start a drug invention company?

How do you choose the right co-founder when you're coming from academia?

And, in a multi-site, multi-cultural European organisation – how does a leader manage communication with the team?

I’m joined by Maximilien Levesque, physics academic turned entrepreneur, CEO and co-founder of Paris and London-based company AQEMIA. Aqemia uses a mix of physics and generative AI to invent therapeutics for poorly treated diseases.

More on the science towards the end of the episode, but first Max explains what inspired him to found AQEMIA and how he's faced challenges from selecting a co-founder to communicating and maintaining team alignment as his company grows in two locations.

About LifeScience ORG

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The conversations inside our community – stories of conviction, navigating challenges, and making bold decisions – inspire us every week. To hear the stories, lessons, and experiences of our life science leaders, listen to A Call to Lead @ LifeScience ORG, available on all good podcasting platforms.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:27 Max's Story

05:08 Challenges and Realizations in the Leadership Journey

07:09 Finding the Right Co-Founder

10:32 Building a Multicultural, Multidisciplinary Company

13:44 Maintaining Team Alignment

14:50 European Life Science Landscape

17:09 Generative AI in Drug Discovery

24:42 Vision for the Future

26:23 Leadership Insights