R.J. Kirk admits he's the Pollyanna of biotech-an uncompromising optimist about the potential of genetic engineering to reshape medicine. Having cashed out of several pharmaceutical companies he built, Kirk has reared 5 firms since they were seedlings and is looking at 4 others. But he doesn't want to be the only one in on the game: "I think 10,000 other people could do exactly what we're doing. There's a tremendous opportunity for astute investors to mentor young people and young technologies in fields that they already know about." Instead of building companies for a quick buck, the goal is to find, test and nurture great ideas. That's why he typically sticks with his investments for 10 to 12 years. And why he wishes others would follow his lead.
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