By: Kevin Yang
NephroNovus didn’t just come from an idea on a whiteboard — it grew from years of working alongside my dad in his lab. I spent a good part of my childhood washing beakers, running gels, and slowly soaking up the science of nephrology without even realizing it. That environment shaped me. Over time, both of us began to notice a frustrating pattern: incredible research happening in the lab, but not enough of it reaching actual patients.
That gap stuck with us. So we decided to do something about it — and that’s how NephroNovus was born.
From the beginning, my dad has been the scientific foundation of the company, while I’ve focused on building the business side — strategy, operations, fundraising, all of it. It’s been an incredible journey, but I won’t pretend it’s always been easy. Working with a family member, especially a parent, adds a whole new layer to the startup experience.
One of the biggest things we’ve had to learn is how to set boundaries. It’s so easy to let work conversations creep into every moment, especially when your co-founder is also at the dinner table. We’ve made it a point to separate work from family time — sometimes dinner really just needs to be dinner, not an impromptu strategy session. That separation has helped us keep our relationship strong outside of work.
Of course, disagreements happen. When they do, we’ve found it helpful to let our roles guide the conversation. If it’s a scientific question, he’ll usually take the lead. If it’s something related to growth strategy or operations, that’s my lane. More than anything, we try to make decisions based on data and mission — not ego.
There’s also been a learning curve on both sides. I’ve had to grow into my leadership role, speak up more, and trust my instincts. At the same time, my dad’s learned when to step back and let me run with something. It’s a dynamic that keeps evolving, and we’re better for it.
That said, there’s something special about building a company with someone you’ve known your whole life. The trust runs deep. We know each other’s strengths and blind spots and are aligned on what matters. For us, NephroNovus isn’t just a company — it’s a continuation of decades of work and a shared commitment to making a real difference for people with chronic kidney disease.
We’re focused on targeting renal fibrosis, a key driver in disease progression. Our work blends biochemical discovery with computational innovation, all aimed at bringing better treatments to patients. That mission is what keeps us grounded when things get tough.
If you’re thinking about starting a company with a family member, here’s what I’d say: set boundaries early, be clear about roles, and don’t forget to protect the relationship. The business will evolve. What really lasts is the trust and respect you build along the way.
At the end of the day, I’m grateful for the chance to build something meaningful with someone who’s been part of my story from the very beginning. It’s not always simple, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Learn more about NephroNovus here: https://www.altitudelab.org/companies/nephronovus
