BioNTech founders step down by 2026, sparking stock market turbulence
BioNTech's founders, Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci, will step down from their executive roles by the end of 2026. The announcement triggered a sharp drop in the company's stock price, with shares falling by up to 17% in Frankfurt. Both will now focus on a new mRNA research venture backed by BioNTech's long-time supporters.
Sahin and Türeci co-founded BioNTech in 2007 alongside the Strüngmann brothers and three other partners. The couple currently serve as CEO and chief medical officer, guiding the company through rapid growth—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. At its US IPO in 2019, BioNTech's market value stood at around 3.5 billion USD. By February 2026, it had climbed to roughly 22.5 billion EUR, though shares stabilised between 80 and 130 USD in recent years.
The March 10 announcement of their departure caused an immediate 20% drop in market value. Despite this, the Strüngmann brothers, who hold about 44% of BioNTech's shares, remain committed. Thomas Strüngmann dismissed concerns about selling, stating he had even bought more stock during the decline. He also confirmed their support for Sahin and Türeci's new company, saying, 'We have promised Ugur that we will support his company and invest accordingly.' Sahin and Türeci will retain their 15% stake in BioNTech while shifting their focus to a new mRNA innovation firm. The Strüngmanns, early backers of BioNTech, plan to invest in this venture as well.
The founders' exit marks a major shift for BioNTech, though they will stay as shareholders. Their new company will concentrate on developing future medicines using mRNA technology. With the Strüngmanns' continued financial backing, the transition appears to have strong support from the firm's largest stakeholders.
