Genentech Inc., a composite of Genetic Engineering Technology, Inc., is a leading biotechnology corporation, which was founded in 1976 by venture capitalist Robert A. Swanson and biochemist Dr. Herbert W. Boyer. It is considered to have founded the biotechnology industry. to found the company. The Swiss pharmaceutical conglomerate Hoffmann-La Roche owns the majority of Genentech shares (External Link). Product Timeline 1982 - Synthetic "human" insulin approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administ… (More on Genentech)