Ewing Marion Kauffman built his successful pharmaceutical company around targeting a _____ that larger pharmaceutical companies avoided.

The correct answer is that Ewing Marion Kauffman built his successful pharmaceutical company around targeting a specific market that larger pharmaceutical companies typically avoided. This highlights a strategic approach where he identified and focused on niche opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector that were either overlooked or deemed too risky by larger competitors. By doing this, Kauffman was able to carve out a space for his company to thrive in an area difficult for more prominent firms to compete effectively.

Targeting a specific market allows a business to cater to unique needs and preferences, thus creating tailored solutions that resonate better with a particular demographic. This strategy often leads to increased customer loyalty and can result in higher profitability due to less competition. It is a key aspect of entrepreneurial success, especially in industries where larger companies might not want to invest in less lucrative or more specialized markets.