Glen de Vries Net Worth: Age, Wife, Plane Crash
Glen de Vries was not just a successful entrepreneur; he was a man who contributed significantly to healthcare, clinical research, and space exploration. As the co-founder of Medidata Solutions, Glen revolutionized how clinical trials are conducted and became a pioneering figure in the field of health tech. His tragic death in a plane crash in 2021 brought his journey to a sudden halt, but his legacy lives on.
Quick Bio: Glen de Vries Net Worth
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Glen de Vries |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1972 |
| Date of Death | November 11, 2021 |
| Age at Death | 49 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Philanthropist |
| Known For | Co-founder of Medidata Solutions |
| Marital Status | Private (Details not publicly clear) |
| Glen de Vries Net Worth | $1 billion (at the time of death) |
| Cause of Death | Plane crash in New Jersey |
Early Life and Background
Glen de Vries was born on June 29, 1972, in the United States. His early life was marked by curiosity, a deep interest in science, and a desire to make a difference in the world. While information about his parents and immediate family is relatively private, it is known that Glen grew up in an intellectually nurturing environment that encouraged exploration and academic excellence.
From a young age, Glen demonstrated an affinity for technology and the sciences, often engaging with computers and emerging digital technologies. This fascination later became a driving force behind his entrepreneurial journey.
Age and Physical Appearance
At the time of his death, Glen de Vries was 49 years old. He had a composed, intellectual demeanor and was often described by his colleagues as thoughtful, engaging, and passionate. His appearance reflected his personality—modest, intelligent, and driven.
While not a public figure in the traditional sense, Glen often appeared at conferences, media interviews, and in scientific and business circles, where he shared insights on health technology and data-driven innovation.
Education
Glen de Vries’s academic background played a foundational role in shaping his career. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University, a renowned institution known for its strong engineering and technology programs. He earned a degree in biological sciences, which provided a robust grounding in both life sciences and data analytics.
He also studied computer science, which later contributed significantly to the formation of Medidata Solutions. His education uniquely positioned him to bridge the gap between medical science and digital technology, making him a visionary in healthcare data.
Career Beginnings and Vision
After completing his education, Glen de Vries began his professional career in the healthcare and technology industries. Early roles included work as a research assistant at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was involved in clinical data management and health systems.
In the late 1990s, he saw a growing need to modernize clinical trials, which at the time relied heavily on paper-based systems. This realization planted the seed for what would become Medidata Solutions.
Founding Medidata Solutions
In 1999, Glen co-founded Medidata Solutions alongside Tarek Sherif. Their goal was clear: to improve the way clinical trials are managed by using cloud-based technology to streamline data collection, monitoring, and analytics.
Growth of Medidata
Medidata grew into a global leader in cloud-based solutions for clinical trials. The company’s platform helped pharmaceutical and biotech companies conduct safer, more efficient trials while reducing costs and timelines. Medidata was instrumental in advancing research for cancer, rare diseases, and COVID-19 vaccines.
By the time it was acquired by Dassault Systèmes in 2019 for $5.8 billion, Medidata had become one of the most influential health-tech companies in the world. Glen stayed on as Vice Chairman of Life Sciences and Healthcare at Dassault, continuing to advocate for digital transformation in life sciences.
Glen de Vries Net Worth
Glen de Vries Net Worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $1 billion. Much of his wealth stemmed from the success of Medidata Solutions and the acquisition deal with Dassault Systèmes.
Key Financial Milestones
- 1999: Co-founds Medidata Solutions
- 2019: Medidata acquired by Dassault Systèmes for $5.8 billion
- Post-acquisition: Serves in senior leadership roles at Dassault
- Estimated net worth: $1 billion
Glen de Vries Net Worth was not only a reflection of financial success but also the monumental impact he had on the healthcare and biotech industries.
Personal Life and Wife
Glen de Vries kept his personal life relatively private. There is limited public information about his wife or marital status, and he preferred to focus public attention on his work and philanthropy rather than his family.
While some sources suggest he was married or in a long-term relationship, specific details remain unconfirmed. What is well-documented, however, is his dedication to mentoring, education, and philanthropy.
Philanthropic Work and Legacy
In addition to his work in health tech, Glen de Vries was deeply invested in education, scientific research, and mentorship. He served on several boards, including:
- Carnegie Mellon University’s Board of Trustees
- Robin Hood Foundation
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
He was a firm believer in using science and technology to improve the human condition. Glen also authored a book titled “The Patient Equation”, in which he discussed the importance of patient-centric approaches in healthcare and the potential of data to revolutionize medicine.
Space Flight with Blue Origin
One of the most publicized events in Glen de Vries’s later life was his participation in Blue Origin’s suborbital space flight, NS-18, alongside actor William Shatner and two others in October 2021.
Key Highlights
- Flight Date: October 13, 2021
- Mission: New Shepard NS-18
- Duration: ~11 minutes
- Significance: Glen realized a lifelong dream of going to space and contributing to the future of human spaceflight.
His involvement with Blue Origin highlighted his adventurous spirit and desire to push the boundaries of human achievement.
Plane Crash and Untimely Death
Tragically, just a month after his historic spaceflight, Glen de Vries died in a private plane crash on November 11, 2021, in Hampton Township, New Jersey.
Crash Details
- Aircraft: Cessna 172
- Location: Sussex County, NJ
- Other Fatality: Thomas Fischer, flight instructor
- Purpose: Private flight
The crash shocked the scientific and business communities, especially given the proximity to his spaceflight and ongoing work in healthcare innovation. Investigations into the cause of the crash pointed to weather-related challenges and pilot error, though a final determination was made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) after months of investigation.
His Father and Family Background
While Glen was relatively quiet about his family, there are occasional mentions of his father’s influence in shaping his scientific curiosity. According to Glen, his family always encouraged questioning, learning, and resilience. Although the details remain largely private, it’s clear his upbringing played a crucial role in shaping the person he became.
Legacy and Influence
Glen de Vries’s legacy transcends his wealth or corporate achievements. He is remembered as:
- A visionary in clinical trials and health tech
- A mentor to emerging entrepreneurs
- A philanthropist committed to education and innovation
- A pioneer in civilian space travel
- A thought leader who believed in the future of data-driven medicine
His book, The Patient Equation, continues to inspire healthcare professionals and technologists alike.
Conclusion
Glen de Vries lived a life full of purpose, achievement, and vision. From co-founding one of the most influential health-tech companies to venturing into space and contributing to education and science, he set an example of what it means to lead with innovation and compassion.
