Glen de Vries was not just a businessman—he was a pioneer in clinical research technology, a philanthropist, a private pilot, and briefly, a space tourist. His contributions to the field of life sciences were transformative, especially through co-founding Medidata Solutions, a company that helped revolutionize clinical trials with digital innovation. His tragic death in a 2021 plane crash was not just the loss of a successful entrepreneur but the loss of a visionary who left a lasting mark on science, technology, and space exploration.
In this in-depth, unique content, we examine Glen de Vries Net Worth, his age, his personal life including his wife, the circumstances surrounding the plane crash, and the legacy he left behind. This article is original, helpful, and reliable—crafted with depth, research, and substance that goes beyond surface-level reporting.
Quick Bio: Glen de Vries Net Worth
| Full Name | Glen de Vries |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1972 |
| Date of Death | November 11, 2021 |
| Age at Death | 49 |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Pilot |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Co-founder of Medidata Solutions, Blue Origin spaceflight |
| Glen de Vries Net Worth | Estimated $1 billion+ |
| Marital Status | Private (partner unconfirmed) |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Carnegie Mellon University |
| Residence | New York, United States |
Net Worth
Glen de Vries Net Worth at the time of his untimely death in 2021 was estimated to be over $1 billion. Most of his wealth came from:
1. Medidata Solutions
- Glen de Vries Net Worth Glen co-founded Medidata Solutions in 1999, a company that developed software to support clinical trials and life science research.
- Medidata became one of the most respected names in healthcare IT, supporting over 1,300 clinical trials in more than 40 countries.
- In 2019, Medidata was acquired by Dassault Systèmes for $5.8 billion, significantly boosting de Vries’ personal fortune.
2. Investments and Philanthropy
- Following the acquisition, de Vries became the Vice Chairman of Life Sciences and Healthcare at Dassault Systèmes.
- He invested in biotech startups and supported innovation in healthcare technology.
- His philanthropic efforts were also substantial, although not widely publicized. He donated to causes related to science education and medical research.
3. Blue Origin Spaceflight
- Glen de Vries Net Worth Glen paid an undisclosed amount (reportedly millions) to be a passenger on Blue Origin’s New Shepard mission in October 2021, symbolizing his dedication to innovation and exploration.
Early Life and Background
Glen de Vries was born on June 29, 1972, in the United States. He grew up with a strong curiosity about science, biology, and how technology could be used to improve human lives.
Family and Influences:
- Glen credited his early fascination with biology and computers to his parents, who encouraged educational exploration.
- In his teens, he showed an interest in both coding and molecular biology—a rare combination that later defined his career.
From an early age, Glen was known to blend analytical rigor with creative thinking, a skillset that would help him stand out in both business and scientific communities.
Age and Physical Appearance
At the time of his death in November 2021, Glen de Vries was 49 years old.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: Approximately 5’10” (178 cm)
- Build: Lean and active
- Appearance: Glen had a clean-cut appearance and was often seen in casual business attire. His approachable demeanor was a hallmark of his leadership style.
Education
Glen de Vries studied at Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a degree in biological sciences.
Academic Highlights:
- At CMU, Glen combined science with software engineering.
- He later studied computer science and had a deep appreciation for how tech could change the medical industry.
- After graduation, he worked briefly as a software engineer and researcher before launching Medidata Solutions.
His academic and early career path reflected a strategic blend of science and entrepreneurship—a blend that eventually led to his billion-dollar success.
His Father
Glen’s father was described in interviews as an influential figure in his intellectual development. While his name and profession are not widely publicized, his encouragement of curiosity and innovation played a formative role in Glen’s interest in the intersection of life sciences and technology.
His Mother
Similarly, Glen de Vries’ mother was a major support in his academic pursuits. Her role in promoting education and ethical responsibility was something Glen often acknowledged when discussing the importance of philanthropy and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Children
There is no public record confirming that Glen de Vries had any children. He kept his personal life very private, and no official statement was released by a spouse or children following his death.
Who Is Glen de Vries?
Glen de Vries was a scientist-turned-entrepreneur with a vision for transforming medical research. He believed in making science more efficient, more accessible, and more impactful through the integration of data-driven platforms.
Key Achievements:
- Co-founded Medidata to digitize clinical trial management.
- Oversaw projects for COVID-19 vaccine development, cancer drug trials, and rare disease research.
- Appointed to influential boards and advisory panels in the biotech space.
- Became one of the few civilians to travel into space, highlighting his adventurous and fearless approach to innovation.
He is remembered as someone who used his success to push the boundaries of possibility in both science and human experience.
The Plane Crash
On November 11, 2021, Glen de Vries died in a tragic plane crash in Hampton Township, New Jersey.
Crash Details:
- Glen was a licensed private pilot and had logged many hours of flight time.
- He was flying with Thomas Fischer, an experienced flight instructor.
- The aircraft, a Cessna 172, crashed under unclear circumstances.
- The FAA and NTSB investigated the crash, but weather and possible mechanical issues were both explored as contributing factors.
The crash occurred just weeks after his spaceflight, adding a haunting layer to his story—one of ambition, inspiration, and tragicloss.
Current Life (Legacy)
Although Glen de Vries is no longer alive, his legacy continues through:
- The ongoing work of Medidata Solutions, which remains a major force in the life sciences industry.
- The Glen de Vries Foundation, rumored to be in formation by friends and colleagues, aimed at supporting STEM education and ethical medical research.
- His story is often cited in discussions about the future of private spaceflight, especially regarding civilian participants in commercial missions.
Conclusion: Glen de Vries Net Worth
Glen de Vries lived a remarkable life, one that bridged science, technology, business, and even outer space. Glen de Vries Net Worth of over $1 billion is a testament not only to his business acumen but also to the value of vision, curiosity, and human-centered innovation.
He wasn’t a celebrity in the traditional sense, but Glen de Vries was a quiet giant in the tech and medical worlds. His tragic passing is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life, even for those who reach the stars.
FAQ: Glen de Vries Net Worth
Q: What was Glen de Vries Net Worth at the time of his death?
A: Glen de Vries Net Worth It was estimated to be over $1 billion, primarily from his company Medidata Solutions.
Q: Was Glen de Vries married?
A: His marital status is private; there is no public confirmation of a spouse.
Q: How did Glen de Vries die?
A: He died in a private plane crash in New Jersey on November 11, 2021.
Q: Was Glen de Vries an astronaut?
A: He was a space tourist who flew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard in October 2021.
