Vivid Genomics is a precision medicine company dedicated to improving the success of drug development in neurodegenerative disease. Using genomics, machine learning, and disease biology, we develop genetic-based profiling tests to identify variation in trial participants that impacts clinical trial outcomes. Our first 4 tests are focused on Alzheimer’s disease; with the information from these tests, pharma companies are empowered to make more informed decisions for clinical trial design and analysis, enroll the right patients, improve the probability of clinical trial success, and ultimately lead to the first drugs to slow or cure Alzheimer’s disease.
Meet Vivid Genomics

Why is your company the best option to solve the problem you're solving?
We have collaborations with leading institutions for access to data and broad technology IP. Through our proprietary data set and analytical platform, we have a strong pipeline of tests that are in critical need for drug development in Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative diseases.
What nuggets of info make you interesting? Why do people care about what you're doing?
Alzheimer's disease is the third leading cause of death in San Diego county. Our goal is to accelerate drug development in Alzheimer's and related dementias so that people can age well.
What else do you want us to know?
Drug development in Alzheimer's disease is notorious for failures, with more than 180 failed clinical trials over the last 20 years. Pharma companies are deeply in need of tools that can improve success; our approach is agnostic of drug target and has the potential to improve every drug trial in Alzheimer's and dementia.
BEHIND THE COMPANY
CEO/Founder: Julie Collens

What one book, podcast, newsletter, etc. do you recommend to other entrepreneurs? Why?
"Pitch Anything" by Oren Klaff. It's bold, practical, and interesting.
What inspired you to start/run this company?
My passion is genomics and the information contained in the genome. In my previous role at Illumina, I saw huge potential for the role of genomics in completely changing how Alzheimer's disease is treated and the enormous need for improvements in clinical trials.
What's the best entrepreneurial advice you've received?
When you see a red flag, pick it up and look closely at it.
What's the worst entrepreneurial advice you've received?
"Call Warren Buffet and ask him for money!" - from my dad. I think this could be reasonable advice if I had a relationship with Warren Buffet.