Jim Weiss, Chairman and Founder of Real Chemistry, is a healthcare, biopharma and medical tech visionary, entrepreneur, business leader, investor, citizen advocate and digital health pioneer. Over the past 20 years, he evolved Real Chemistry from a one-person consultancy to a global health innovation company that uses real-world data, proprietary technologies and analytical insights to solve the healthcare industry’s most significant challenges.
As Chairman, Jim actively serves as a mentor and strategic advisor to Real Chemistry’s people and clients, including opening up new pathways for growth through M&A, partnership and expanded capabilities. In addition, he serves as an Executive Advisor to New Mountain Capital, Real Chemistry’s investment partner. In this role, he focuses on identifying and integrating opportunities at the intersection of technology and life sciences.
Jim built Real Chemistry through a #MakeItHappen work ethic, deep values and a relentless pursuit of innovation. He started his corporate career at biotechnology bellwether Genentech during its formative years where he learned to follow the data to get to the right outcome. Jim is a pioneer in the application of analytics, data and precision targeting to the biopharma and healthcare business. He is an action-oriented driver to advance diversity, inclusion and health equity to make the world a healthier place for all.
Jim and his wife Audra founded the Weiss Center for Social Commerce at his alma mater, Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Jim and Real Chemistry also sponsor the Real Chemistry Emerging Insights Lab, an innovative learning experience focused on data, technology and audience engagement.
He is often recognized as one of the most influential people in the healthcare industry. Recent accolades include being named Agency Entrepreneur of the Year (2021), a Top 50 Health Influencer (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) and Innovator of the Year (2020). He was inducted into the Newhouse School’s 50 Forward as one of its most accomplished graduates of the last 50 years.
Jim is a Board member and investor in Indapta Therapeutics and a business advisor of IMIDomics. He is also a Board member and contributor to several nonprofits, including the LAGRANT Foundation, the Cancer Research Institute, the Commons Project and the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association.
Jim resides with his wife and two children in the San Francisco Bay Area.