Only one out of eight cancer patients benefit from the treatments they receive. After more than twenty years researching cancer, Patricia Villagrasa (Barcelona, 1978) found a possible solution in the laboratory and decided to take it to the business world so that it could have a direct impact on society.

With a PhD in Biology and Biochemistry from the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, postdoctoral research at Columbia University’s Irving Cancer Research Centre, and membership in the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, Patricia co-founded Reveal Genomics. Her biotechnology start-up seeks to redefine how biomarkers are used in oncology to improve understanding of each tumour and personalise treatments for each patient.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

PV: To cure cancer better. This means that we want to provide diagnostic tools to doctors so that they can treat each patient individually.

TB: What stage is the project at and where do you see it in two years?

PV: We are currently in the pre-commercialisation stage of the company. This is the stage before launching the first product in major markets such as the United States and Europe. In two years, we expect to have our first product established, the pipeline finalised, and be ready to launch the second product, with the company in full growth mode.

TB: That was a good idea you had.

PV: As a company, landing in the United States. It’s a much more straightforward and easier process than entering Europe.

TB: What has been your biggest challenge?

PV: I don’t usually rate challenges as big or small. I face them all in the same way.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever received.

PV: The lessons I’ve learned from the challenges I’ve faced. I’ve taken advice and life lessons from all those experiences.

TB: A role model.

PV: Aleix Prat, co-founder of Reveal Genomics, for his commitment, integrity and work ethic, as well as his continuous pursuit of improvement for and on behalf of patients.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

PV: Any technology that seeks to increase longevity.

TB: A start-up or company.

PV: Genentech, a company that researches, discovers and develops drugs to treat serious diseases.

TB: What helps you disconnect?

PV: Going to the mountains, being in contact with nature.

TB: A book to recommend.

PV: ‘Lean In’, by Sheryl Sandberg.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your life at the moment.

PV: ‘Fireworks’ by Katy Perry.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

PV: The Murivecchi restaurant.

TB: A place in the world.

PV: Galicia.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

PV: In a fund to help companies without thinking about the multiple, investing for impact rather than return.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

PV: I’d be a pilot.

TB: What does Tech Barcelona mean to you?

PV: It means many things at once. It means opportunity, innovation, encouragement, support, inspiration. It’s the space where Barcelona’s start-ups project themselves to the world.