News
Get to know more about our people and our progress as we work toward launch.
Jen joins Avant this month with deep expertise in strategic partnering and a track record of advancing liquid biopsy, MRD, and precision oncology platforms from inception through commercialization. She was an early contributor to first-to-market technologies at Inostics and Natera, and a founding member of the leadership team at Haystack Oncology, helping guide the company through its acquisition by Quest Diagnostics.
Elizabeth brings her expertise in analytical chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry. She has previously served in research roles at DuPont and AdvanSix, along with tenures at academic research labs at Mary Baldwin University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (NSF REU). She will play a key role in advancing cartridge optimization and supporting laboratory operations, drawing on her background in manufacturing environments, quality systems, and R&D.
Avant welcomes Alyssa Zeniak and Kathleen Wyatt to the team as summer interns! Alyssa is a student at James Madison University pursuing a BS in biotechnology. Kathleen is a high school senior interested in learning the field and better understanding the lab experience.
Virginia Business's June 2026 issue highlights innovative start-ups, including Avant — the company's strategy, compelling data, and path forward.
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Avant announced the successful raise of more than $3 million to advance development of its automated platform for liquid biopsy sample preparation. TitletownTech, Halyard Ventures, Virginia Venture Partners, CAV Angels, Global Impact Fund, and additional angel investors and family offices participated in the round.
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Jay brings deep experience in the category and a long track record of successful partnering from tenures at Roche, PGDx, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Jay will be instrumental in driving commercial collaborations as we work toward launch.
Avant recently completed the NSF I-Corps program, during which we completed more than 100 interviews with potential customers across all target segments — critical insights that inform our development strategy and market plan.
Nadia joins the Avant team from the Weaver Lab at the University of Virginia, supporting critical development activities as we refine and optimize our platform.
Avant has been highlighted in ClockWork's Innovator Spotlight series, articulating our ambition to deliver reliable, automated preparation of blood samples for liquid biopsy.
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Walter brings decades of experience as both an investor and executive in innovative life science tools as the former CEO of BrightSpec and a Senior Equity Analyst at Columbia Threadneedle Investments.
Avant was honored to share the stage with 8 other innovative life sciences companies in the region at this year's BioSpark event at the Irving Theater at CODE.
Avant's R&D team is one of the first six resident companies at the new Accelerator, led by Cville BioHub.
Kellie is a communications strategist with 20+ years of experience shaping brand, market development, and investor messaging for global healthcare and life science companies.
Ben is a seasoned engineering leader with a track record of driving innovation and excellence in technology development.
The award celebrates creativity and resourcefulness — thank you to Tracey Green and the entire CBIC team for the recognition of our hard work.
Whitelaw Reid shares an interview with Avant co-founders Rachelle and Renna about the founding of the biotech company at UVA.
Avant was selected as one of only 8 university-affiliated companies to pitch at this first-of-its-kind showcase in Nashville, TN.
This award accelerates development of our platform designed to reduce DNA loss, improve reproducibility, and lower costs to labs.
Avant was honored to participate alongside 10 incredible VA-based companies, with CEO Rachelle pitching live to the judging panel.
Selected to participate as 1 of only 7 startups in the U.S. out of over 1,000 entries.
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