In January 2022, Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos, was convicted of defrauding investors. For her role in the crimes, she was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Her conviction stemmed from the lies she told on her company’s blood-testing technology. This misrepresentation led to a national scandal of epic proportions, followed by criminal prosecution and conviction. Holmes remains ordered detained pending trial. At the same time, her partner, Billy Evans, is starting a new health optimization entrepreneurial endeavor.
In a recent interview from prison, Holmes once again promised to deliver affordable healthcare answers. She stated, “I am completely committed to my dream of making affordable healthcare solutions available to everyone.” Though she may face the political fallout of her past efforts, this statement makes clear that her desire to innovate healthcare is still alive.
Evans’ next challenge is raising more than $50 million in funds for his fledgling startup. The company intends to lead with products for pet health, gradually rolling out products for humans. The young startup plans to use blood testing as a way to provide what it calls “human health optimization.” This change in focus is a new direction for Evans. He makes his way through the obstacles associated with Holmes’ legacy and yet creates a path forward in the health technology market.
Even given the lofty plans for the startup, a number of investors are unconvinced. Jim Breyer, a prominent venture capitalist known for his previous connections to Theranos, has voiced concerns regarding the viability of Evans’ new project. Breyer had already passed on investing with Theranos years ago so it seems parents were a little skittish about going on this latest venture as well.
Holmes and Evans share two children together, and their family life continues amidst the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Holmes’ legal troubles. Though Holmes is now serving her sentence, she refuses to back down in her mission to change the face of healthcare access and affordability.
For now, Evans is intent on locking down more funding and continuing to sharpen his startup’s long-term vision. There’s the ongoing difficulty of being separated from Holmes, who isn’t able to help the company out directly from behind prison bars. Her energy for healthcare innovation lives on as a key motivator of their shared objectives.