Elizabeth Holmes
Elizabeth Holmes was the founder and CEO of Theranos Inc., a medical diagnostic company, but is currently facing trial for fraud.
Entrepreneur
February 3, 1984
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Elizabeth Holmes, an American entrepreneur and inventor, gained notoriety as the founder and former CEO of the now-defunct biotech startup Theranos. She claimed to have developed a groundbreaking blood-testing technology capable of performing numerous tests with just a single drop of blood. However, the technology was later revealed to be fraudulent, resulting in criminal charges against Holmes. She is currently on trial in California, accused of defrauding patients and investors. If found guilty, she could face up to 20 years in prison. Holmes has pleaded not guilty, alleging that her ex-boyfriend and business partner, Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani, emotionally and sexually abused her, impairing her mental state during the purported crimes.
Holmes’ personal life has also made headlines. In 2017, she began dating entrepreneur Billy Evans, and the couple married in March 2023. They recently welcomed their second child.
Despite Theranos’ collapse, Holmes remains a prominent figure in the startup world due to her audacious story, which has captivated popular culture. Her trial and the revelations about Theranos have received extensive media coverage, sparking debates about ethics and accountability in the tech industry.