Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of the now-defunct biotech company Theranos, remains a widely discussed figure in the world of healthcare and startup culture. Now, fresh attention has turned to her partner, Billy Evans, who is reportedly raising funds for a new blood-testing startup, sparking major controversy and curiosity within the biotech and investment communities.
Who Is Billy Evans?
Billy Evans is the husband of Elizabeth Holmes and heir to the Evans Hotel Group. Though previously not a public figure in the biotech space, Evans is now said to be pursuing venture capital for a new blood-testing company—a move that has shocked many given the Theranos scandal.
A New Blood-Testing Startup After Theranos?
Theranos, once valued at $9 billion, collapsed after it was revealed that the company’s blood-testing technology didn’t work as claimed. Holmes was convicted of fraud in 2022 and is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence. The idea that someone so closely connected to Holmes is revisiting the same controversial business model raises significant ethical and regulatory questions.
Reports suggest that Evans is pitching a more transparent and scientifically validated approach to diagnostics, but skepticism is high. Investors are said to be cautious, especially those familiar with the Theranos fallout.
Investor Reactions and Market Concerns
While the biotech startup industry continues to attract massive investments, many venture capital firms are wary of any project linked to Elizabeth Holmes or Theranos. Sources claim that Evans is attempting to distance his new startup from Theranos by focusing on AI-powered diagnostics and micro-sample blood testing with full clinical transparency.
Industry experts warn that public trust in blood-testing technology has been deeply damaged by Theranos. For any new player, especially one so close to Holmes, rebuilding credibility will be a major hurdle.
Conclusion
The news that Elizabeth Holmes’ partner is raising money for a new blood-testing startup is drawing global attention. With Theranos still fresh in public memory, Evans’ venture is likely to face intense scrutiny. Whether this new company can succeed where Theranos failed—or if it’s merely Theranos 2.0—remains to be seen.
