Elizabeth Holmes’ Partner Launches New Blood-Testing Startup
Billy Evans, the longtime partner of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, is stepping into the biotech spotlight with a new health venture. According to a recent New York Times report, Evans is actively fundraising for a startup called Haemanthus, aiming to revolutionize blood-testing technology—an echo of the controversial promises once made by Theranos.
Haemanthus reportedly claims to have created a device that utilizes laser-based technology to analyze blood, saliva, and urine samples for detecting infections and cancer. Initially, the company plans to enter the pet health market before expanding its services to humans.
Evans is seeking to raise over $50 million for the startup, and promotional materials emphasize the company’s goal of achieving “human health optimization.”
The similarities to Theranos haven’t gone unnoticed. Theranos infamously claimed it could run numerous tests using just a single drop of blood, but those promises led to one of Silicon Valley’s biggest scandals. Elizabeth Holmes was convicted in 2022 and is currently serving an 11-year sentence for defrauding investors.
Despite the controversy, Holmes has stated she remains committed to making healthcare more affordable and accessible.
Some investors remain skeptical of Haemanthus. Early Facebook backer Jim Breyer revealed that his team declined to invest, citing concerns similar to those that kept them away from Theranos—twice.
Whether Haemanthus will learn from the past or repeat history remains to be seen, but the spotlight on Evans’ venture is growing brighter by the day.
