Billy Evans, the partner of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, is venturing into the health tech industry with a new startup named Haemanthus. According to a report by The New York Times, Evans aims to deliver innovative solutions for “human health optimization” through advanced blood testing technologies.
Haemanthus is designed to utilize a pioneering machine that employs lasers to analyze various biological samples, including blood, saliva, and urine. This advanced technology aims to detect critical health issues such as cancer and infections. The startup plans to initially focus on pet health before expanding its offerings to the human market, showcasing a strategic approach to enter the health diagnostics field.
To fuel its ambitious plans, Haemanthus is seeking to raise over $50 million in funding. Reports indicate that Evans has already pitched the startup to potential investors, with some expressing reservations reminiscent of their concerns regarding Theranos. Early Facebook investor Jim Breyer noted that his team declined to invest, citing “many of the same reasons we passed twice on Theranos.”
The pitch for Haemanthus draws striking parallels to the earlier promises made by Theranos, which aimed to conduct a wide range of medical tests using just tiny amounts of blood drawn from finger pricks. This connection raises eyebrows within the investment community, particularly considering the legal troubles that have surrounded Holmes. In 2022, Holmes was sentenced to 11 years in prison for defrauding investors, although she recently expressed her enduring commitment to making affordable healthcare solutions available to everyone.
As Haemanthus prepares to enter the competitive landscape of health diagnostics, its success will likely depend on the credibility of its technology and the ability to distinguish itself from the shadows of its predecessor, Theranos. The ongoing interest from investors and the strategic focus on pet health may provide a unique pathway for growth. With the right approach, Billy Evans’ new venture could redefine health optimization and restore confidence in innovative healthcare solutions.
