23andMe Holding Co. (ME): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

23andMe Holding Co. (ME) Information


A Brief History of 23andMe Holding Co. (ME)

23andMe Holding Co. is a personal genomics and biotechnology company that was founded in 2006 by Anne Wojcicki, Linda Avey, and Paul Cusenza. The company is named after the 23 pairs of chromosomes in a human cell.

  • 2006: 23andMe was founded in April 2006 with the goal of helping people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome.
  • 2007: The company launched its personal genome test service, which allowed individuals to receive ancestry information and insights into their genetic health risks.
  • 2010: 23andMe began offering genetic testing for specific health conditions and carrier status, providing customers with valuable information about their genetic predispositions.
  • 2013: The company faced regulatory challenges from the FDA regarding the health-related information provided in its genetic testing kits. As a result, 23andMe temporarily stopped offering health-related genetic testing services.
  • 2015: 23andMe resumed offering health-related genetic testing services after receiving FDA approval for its carrier status tests for Bloom syndrome.
  • 2018: The company received FDA approval for its genetic health risk reports for conditions such as Parkinson's disease and late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
  • 2020: 23andMe announced that it would be going public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) called VG Acquisition Corp.


Who Owns 23andMe Holding Co. (ME)

23andMe Holding Co. (ME) is a privately held company that was founded in 2006 by Anne Wojcicki, Linda Avey, and Paul Cusenza. Anne Wojcicki, a biologist and former healthcare analyst, is the ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin. Linda Avey is a biologist and entrepreneur, while Paul Cusenza is a biotech industry veteran.

While the company was founded by the above-mentioned individuals, it has since attracted investments from various sources. One of the major investors in 23andMe Holding Co. is Sequoia Capital, a prominent Silicon Valley venture capital firm. Sequoia Capital has been a major supporter of the company since its early days.

Google Ventures, the investment arm of Google's parent company Alphabet Inc., has also invested in 23andMe Holding Co. This partnership has allowed the company to leverage Google's resources and expertise in data analysis and technology.

  • Anne Wojcicki - Co-founder
  • Linda Avey - Co-founder
  • Paul Cusenza - Co-founder
  • Sequoia Capital - Investor
  • Google Ventures - Investor


23andMe Holding Co. (ME) Mission Statement

At 23andMe Holding Co. (ME), our mission is to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. We believe that by providing individuals with personalized genetic information, we can empower them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology and scientific research, we aim to revolutionize the way people think about their genetic makeup. Our goal is to create a world where genetic information is accessible, affordable, and actionable for everyone.

  • Access: We strive to make genetic information readily available to individuals, giving them the tools they need to take control of their health.
  • Understanding: We are committed to helping people interpret and comprehend their genetic data, ensuring that they can make informed decisions based on their unique genetic makeup.
  • Benefit: Our ultimate goal is to help people benefit from their genetic information by using it to improve their health outcomes and overall quality of life.


How 23andMe Holding Co. (ME) Works

23andMe Holding Co. (ME) is a biotechnology and personal genomics company that offers direct-to-consumer genetic testing services. The company was founded in 2006 with the goal of helping individuals understand their genetic makeup and how it may influence their health and traits.

Here is how 23andMe Holding Co. (ME) works:

  • Genetic Testing: Customers can purchase a 23andMe kit online or in stores. The kit includes a saliva collection tube, which customers use to provide a sample of their DNA. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
  • Analysis and Reports: The lab analyzes the DNA sample to identify genetic variants that are associated with certain health conditions, traits, and ancestry. Customers can access their results through an online portal, which includes personalized reports on their genetic predispositions.
  • Ancestry Analysis: In addition to health reports, 23andMe also provides customers with information about their ancestry and genetic heritage. Customers can explore their ancestry composition and learn about their genetic relatives through the company's database.
  • Research Participation: Customers have the option to participate in research studies conducted by 23andMe. By opting in, customers can contribute their genetic data to help further scientific research on a wide range of topics, from disease genetics to ancestry patterns.
  • Privacy and Security: 23andMe takes privacy and security seriously when it comes to handling customers' genetic data. The company has strict protocols in place to protect customer information and ensure that data is kept secure and confidential.


How 23andMe Holding Co. (ME) Makes Money

23andMe Holding Co. (ME) is a biotechnology and personal genomics company that offers direct-to-consumer genetic testing services. The company makes money through various revenue streams, including:

  • Genetic Testing Kits: One of the primary ways 23andMe generates revenue is through the sale of genetic testing kits to consumers. These kits allow individuals to submit their DNA samples for analysis and receive reports on their ancestry, health predispositions, carrier status for certain genetic conditions, and more.
  • Subscription Services: 23andMe offers a subscription service called 23andMe+ that provides customers with access to additional features and tools for exploring their genetic information. This service is available for an annual fee, which adds to the company's revenue stream.
  • Research Collaborations: 23andMe has partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and research institutions to use its vast database of genetic information for drug discovery and development purposes. These collaborations generate revenue for the company through licensing agreements and research grants.
  • Pharmaceutical Partnerships: 23andMe has also entered into partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to develop personalized medicine and targeted therapies based on genetic data. These partnerships involve revenue-sharing agreements and royalties on any resulting drugs or treatments.
  • Data Licensing: 23andMe monetizes its vast database of genetic information by licensing anonymized and aggregated data to third parties, such as researchers, healthcare providers, and other companies. This data can be used for a variety of purposes, including population health studies, drug development, and more.

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