Anne Wojcicki to buy back 23andMe and its data for $305M
Hacker NewsSaturday, June 14, 2025 at 2:45:58 AM
Anne Wojcicki, the co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, is stepping in to buy back the struggling genetic testing company—along with its vast trove of user DNA data—for $305 million. The move comes after the company's stock plummeted and layoffs hit earlier this year, raising questions about its future. Wojcicki’s buyback suggests she’s betting big on keeping control of the business (and the sensitive genetic info it holds) rather than letting it flounder or fall into outside hands.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a financial reshuffle—it’s about who gets to call the shots on millions of people’s genetic data. 23andMe has been a pioneer in consumer DNA testing, but its recent struggles show how tricky it is to turn personal genomics into a sustainable business. Wojcicki taking the reins again could mean a renewed push to monetize that data (think drug development or health partnerships), but it also raises privacy concerns. For customers, it’s a reminder: once your DNA’s in a database, it’s hard to take back.
— Curated via WP Now’s
