BIO:
- Name: Anne Wojcicki
- Title/Position: Co-founder and former CEO of 23andMe
- Industry: Biotechnology and Personal Genomics
- Location: Palo Alto, California, USA
- Age: 51 - (28th of July 1973)
- Net Worth: Estimated at $150 million as of 2023
Anne Wojcicki’s Story
Anne Wojcicki is a trailblazer in personal genomics. Weary of Wall Street’s approach to healthcare after overhearing statements like “no one makes money keeping you healthy.” Anne decided to disrupt the industry. She founded 23andMe, offering at-home DNA testing to reveal genetic variants, trace ancestry, and gain insights into health—empowering people to take control of their well-being.
Recently, 23andMe filed for bankruptcy. However, Anne Wojcicki was named one of the most “daring CEOs” by Fast Company and remains one of the most inspiring women in business today.
Growing up on Stanford University’s campus as the youngest of three sisters, Anne was immersed in an environment that valued education and innovation. Her father, Stanley Wojcicki, was a physics professor at Stanford, and her mother, Esther Wojcicki, was an educator and journalist.
She was passionately curious and determined, as were her sisters, Susan (former CEO of YouTube) and Janet (an anthropologist and epidemiologist).
Anne attended Yale University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1996. After graduation, she ventured into healthcare investment, working as an analyst overseeing biotech investments. However, disillusioned by Wall Street’s approach to healthcare, Anne sought to change the industry.
In 2006, Anne co-founded 23andMe with the vision of empowering individuals with access to their genetic information. The company provides saliva-based test kits to customers to help them track their ancestry. Her intervention was to revolutionize personal health through DNA testing, allowing consumers to gain insights into their ancestry and potential health risks to adapt their lifestyle.
However, there were FDA challenges and many privacy obstacles, resulting in 23andMe paying $30 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the genetics testing company of failing to protect the privacy of 6.9 million customers whose personal information was exposed in a data breach.
Yet, despite these challenges, Anne is credited with popularizing consumer-focused genomic testing and pushing the healthcare industry to rethink how people access and understand personal health data.
Career Highlights
Key Milestones:
- 2006: Co-founded 23andMe, introducing affordable personal genetic testing to the public.
- 2008: The company’s personal genome test kit was named “Invention of the Year” by Time magazine.
- 2021: Led 23andMe to go public through a merger with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC), achieving a valuation of over $6 billion.
- 2023: A major data breach exposed the DNA of 6.9 million people, leading to a $30 million settlement in 2024.
- 2025: 23andMe declares bankruptcy with Anne stepping down as CEO.
Achievements:
- Innovation in Healthcare: Pioneered the direct-to-consumer genetic testing industry, providing individuals with unprecedented access to their genetic information.
- Partnerships: Secured a $300 million collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline in 2018 to leverage genetic data for drug development.
- Recognition: Named “The Most Daring CEO” by Fast Company in 2013 and featured in Forbes‘ list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women in 2020.
Anne Wojcicki’s Net Worth
As of 2023, Anne Wojcicki’s net worth was estimated at $150 million. Her wealth primarily stems from her stake in 23andMe and her role as CEO. The company’s public listing in 2021 significantly contributed to her financial standing.
Anne Wojcicki in the News
- March 2025: 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and Anne Wojcicki resigned as CEO but remained on the board. The company faced financial challenges, including a failed buyout attempt and substantial debt.
Quotes by Anne Wojcicki
“The reality is that the only way change comes is when you lead by example.”
“23andMe set out to try and change healthcare – this is not an easy business. This is not a coffee shop in Austin.”
“The world needs more social innovations.”
FAQs: Most Asked Questions About Anne Wojcicki
Who is Anne Wojcicki?
Anne Wojcicki is an American entrepreneur and the co-founder and former CEO of 23andMe, a company specializing in genomics and biotechnology.
What inspired Anne Wojcicki to start 23andMe?
Disillusioned by Wall Street’s approach to healthcare, Anne sought to empower individuals with access to their genetic information, leading to the founding of 23andMe.
Why did Anne Wojcicki create 23andMe?
She aimed to revolutionize healthcare by providing direct access to genetic information, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
How did Anne Wojcicki start 23andMe?
In 2006, she co-founded the company with Linda Avey and Paul Cusenza, focusing on personal genetic testing services.
What happened to 23andMe?
23andMe went public in 2021 with an $11.13 share price and a $6 billion valuation. However, stock prices plummeted 98% over the following years. In 2025, the company filed for bankruptcy. Factors included lack of recurring revenue, a one-time product model, and a 2023 data breach that led to a $30 million lawsuit. In 2025, 23andMe filed for bankruptcy with Anne Wojcicki stepping down as CEO. She now wants to bid on the company.
Why did 23andMe CEO Anne Wojcicki resign from 23andMe?
Wojcicki stepped down amid growing pressure and after the entire board resigned in late 2024. The company filed for bankruptcy in early 2025 after rejecting her own buyout offer.
When did Anne Wojcicki get married?
She married Google co-founder Sergey Brin in May 2007; they divorced in 2015.
What is Anne Wojcicki’s net worth?
Forbes estimated that she was a billionaire in 2021, but put her net worth at $270 million last year. Now, her net worth is said to be around $ 150 million.
What is Anne Wojcicki’s legacy?
Anne is known as a disruptor in healthcare and one of the most influential women in biotechnology. Though 23andMe’s bankruptcy has complicated her legacy, she remains a bold voice in advocating for consumer data rights, health transparency, and female leadership in science and tech.
“As I think about the future, I will continue to tirelessly advocate for customers to have choice and transparency with respect to their personal data, regardless of platform.” — Anne Wojcicki, via CNBC
