Billy Evans Launches Haemanthus, a New Blood-Testing Startup
Looking to understand what Billy Evans, Elizabeth Holmes’ partner, is working on now? Reports reveal that Evans is fundraising for Haemanthus, a new blood-testing startup aiming to revolutionize human health optimization. This venture comes after the notorious collapse of Theranos, making many wonder how Haemanthus plans to differentiate itself in the crowded health tech market. If you’re curious about the startup’s goals, technology, and potential, here’s everything you need to know.
Haemanthus: A Bold Attempt to Transform Health Optimization
Billy Evans is setting ambitious goals with Haemanthus. According to The New York Times, the company is developing an advanced machine that utilizes lasers to analyze blood, saliva, and urine samples. The primary aim is early detection of critical health issues like cancer and infections. Interestingly, Haemanthus plans to begin its operations in the pet health sector before expanding its services to human healthcare — a strategy designed to build trust and refine their technology before targeting the high-stakes human diagnostic market.
The company’s fundraising target reportedly exceeds $50 million, signaling strong ambitions to scale quickly. High-value industries such as preventive healthcare, early cancer detection, and wellness optimization are top areas of interest, and Haemanthus seems keen to tap into them.
Comparisons to Theranos: Can Haemanthus Avoid the Same Pitfalls?
Haemanthus’ mission inevitably draws comparisons to Theranos, which also promised groundbreaking medical testing using small blood samples. Elizabeth Holmes’ spectacular downfall — culminating in an 11-year prison sentence for defrauding investors — casts a long shadow over any similar initiative. Despite this, Evans and his team are pushing forward, reportedly armed with more transparent technology and a different go-to-market strategy.
Early-stage investors are showing cautious interest. According to The Times, Jim Breyer, an early Facebook investor, was pitched but declined for "many of the same reasons" his team passed on Theranos — citing concerns over feasibility and execution. This hesitancy from high-profile investors highlights the skepticism Haemanthus must overcome to succeed.
What Makes Haemanthus Different This Time?
Haemanthus appears to be learning from Theranos’ mistakes by initially focusing on pet health diagnostics, an area with fewer regulatory hurdles and faster time to market. By leveraging laser-based diagnostic technology for pets first, the startup can build data credibility, refine its processes, and establish a revenue stream before moving into human applications.
Moreover, the focus on health optimization — rather than just disease detection — aligns with booming trends like personalized medicine, preventive care, and wellness technology.
Will Haemanthus Succeed Where Theranos Failed?
Billy Evans’ push to raise more than $50 million for Haemanthus signals big ambitions in the evolving world of blood diagnostics. Whether the startup can establish trust, deliver real technological breakthroughs, and avoid regulatory missteps remains to be seen. However, the company’s pivot toward pets first and the emphasis on technological transparency suggest a more cautious, calculated approach than Theranos ever took.
Consumers increasingly demand affordable healthcare solutions, early diagnosis tools, and innovative wellness technologies. If Haemanthus can deliver on these fronts, it may carve out a strong niche in the competitive health optimization market — and rewrite the story that Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos left behind.
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