Anne Wojcicki

Background

Anne Wojcicki earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Yale University in 1996. Her early career was in healthcare investment analysis, where she worked as a healthcare investor for firms including Passport Capital and Investors at Maverick Capital, focusing on biotechnology and medical companies.

Major Contributions

Wojcicki co-founded the personal genomics and biotechnology company 23andMe in 2006, serving as its Chief Executive Officer. The company pioneered direct-to-consumer genetic testing, making DNA analysis accessible to the public. A key innovation was the saliva collection kit, which simplified the sample submission process. Under her leadership, 23andMe built one of the world's largest genetic databases for research. The company also secured the first FDA authorization for a direct-to-consumer genetic test for health risks in 2017.

Impact on Their Field

The introduction of affordable, direct-to-consumer genetic testing by 23andMe democratized access to personal genetic information, shifting the paradigm from clinical settings to individual ownership of health data. This created a new industry and spurred significant public discourse on genetics, privacy, and data ownership. The company's massive genetic database has become a valuable resource for scientific research, leading to numerous peer-reviewed publications and contributing to discoveries in areas like Parkinson's disease and drug development through its therapeutics division.

Current Work/Relevance

Anne Wojcicki continues to serve as the CEO of 23andMe. The company remains a leader in consumer genetics and has expanded its focus into drug discovery and development through its therapeutics division, leveraging its genetic and phenotypic database to identify novel drug targets. It also continues to offer Health + Ancestry Service reports and has expanded its product line to include genetic reports on carrier status, wellness, and traits.

Anne Wojcicki is a prominent entrepreneur and biotechnology pioneer, best known as the co-founder and CEO of 23andMe. She was born in 1973 in California and grew up in a family deeply immersed in science and academia. She studied biology at Yale University, which laid the groundwork for her future career. Before launching her own company, she worked on Wall Street as a healthcare investment analyst, where she gained valuable insight into the business side of medicine and genetics.

Why she matters

Anne Wojcicki matters because she revolutionized how people access and understand their own genetic information. She co-founded 23andMe in 2006 with a mission to make DNA testing affordable, accessible, and easy to interpret for the general public. Her leadership helped pioneer the direct-to-consumer genetic testing industry, empowering millions to learn about their ancestry, health predispositions, and inherited traits. Under her guidance, 23andMe also contributed valuable genetic data to scientific research, accelerating discoveries in areas like Parkinson’s disease, depression, and other conditions.

What she’s known for

Anne is widely recognized for making personal genomics mainstream. Her company’s sleek, saliva-based DNA test kit became a cultural phenomenon, popularizing at-home genetic testing. She is also known for her advocacy of consumer rights in healthcare and data privacy. Beyond business, her high-profile marriage to and divorce from Google co-founder Sergey Brin brought additional public attention, though she remains defined by her professional achievements. Anne continues to be a vocal leader in health innovation, frequently speaking about the future of personalized medicine and the importance of individuals having ownership of their genetic data.