Why Did Anne Wojcicki Resign from 23andMe? Who is Anne Wojcicki?

Why Did Anne Wojcicki Resign?

Anne Wojcicki, the visionary biotech entrepreneur and co-founder of 23andMe, officially resigned as CEO of the company on March 24, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of Silicon Valley’s most storied startups. The resignation came on the same day that 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, capping off a turbulent few years that saw the company’s valuation plummet from a once-lofty $6 billion to just $25 million.

Wojcicki, who had led the company since its founding in 2006, stepped down amid growing financial pressures, strategic missteps, and failed attempts to take the company private. While she will remain on the board of directors, her resignation as chief executive closes a significant chapter in the history of personalized genomics.

A Fall from Grace

23andMe’s fall was nothing short of dramatic. The company went public in 2021 through a SPAC merger backed by Richard Branson, entering the market with a $3.5 billion valuation and soaring briefly to $6 billion. Its innovative at-home DNA testing kits had brought consumer genetics into the mainstream, and Anne Wojcicki was hailed as a trailblazer—appearing on Forbes, TIME, and Fast Company’s most powerful lists.

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But the honeymoon didn’t last. As regulatory hurdles mounted and consumer interest plateaued, 23andMe struggled to transition from a consumer DNA testing company into a sustainable health data and therapeutics business. Despite a high-profile partnership with GlaxoSmithKline and ambitions to build a drug discovery pipeline, recurring revenue remained elusive, and the company reported consistent losses quarter after quarter.

By early 2024, the company had gone through three rounds of layoffs, cut R&D spending, and was burning through its cash reserves. Its stock price dropped over 99%, and in early 2025, it was in danger of being delisted from NASDAQ.

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Wojcicki’s Exit: A Leadership Shift in Crisis

On the night of March 24, 2025, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in federal court, announcing that it would begin soliciting bids to sell its remaining assets. Alongside that filing came Wojcicki’s resignation as CEO. Joseph Selsavage, the company’s Chief Financial and Accounting Officer, was appointed interim CEO.

Wojcicki acknowledged the collapse in a candid post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“We have had many successes but I equally take accountability for the challenges we have today… There is no doubt that the challenges faced by 23andMe through an evolving business model have been real, but my belief in the company and its future is unwavering.”

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Her resignation was seen as both symbolic and strategic—a necessary move to appease stakeholders and clear the path for a potential restructuring or sale.

Private Bid Attempts and Rejection

In the months leading up to the bankruptcy, Wojcicki tried multiple times to take 23andMe private, submitting proposals to acquire the company and pivot away from the public markets. However, according to SEC filings, a special committee formed by 23andMe’s independent directors unanimously rejected her most recent offer in early March 2025.

This rejection likely played a major role in her decision to step down. Still, Wojcicki made clear that she is not walking away entirely. In her statement, she revealed that she plans to pursue the company as an independent bidder during the 45-day asset sale process—hinting at a potential comeback under a new ownership structure.

A Visionary Legacy, Complicated by Collapse

Anne Wojcicki’s departure as CEO brings mixed emotions in Silicon Valley and the biotech world. On one hand, she democratized access to genetic information and pushed boundaries in FDA regulation, data-driven health, and personalized medicine. On the other, critics point to 23andMe’s overreliance on consumer testing, its inability to scale in the pharmaceutical space, and decisions that diluted long-term value for shareholders.

Still, even amid bankruptcy, Anne’s legacy as a pioneer of personal genomics remains intact. She broke barriers, made genetic testing a household concept, and laid the groundwork for future startups in health tech and biotech.

What’s Next for Anne Wojcicki?

While Anne Wojcicki has stepped down from the CEO role, her story isn’t over. With deep knowledge of biotech, a high-profile network, and personal wealth (estimated at $150 million in 2025), she’s likely to remain a major player in the healthcare innovation space.

Whether she successfully reacquires 23andMe through the bankruptcy process or launches something entirely new, Wojcicki has shown that she’s not afraid to pivot, evolve, or fight for her vision.

Summary

Anne Wojcicki resigned as CEO of 23andMe in March 2025, the same day the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Her resignation follows a series of setbacks, including failed private buyout attempts, plummeting revenue, and a 99% stock decline. While stepping down as chief executive, she remains on the board and has expressed interest in buying back the company during its restructuring process. Though her tenure ends under difficult circumstances, Wojcicki’s legacy as a biotech pioneer and disruptor is far from over.