Once valued at a sky-high $6 billion after going public in 2021, 23andMe’s fortunes rapidly declined. A steep drop in consumer demand, challenges turning its services profitable, and a 2023 data breach that exposed sensitive genetic data of nearly 7 million users all contributed to its downfall. In March 2025, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and CEO Anne Wojcicki resigned amid internal turmoil.
Bidding Wars & Data Privacy Battles
Regeneron’s Initial Bid
In May 2025, biotech giant Regeneron Pharmaceuticals submitted a $256 million bid to acquire 23andMe via a bankruptcy auction. The move sparked privacy concerns, prompting assurances that existing privacy policies would be honored and that data use would be overseen by a court-appointed privacy ombudsman.
Anne Wojcicki Reenters the Arena
In a dramatic twist, Anne Wojcicki—via her newly formed nonprofit TTAM Research Institute—re-entered the bidding. Her offer of $305 million outpaced Regeneron’s and quickly became the front-runner.
Court Rulings & Regulatory Scrutiny
Legal Hurdles and Appeals
Several states—including California—pushed back, citing their genetic privacy laws and arguing that users’ data shouldn’t be transferred without explicit consent. This led to legal challenges and even a temporary pause in the sale.
However, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Missouri, presided over by Judge Brian Walsh, overruled these objections. The court ruled that TTAM’s acquisition was structured as a sale of equity—not a direct sale of personal genetic data—thus not violating state privacy laws. The nonprofit also pledged to maintain privacy protections, including user rights to delete data.
By July 14, 2025, the sale was officially closed, signaling TTAM’s takeover of 23andMe’s assets.
What It Means for Users & the Future
Data Privacy & Ownership
Under TTAM’s stewardship, 23andMe pledges to uphold core privacy commitments. Institutional safeguards include the creation of a consumer privacy board, timely customer notifications, breach mitigation policies, and two years of complimentary identity theft monitoring for users.
Despite this, transparency and trust remain critical—many users deleted their genetic profiles amid the uncertainty. Around 2 million opted out.
A Mission-Driven Regeneration
TTAM’s nonprofit structure reflects a pivot toward public benefit and research rather than profit, aiming to keep consumer access to ancestry and health insights intact while revitalizing biomedical exploration.
A Broader Wake-Up Call
23andMe’s collapse and sale have raised national concerns about data privacy and the fragility of direct-to-consumer genetic services. Congress even held hearings over potential national security risks tied to genetic data ownership.
Summary Timeline
| Date | Key Event |
|---|---|
| March 2025 | 23andMe files for Chapter 11; Anne Wojcicki resigns as CEO |
| May 2025 | Regeneron wins initial auction with $256M bid |
| June 2025 | Wojcicki’s TTAM ups the ante with $305M bid, outbidding Regeneron |
| July 2025 | Court resolves legal hurdles; sale closes under TTAM’s nonprofit control |
Final Thoughts
The chapter of 23andMe’s bankruptcy and sale underscores the tense balance between consumer genetic data as a commercial asset and safeguarding personal privacy. The revival under TTAM, led by a familiar face in Anne Wojcicki, promises a reinvestment in public good and transparency—but not without the enduring question: Can trust in genetic data stewardship be restored?
1. Bankruptcy and Sale
- March 23, 2025: 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after years of financial struggles, including falling revenues and a rejected acquisition offer.
- July 14, 2025: The bankruptcy court approved and closed the sale of 23andMe to new ownership.
This means the company is no longer independent, but its services continue under new management.
2. What Happens to Customer Data?
- The new 23andMe leadership has promised to add extra privacy protections for genetic data.
- However, privacy experts warn that risks remain. Bankruptcy highlighted how vulnerable sensitive DNA data can be when companies change hands.
- Customers still have the option to delete their DNA data from 23andMe if they’re concerned.
3. Current Features & Updates
Despite financial troubles, 23andMe continues to expand its services:
- Ancestry Features: As of winter 2025, 23andMe added diasporic Genetic Groups, giving users more precise ancestry breakdowns.
- Chip Technology: 23andMe periodically updates its genotyping chip to improve accuracy and expand health/ancestry reports.
4. What Customers Should Know Now
✅ Your account is still active — services haven’t shut down.
✅ Data privacy is still a concern — consider reviewing your sharing settings or deleting your data.
✅ Ancestry tools are improving — new genetic groups and chip upgrades are rolling out.
✅ Ownership has changed — the company is under new control, which may affect policies long-term.
5. Key Takeaways
- 23andMe survived bankruptcy but is now owned by new investors.
- Privacy remains the biggest issue — experts strongly recommend reviewing your consent and data-sharing settings.
- The company is still adding new ancestry and health features, so the user experience continues to evolve.
👉 If you’re a customer, the best next step is to log into your account, review privacy settings, and decide whether to keep or delete your DNA data.
Overview of 23andMe
23andMe is a leading personal genomics and biotechnology company that offers DNA testing services to help individuals learn about their ancestry and health. The company provides various testing kits with different features and price points to meet customer needs.
Company Background
Founded in 2006, 23andMe pioneered direct-to-consumer genetic testing, making DNA analysis accessible to the general public. The company is named after the 23 pairs of chromosomes in a human cell.
Over the years, 23andMe has built one of the world’s largest databases of genetic information. This has allowed them to offer increasingly detailed reports on ancestry, traits, and health predispositions.
Recently, the company has faced challenges. According to search results, 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy protection and is seeking a buyer. This financial restructuring comes after the company helped popularize ancestry tracing through genetic testing.
23andMe Services and Pricing
23andMe offers several DNA testing options with varying features and price points:
Current Service Tiers:
- Health + Ancestry kit: Provides 150+ personalized genetic reports including health insights, ancestry information, and traits
- 23andMe+ Premium: Originally priced at $268, now available at a first-year sale price of $199
- 23andMe+ Total Health: Annual membership that renews at $199 per year
The basic testing process involves ordering a kit online, providing a saliva sample, and sending it back for analysis. Results are typically available within a few weeks through their online platform.
Shipping and kit costs vary based on service type, number of kits ordered, and shipping method selected. The company frequently offers promotions and discounts, especially during holidays.
Investor Insights
23andMe’s financial situation is facing significant challenges, with the company recently entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy and seeking to sell its assets. This has created a complex landscape for current and potential investors to navigate.
New Mountain Capital’s Involvement
New Mountain Capital has emerged as a key player in 23andMe’s restructuring efforts. The private equity firm has shown interest in acquiring substantial portions of 23andMe’s assets through the bankruptcy process. This involvement comes as 23andMe’s cash reserves dwindled to approximately $79.4 million by the end of last year.
The firm’s approach typically focuses on operational improvements rather than financial engineering, which could potentially benefit 23andMe’s core genetic testing business. New Mountain Capital brings experience in healthcare investments that might help revitalize 23andMe’s business model.
Investors should note that New Mountain’s involvement represents both an opportunity for stabilization and a significant shift in the company’s ownership structure.
Strategies for Long-Term Value Creation
Despite current financial troubles, 23andMe is pursuing several strategies to create long-term value. The company continues to leverage its vast genetic database for research partnerships, which remains a valuable asset even during bankruptcy proceedings.
The voluntary Chapter 11 process allows 23andMe to:
- Restructure debt obligations
- Evaluate strategic alternatives
- Maintain operations during transition
- Protect core intellectual property
Management has indicated they’re focusing on streamlining operations while preserving their consumer genetics business. Cost-cutting measures have been implemented across departments to extend runway.
The company’s therapeutic research division, though promising, has become a financial burden that may be separated or sold to create a more sustainable business model focused on consumer genetic testing.
How to Delete Your DNA Data from 23andMe
1. Log Into Your Account
- Go to 23andMe.com and sign in with your email and password.
- If you have multiple profiles linked (for family members), choose the one you want to manage.
2. Go to Settings
- Click your name/profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. Find the Delete Data Option
- Scroll down to the “Delete Your Data” or “Data Access & Deletion” section.
- You should see options for:
- Delete Genetic Data (removes your DNA results but keeps your account).
- Delete Account & Data (permanently deletes your account and DNA data).
4. Confirm Your Choice
- If you choose Delete Genetic Data, your DNA test results and reports will be erased, but your login may remain.
- If you choose Delete Account & Data, everything (account + DNA data) is permanently deleted.
⚠️ Warning: Once deleted, your data cannot be recovered.
5. Verify Your Identity
- 23andMe will ask you to re-enter your password.
- In some cases, they may send a verification email to confirm you want deletion.
6. Wait for Processing
- Deletion requests usually take 30 days to complete.
- During that time, your data will be scheduled for permanent removal from their servers.
7. Optional: Revoke Research Consent
If you had opted into 23andMe’s research program, deleting your data should revoke consent automatically.
- To double-check:
- Go to Settings → Consent & Research.
- Make sure your participation is set to Withdrawn.
✅ After this process, your DNA data and reports will be permanently removed from 23andMe’s system.
Shareholder Voting Power and Corporate Governance
The bankruptcy filing has significant implications for shareholder voting power. Current shareholders face potential dilution or complete loss of their investments depending on the restructuring outcome.
Corporate governance has come under scrutiny as conflicts of interest between management decisions and shareholder value have emerged. The board’s decision to pursue Chapter 11 rather than earlier strategic alternatives has raised questions about oversight effectiveness.
Shareholders currently have limited influence on the restructuring process, as court proceedings and creditor committees now play dominant roles in decision-making. Class action lawsuits have been filed by some investor groups alleging inadequate disclosure of financial difficulties.
The multi-class share structure that gave certain early investors and executives enhanced voting rights has been criticized for limiting ordinary shareholders’ ability to influence company direction before the financial crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many customers have questions about 23andMe’s pricing, services, and recent company changes. Here are answers to some of the most common questions people ask about this popular DNA testing service.
What is the current pricing for 23andMe genetic testing kits?
As of March 2025, 23andMe offers several DNA testing kit options at different price points. The basic Ancestry kit remains their entry-level option.
Their premium health and ancestry service costs approximately $229, according to recent search information. This comprehensive option provides both ancestry information and health insights.
The 23andMe+ Premium membership costs $69 for a one-year subscription after purchasing a kit. The Total Health membership renews at $199 per year according to their current pricing structure.
Has there been any significant updates regarding 23andMe services following the CEO’s resignation?
The company has maintained its core offerings despite leadership changes. Service continuity remains a priority for the organization during this transition period.
New research partnerships have been announced to expand their health insights database. These collaborations aim to provide more detailed genetic health information to subscribers.
Customer support channels continue to operate normally with no reported disruptions to testing services.
Are there any promotions or trials offered for the premium version of 23andMe?
23andMe occasionally runs seasonal promotions on their testing kits, particularly during holiday periods. These sales typically offer 20-30% discounts on select products.
New customers may find bundle deals that combine basic testing with a discounted trial of the premium membership. These promotions are typically advertised on their website homepage.
Family pack discounts are available when purchasing multiple kits together, providing better value for households.
How can users manage their accounts and access results via the 23andMe login portal?
Users can access their genetic information through the secure customer portal at the 23andMe website. The dashboard organizes results into easy-to-navigate categories.
Mobile apps for iOS and Android offer on-the-go access to account information and test results. These apps mirror the functionality of the main website.
Two-factor authentication is now required for all accounts to enhance data security. This extra layer of protection helps safeguard sensitive genetic information.
What are the benefits of subscribing to a 23andMe membership, and is it considered valuable?
The 23andMe+ membership provides expanded health reports beyond the basic testing service. Subscribers receive regular updates when new genetic insights become available.
Premium features include more detailed ancestry breakdowns and specialized health risk assessments. These reports offer deeper insights into genetic predispositions for various conditions.
Many users find value in the ongoing research participation opportunities available to members. This allows customers to contribute to scientific advances while gaining personal insights.
Has 23andMe addressed the recent data privacy concerns with an official statement or policy update?
The company has published updated privacy guidelines clarifying how genetic data is stored and used. These policies outline specific protections in place for customer information.
23andMe now provides more granular consent options for research participation. Customers can opt in or out of specific research projects rather than making a blanket decision.
Enhanced security measures have been implemented for the database infrastructure. These technical safeguards aim to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive genetic information.
