Anne Wojcicki Biography
Anne Wojcicki is an American entrepreneur who co-founded and is the CEO of 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company. She founded the company in 2006 alongside Linda Avey and Paul Cusenza to provide the public with direct access to their genetic information. She is also a co-founder and board member of the Breakthrough Prize, an initiative that rewards groundbreaking scientific achievements.
Anne Wojcicki Age and Height
Wojcicki was born on July 28, 1973, making her 51 years old as of 2024. She was raised in Palo Alto, California, in an academically enriched environment, growing up on Stanford University’s campus.
She stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall.
Anne Wojcicki Family
Anne comes from a highly accomplished family. Her father, Stanley Wojcicki, is a Polish-born physics professor emeritus at Stanford University, while her mother, Esther Wojcicki, is a well-respected educator and journalist.
Anne Wojcicki Sister
Anne is the youngest of three sisters:
- Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube, played a significant role in Google’s early development.
- Janet Wojcicki, an anthropologist and epidemiologist with a focus on health research.
Her maternal grandparents were Russian Jewish immigrants, while her paternal grandfather, Franciszek Wójcicki, was a Polish politician. Her grandmother, Janina Wójcicka Hoskins, was a librarian at the Library of Congress, responsible for compiling the largest collection of Polish material in the U.S.
Are Susan Wojcicki and Anne Wojcicki Related?
Yes, Susan Wojcicki and Anne Wojcicki are biological sisters, excelling in their respective fields—Susan in tech and Anne in genomics.
How Much is Susan Wojcicki Worth?
As of 2024, Susan Wojcicki’s net worth is estimated to be between $800 million and $1 billion, thanks to her long tenure at Google and YouTube.
Anne Wojcicki Education
Wojcicki attended Gunn High School in Palo Alto, where she edited the school newspaper, The Oracle, and won a scholarship for her sports writing. She also took up figure skating at 14 and later played ice hockey.
She pursued higher education at Yale University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1996. While at Yale, she played on the varsity women’s ice hockey team. She also conducted molecular biology research at the National Institutes of Health and UC San Diego.
After graduating, she worked as a healthcare investment analyst for four years at Passport Capital and Investor AB, overseeing biotechnology investments. However, disillusioned with Wall Street’s approach to healthcare, she decided against medical school to focus on biological research and entrepreneurship.
Anne Wojcicki Net Worth
As of 2024, Anne Wojcicki’s net worth is estimated to be around $800 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her leadership at 23andMe, investments, and business ventures.
Anne Wojcicki Partner and Kids
Wojcicki has been in several high-profile relationships, including her marriage to Google co-founder Sergey Brin. The couple married in May 2007 and had two children, but later divorced in 2015.
How Did Anne Wojcicki Meet Sergey Brin?
Anne met Sergey Brin through her sister Susan, who was involved in Google’s early development. Their shared interest in science and technology led to their marriage in 2007.
Anne Wojcicki and Alex Rodriguez
After her divorce from Sergey Brin, Anne dated former MLB star Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) in 2016. Their relationship attracted media attention but ended amicably.
How Many Children Does Anne Wojcicki Have?
Wojcicki has three children—a son and a daughter from her marriage to Sergey Brin and another daughter born in July 2019 through sperm donation.
Anne Wojcicki Nephew
Anne Wojcicki’s nephew is Benji Wojcicki, the son of Susan Wojcicki.
Anne Wojcicki and 23andMe
Anne co-founded 23andMe in 2006 to democratize access to genetic information. The company allows customers to analyze their ancestry, health risks, and genetic traits.
- 23andMe’s genome test kit was named “Invention of the Year” by Time magazine in 2008.
- In 2015, the FDA approved 23andMe’s health-related genetic tests, including risks for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cystic fibrosis.
- In 2018, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) invested $300 million in 23andMe to collaborate on drug development.
- In 2021, Anne took 23andMe public through a SPAC merger, making her a self-made billionaire. However, by 2024, the company’s value had dropped to 2% of its peak $6 billion valuation, leading Wojcicki to propose taking it private—a move rejected by the board, prompting seven independent directors to resign.
Anne Wojcicki and Shark Tank
Wojcicki appeared as a guest investor on Shark Tank, bringing her expertise in healthcare and biotechnology to evaluate startup pitches.
Anne Wojcicki’s Philanthropy and Investments
- Real Estate: Anne and Sergey Brin invested in downtown Los Altos, California, launching the State Street Market food hall in 2021.
- Philanthropy: They run the Brin Wojcicki Foundation, which has donated millions to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.
- The Giving Pledge: In 2022, Anne joined The Giving Pledge, committing to donate most of her wealth.
Anne Wojcicki Social Media
Wojcicki maintains a low profile on social media, but she can be found on:
- Twitter/X: @annewoj23
- LinkedIn: Anne Wojcicki
Conclusion
Anne Wojcicki’s journey from a Yale biology graduate to the CEO of 23andMe is a testament to her resilience, innovation, and vision. Despite challenges, she remains one of the most influential women in science and business today, continuously pushing the boundaries of genetic research and healthcare accessibility.
