In the world of biotechnology, few names command as much respect and recognition as Anne Wojcicki. The co-founder and CEO of 23andMe has built a career at the crossroads of science, entrepreneurship, and personal empowerment through genetics. As of 2025, Wojcicki’s estimated net worth ranges from $500 million to over $1 billion, reflecting her role as one of the most influential women in tech and science today.
A Trailblazer in Personal Genetics
Anne Wojcicki (pronounced Woe-JIT-ski), born on July 28, 1973, in Palo Alto, California, is now 51 years old. A graduate of Yale University, where she earned a degree in biology, Wojcicki initially started her career on Wall Street. However, she quickly grew disenchanted with the finance world, famously saying she couldn’t attend “one more meeting in a strip club.”
She returned to the Bay Area, where she co-founded 23andMe in 2006. The company was one of the first to offer direct-to-consumer genetic testing, allowing individuals to analyze their DNA using just a saliva sample. The test costs around $199 and provides insights into ancestry, health predispositions, and genetic traits.
23andMe was groundbreaking, but not without its hurdles. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took issue with its Personal Genome Service, particularly the delivery of potentially life-altering medical information without doctor supervision. After years of negotiation, the company received FDA approval for certain health-related genetic tests in 2015.
From Startup to Industry Giant
The name “23andMe” refers to the 23 pairs of chromosomes that carry human DNA. Under Wojcicki’s leadership, the company has grown into a global biotechnology firm, offering millions of users access to their genetic blueprints. In 2021, 23andMe went public via a merger with Richard Branson’s VG Acquisition Corp., briefly valuing the company at $6 billion.
Anne Wojcicki was estimated to own around 9% of the company at its peak, making her paper worth soar to over $540 million. However, by early 2024, 23andMe’s market cap had plummeted to approximately $20 million due to mounting financial losses, layoffs, and regulatory challenges. The company filed for bankruptcy in March 2025, prompting Wojcicki to step down as CEO.
Despite the decline in 23andMe’s valuation, Wojcicki’s legacy and personal fortune remain robust, thanks to early investments, ownership stakes, and real estate holdings. Her net worth is currently estimated at around $500 million to $1 billion.
Personal Life: Brin, A-Rod, and Beyond
Anne Wojcicki’s personal life has also captured media attention. She was married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin from 2007 until their divorce in 2015. The couple had two children together—a son and a daughter—and despite their separation, they maintain a cooperative co-parenting relationship.
Their marriage ended reportedly due to Brin’s affair with a Google employee, but a prenuptial agreement ensured a smooth and private financial settlement. Wojcicki and Brin remain in regular contact and continue to co-manage their philanthropic efforts through the Brin Wojcicki Foundation.
In a twist that intrigued both tech and tabloid circles, Wojcicki briefly dated baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) in 2016. Known for his previous relationships with Hollywood A-listers like Cameron Diaz and Madonna, A-Rod’s romance with the science-focused Wojcicki marked a notable departure. Though the relationship didn’t last, it highlighted Wojcicki’s growing prominence beyond the tech sphere.
Family of Overachievers
Anne comes from a family of high achievers. Her sister, Susan Wojcicki, served as the CEO of YouTube until 2023, while her other sister, Janet Wojcicki, is a renowned anthropologist and epidemiologist. Their father, Stanley Wojcicki, was a physics professor at Stanford for over four decades, and their mother, Esther Wojcicki, is a respected educator and journalist.
The Wojcicki family is known for their strong commitment to education, innovation, and social impact. Anne’s upbringing in this intellectually rich environment was instrumental in shaping her views on science and entrepreneurship.
Fitness, Cafés, and Other Ventures
Outside the lab and boardroom, Wojcicki maintains a strong interest in health and wellness. She bikes seven miles a day and is an advocate of CrossFit, even reserving part of 23andMe’s office space for fitness classes.
She also owns Bumble, a family-friendly café in the Bay Area, known for its kid-centric design and emphasis on community. Her approach to both business and lifestyle blends Silicon Valley innovation with grounded, family-first values.
Final Thoughts
Anne Wojcicki’s journey from Yale biology student to billionaire entrepreneur is nothing short of remarkable. She didn’t just co-found a company; she pioneered a new frontier in personal health and consumer biotechnology. Despite facing regulatory challenges and the eventual collapse of 23andMe, Wojcicki remains a formidable figure in both science and business.
With a current net worth estimated between $500 million and $1 billion, Anne Wojcicki’s financial standing remains strong. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists, entrepreneurs, and women in tech who aim to reshape the world through innovation.
Whether she’s co-parenting with a Google founder, biking to work, or launching her next big idea, Anne Wojcicki proves that smart, science-driven women can indeed change the world—and build an empire while doing it.
