Following the high-profile conviction of Elizabeth Holmes for defrauding investors through her blood-testing venture Theranos, staunch supporters rushed to her defense. Among them was Lauren Friedman Stat, a Palantir board member and longtime college friend who penned a character letter to the presiding judge in 2022, describing Holmes as someone who consistently strives to do the right thing.

However, Stat's involvement extends far beyond a simple character reference. According to former chief technology officer Joseph LaChapelle, Stat cofounded Haemanthus, a blood-testing startup where Holmes' partner, Billy Evans, plays a central role. Another source revealed that Stat reportedly viewed the venture as a meaningful distraction for Holmes during her impending prison sentence.

The Technology Behind Haemanthus

Similar to the premise of Theranos, Haemanthus focuses on analyzing blood and other biological specimens. Yet, instead of trying to miniaturize traditional laboratory methods, the company relies on advanced laser technology. Sources indicate that toward the end of her tenure at Theranos, Holmes became convinced that laser-based applications offered a superior path forward.

This is not Theranos 2.0

While Evans has privately characterized the venture as 'Theranos 2.0' and noted backing from early Palantir employees, the startup has publicly distanced itself from these claims. In May 2025, Haemanthus released a statement denying any involvement by Holmes, emphasizing she has zero participation in the company, either now or in the future.

Documentary Spotlight and Patent Filings

Public scrutiny intensified following the release of the documentary You Can See Everything, directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim. The film features footage of Evans and Holmes pitching investors on an unnamed diagnostic concept utilizing lasers and artificial intelligence.

Although the exact connection to Haemanthus remains debated, official patent filings align closely with the documentary's themes. A June application titled Needle with Optical Fiber for Raman Signal Measurement lists David C. Stat—Lauren Stat's husband—alongside former CTO Joseph LaChapelle as key inventors.

  • Named after the Greek word for blood flower, Haemanthus emerged publicly in May 2025.
  • Fundraising efforts initially targeted veterinary testing with plans to expand into human diagnostics.
  • The venture has targeted a capital-raising goal exceeding $50 million.

Leadership at the startup has recently shifted, with LaChapelle confirming his resignation earlier this year amid conflicts of interest regarding a separate enterprise. As investigations continue, the intricate web connecting former Theranos figures to modern laser diagnostics remains a focal point of intense industry curiosity.