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  • June 2021
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uBiome

By: Thomas R. Eisenmann and Olivia Graham
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:9
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Abstract

uBiome provided clinical tests that sequenced the DNA of human microbiome samples, providing data on health conditions directly to consumers or to prescribing physicians. Founded in 2012, the San Francisco-based startup raised $105 million from top-tier venture capital firms and recruited prominent biotech executives and scientists as board members and advisors. In April 2019, the FBI raided uBiome’s offices to investigate claims that the company had repeatedly billed individuals without their consent to meet aggressive revenue targets. uBiome’s cofounders/co-CEOs resigned soon afterward. The company declared bankruptcy later that year after a board committee concluded that management had indeed pursued policies of questionable legality, including improper insurance billing practices, improper use of a telemedicine physician network, overly aggressive marketing tactics, and the presentation of misleading information in fundraising pitches.

Keywords

Business Startups; Crime and Corruption; Insolvency and Bankruptcy

Citation

Eisenmann, Thomas R., and Olivia Graham. "uBiome." Harvard Business School Case 821-076, June 2021.
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About The Author

Thomas R. Eisenmann

Entrepreneurial Management
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