Warning: Light movie spoilers below. Read at your own risk.

Who Is Billy Evans, Elizabeth Holmes’ Husband—and What Is He Building?

Even before they became Elizabeth Holmes and Billy Evans, the couple were unusual. In a sentencing letter for Holmes in 2022, Evans wrote that she “may not have ultimately been able to change the world in the way she aspired to,” but “most certainly changed my world.” During one of the most difficult periods of her life, he said, Holmes taught him “patience” that he “previously might have dismissed as unnecessary and tender.”

A friend of the couple wrote in a separate sentencing letter that, after Evans returned from a “multi-month camping trip,” he showed “a new level of compassion in his demeanor, a strong sense of purpose in his actions, and an increased desire to listen to and see others with purpose.” Evans suggested that Holmes was not the only one of them to receive a second chance.

Is Billy Evans Building “Theranos 2.0”?

The couple may get another chance with Haemanthus, a company Evans has promoted to his social media followers. The company has described itself as “Not Theranos 2.0.” A person familiar with the industry told the Wall Street Journal that Holmes was not involved.

Even so, viewers of the documentary may see similarities between Evans and Holmes’ new project and Theranos. The film follows discussions about developing a working prototype, while the couple also talk about collaborating on product ideas while Holmes was in prison.

“That was the intention of this movie, to meet her and spend time with her,” Evans said. He later added, “You might think this is the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.” David Friedberg, a co-host of the All-In podcast, said he had not yet seen the film.

Who Is Billy Evans?

Before having two children with Holmes—son William and daughter Invicta—Evans grew up in San Diego as an heir to one of the city’s prominent families. His grandparents, William and Ann Evans, were described as “two young hoteliers” who helped build Southern California’s tourism industry.

According to the family company’s website, William Evans “saw the future” and opened a resort hotel on the Mission Bay tidal flats in 1953. The family later added a second nearby location and a third in La Jolla. The business created intergenerational wealth and was eventually partly taken over by Billy’s father, also named William.

Billy Evans’ Education and Early Career

Evans attended Francis Parker School, one of San Diego’s most prestigious private schools. A former teenage employee of the Evans family described the family as “very well-respected in San Diego,” but characterized Billy as “always a source of drama” who would try to start fights. The source also described him as a “typical spoiled rich kid,” while noting that this did not apply to all of his relatives.

Evans graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He reportedly later attempted to launch a medical concierge startup, but the company failed. He went on to work for several technology companies, including LinkedIn and self-driving car company Luminar Technologies.

How Billy Evans Met Elizabeth Holmes

Evans met Holmes in 2017 at a Fleet Week charity event in the Bay Area. Holmes later wrote in her sentencing letter that she was “captivated” by his “childish wonder and sincerity.”

At first, the Evans family was reportedly not enthusiastic about the relationship. A report at the time raised concerns about the relationship. By the time of Holmes’ trial, however, those doubts appeared to have faded.

Billy’s father, William Evans, appeared incognito in court under the alias “Hanson” and identified himself as a mechanic. He is also known for having a large collection of classic cars.

During jury selection, NPR reported that William Evans defended Holmes and drew attention in the courtroom when he unwrapped a large Rice Krispies treat, making noise with its crinkly foil.

Evans declined to be interviewed for this article and did not respond to specific questions.