Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Theranos trial: Who is Ramesh Balwani?

Theranos trial: Who is Ramesh Balwani?

DISGRACED US biotech star Elizabeth Holmes was in court on Tuesday (31) as jury selection began for her fraud trial in a case that rocked Silicon Valley.

The latest twist in the Theranos trial is that Holmes has accused her former boyfriend, who was president of the blood-testing startup, of abusing her, according to court documents.


Holmes claims Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani abused her emotionally and psychologically in a relationship that spanned more than a decade.

But, Balwani, whose case is being handled separately, has denied the allegations.

Theranos, which Holmes founded in 2003 at the age of 19, collapsed in March 2018 when she, Balwani and the $9 billion company were charged with fraud by US regulators.

Who is Ramesh Balwani?

Ramesh Balwani was born in 1965 in Pakistan to a Sindhi Hindu family. The family moved to India, and later immigrated to the US.

In 1986, Balwani began undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin where he was a member of the Pakistani Students Association. He received an undergraduate degree in information systems.

After stints at Microsoft and Lotus he helped build and sell an internet company and made $40m just before the bubble burst.

A freshly-minted millionaire, he married a Japanese artist and splashed out on cars including a Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Gallardo and a mansion in Atherton, the well-heeled San Francisco satellite where Sir Nick Clegg now lives as he spins for Facebook, according to The Telegraph.

It was on a Stanford University trip to Beijing, China, that Balwani, then a 37-year-old computer science student met 18-year-old Holmes, who was due to join the Silicon Valley institution the following year.

She did, but eventually dropped out to start Theranos and begin her romance with Balwani. He moved Holmes into his home after divorcing his wife, and in 2009, he was named as Theranos’ president.

Secret love story

According to The Telegraph, investors and board members were unaware Holmes and Balwani had been living together for four years when Balwani took over Theranos.

Despite the age difference and the arrival to work in different cars, employees claimed it became something of an open secret in the office.

Theranos claimed to have devised a revolutionary blood test that used very small amounts of blood. In 2015, Theranos came under criticism in the media due to its questionable claims and practices. The company was eventually forced into bankruptcy.

Balwani had no training in biological sciences or medical devices.

He was charged by federal authorities for operating the business as a multi-million-dollar scheme to defraud investors, doctors, and patients.

The trial for him was set to begin in October 2020, but has been pushed back to January 11, 2022, due to Covid-19 concerns.

According to The Telegraph, Balwani’s lawyers will argue that he cannot be accused of fraud because he has nothing to show for it.

"He claims to have joined Theranos when it was on the brink of bankruptcy, investing $12m of his own money and paying himself just $1 salary and stock, which is now worthless," the report added.

More For You

CSK vs RCB

CSK and RCB-tune in for this blockbuster clash between two IPL heavyweights

Getty Images

IPL 2025 - CSK vs RCB: Chennai and Bengaluru's clash of titans

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back with another highly anticipated encounter as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 8th match of the 2025 season. The match will take place at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 28th at 7:30 PM IST. Both teams are coming off strong wins in their previous matches and are eager to extend their winning streaks, making this clash one that fans won’t want to miss.

Team analysis: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, comes into this game with confidence after a thrilling victory over Mumbai Indians. Although the chase wasn’t entirely smooth, CSK managed to pull off a win with 4 wickets in hand. Their bowling unit, led by the young sensation Noor Ahmad, was instrumental in restricting Mumbai to a modest total of 155/9. Noor’s outstanding spell of 4 wickets for just 18 runs earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match title, while Khaleel Ahmed also chipped in with 3 wickets.

Keep ReadingShow less
Streeting: Health deal signals new era in UK-India ties

Foreign Office minister Catherine West, health secretary Wes Streeting and equalities minister Seema Malhotra during the Holi Reception in London.

Streeting: Health deal signals new era in UK-India ties

THE recent health and life sciences agreement between the UK and India will strengthen cooperation on healthcare innovation and security in both countries, health secretary Wes Streeting said.

Speaking at the Holi reception organised by the 1928 Institute, who are the secretariat for the India All-Party Parliamentary Group, in London on Monday (24), he added that the contribution of British Indians has been pivotal in the growth of the NHS since its inception in 1948, and a robust partnership between the two nations will ensure we have a healthcare provider 'fit for the future'.

Keep ReadingShow less
Renée Zellweger Joins Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Cast

Renée Zellweger joins the cast of Only Murders in the Building Season 5, bringing more star power to the hit series

Getty Images

Renée Zellweger joins ‘Only Murders in the Building’ season 5 with an expanded star-studded cast

The Oscar-winning actress joins Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short in Hulu’s hit mystery-comedy for an exciting new season.

Renée Zellweger is the latest Hollywood star to join Hulu's hit mystery-comedy Only Murders in the Building for its fifth season. The two-time Academy Award winner will share the screen with series regulars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, adding to the show’s already impressive line-up of guest stars.

Keep ReadingShow less
british-steel-iStock

An aerial view of Steel Plant Industry in Scunthorpe. (Photo: iStock)

British Steel to shut blast furnaces, up to 2,700 jobs at risk

BRITISH STEEL, owned by Chinese group Jingye, confirmed on Thursday that it will shut down its blast furnaces and steelmaking operations in England, attributing the decision to market challenges, tariffs, and rising environmental costs.

The closures, first proposed in late 2023, could lead to the loss of up to 2,700 jobs at the company’s main UK site in Scunthorpe, northern England, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Keep ReadingShow less