The Daily

The United States v. Elizabeth Holmes

Sep 16, 2021

Erin Griffith, a technology reporter for The New York Times, delves into the extraordinary tale of Elizabeth Holmes and her blood-testing startup, Theranos. The discussion highlights the clash between ambition and ethics in Silicon Valley, with Holmes initially celebrated as a tech innovator. Griffith also examines the broader implications of Holmes' legal troubles for women in tech. The podcast scrutinizes the trial's complexities, including the debate over entrepreneurial intent and the potential fallout for the tech industry's reputation.

31:50

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Episode guests

Erin Griffith

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

The Rise and Fall of Elizabeth Holmes

14min

The Impact of Legal Troubles on Women in Tech

2min

The Complex Defense of Entrepreneurial Ambition

2min

The Trial of Elizabeth Holmes: Aspirations vs. Deceit

10min

California Recall Election Results and International Security Updates

2min

When Elizabeth Holmes founded Theranos, the blood testing start-up, she was held up as one of the next great tech innovators.

But her company collapsed, and she was accused of lying about how well Theranos’s technology worked. Now she is on trial on fraud charges.

The case against Ms. Holmes is being held up as a referendum on the “fake it till you make it” culture of Silicon Valley, but it’s also about so much more.

Guest: Erin Griffith, a reporter covering technology start-ups and venture capital for The New York Times.

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Background reading:

The trial of Ms. Holmes will cap a saga of Silicon Valley ambition and deception.

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