Everlywell Expands with Acquisitions and Parent Company Formation

Everlywell, the Austin-based startup specializing in home lab testing kits, is significantly broadening its operations through the acquisition of two companies. This expansion includes the creation of a new parent organization, Everly Health, under the continued leadership of Everlywell’s CEO and co-founder, Julia Cheek.

Everly Health will encompass a range of services. These include at-home lab testing kits, educational resources, large-scale population testing facilitated by a nationwide network of clinicians, telehealth services, and lab tests supported by payers and enterprises.

Company Evolution and Growth

Founded in 2015, Everlywell initially gained recognition as a finalist in TechCrunch’s 2016 Disrupt SF Battlefield competition. The company has consistently refined its offerings over time.

Its initial focus on fertility products expanded to include tests for food sensitivities and allergies. Most recently, Everlywell introduced at-home COVID-19 test collection kits.

Expanding Business Capabilities

Everly Health’s business now extends beyond direct-to-consumer diagnostics and personal health education. It also incorporates established relationships with health plans, employers, and laboratories across the United States, managed through PWNHealth.

PWNHealth will be rebranded as Everly Health Solutions, signifying its integration into the new parent company structure.

Synergies and the Acquisition Rationale

Everlywell and PWNHealth have a long history of collaboration. According to Cheek, this existing partnership was a key factor in making the acquisition mutually beneficial.

Years of cooperative work, particularly intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated a strong cultural alignment and a shared commitment to accessible, diagnostic-driven healthcare.

Accelerated Growth and Pandemic Influence

Cheek stated that the decision to acquire complementary businesses was partly influenced by the pandemic. However, she emphasized that this was an acceleration of trends already observed before 2020.

Bolstered by a $175 million funding round in December, Everlywell was well-positioned to pursue strategic acquisitions.

“The need for consumer-friendly testing services has increased dramatically,” Cheek explained. “Our business has experienced exponential growth, increasing by 300%, even with the resumption of routine doctor’s visits.”

Addressing Potential Conflicts of Interest

The acquisition introduces a degree of complexity, as Everly Health Solutions serves clients who may compete with Everlywell.

Cheek assured that both entities have a proven record of data security and HIPAA compliance. A strict data firewall will be implemented to ensure “complete data independence” and prevent any anti-competitive practices.

Unified Brand and Shared Resources

Despite the separation of data, the companies will share resources in customer experience, design, and product development.

The goal is to establish a unified brand identity centered on delivering consistently high-quality customer engagement.

Leadership and Investment

Financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed. PWNHealth CEO Sanjay Pingle will assume a transitional role within the combined company and will also join the Everly Health board of directors.

Existing investors in PWNHealth, including Spectrum Equity and Blue Venture Fund (Blue Cross/Blue Shield’s corporate venture capital arm), will maintain ownership stakes in Everly Health.

• Key Takeaway: Everly Health represents a significant expansion of Everlywell’s capabilities, positioning it as a comprehensive provider of at-home and enterprise testing solutions.