Roma Balwani
Former Theranos president, convicted of fraud
Ramesh Balwani, known professionally as Roma Balwani, is an Indian-born entrepreneur who served as the president and chief operating officer of Theranos, a health technology startup that claimed to have developed revolutionary blood-testing technology. Balwani was instrumental in the company's growth and operations during its rise to prominence in the early 2010s, before the company's technology and claims were exposed as fraudulent by journalists and regulators. His partnership with CEO Elizabeth Holmes became central to Theranos's story as the company promised breakthrough innovations in blood testing that would transform healthcare. Following investigations by the SEC and the Department of Justice, Balwani faced charges of wire fraud and conspiracy. In 2022, he was convicted on all counts, making him one of the most prominent figures in one of Silicon Valley's most notorious fraud cases. His conviction highlighted the dangers of unsubstantiated claims in the tech industry and the importance of regulatory oversight in healthcare innovation.
Business & Industry
Indian
1966
Thinking about the name
Roma
Latin origin
“Derived from Rome, the ancient city, Roma is both geographically evocative and classically elegant. It has strong associations with Italian heritage and carries an air of timeless beauty, cosmopolitan sophistication, and historical depth that appeals to culturally conscious parents.”