Theranos merchandise on eBay sparks bloodlust among Elizabeth Holmes fans

theguardian.com:

Fans and followers of Theranos and its founder Elizabeth Holmes can now take home an expensive original piece of the company.

On eBay, more than a dozen allegedly authentic products from the now-defunct Silicon Valley firm are being sold – and much like the company itself, are listed at inflated prices.

A set of five Theranos branded pens recently sold for $150. A water bottle is currently listed for $1,500. For $11,000, you can purchase an “authentic” Theranos lab coat (notably “never worn”).

Many of these products are typical of Silicon Valley firms, which are known to hand out branded pens, shirts and water bottles at conferences. But the demand for those emblazoned with the “Theranos” logo have soared following the company’s spectacular downfall.

Holmes was convicted in January on four of 11 charges of fraud following a weeks-long trial chronicling her role in the blood testing firm.

The trial attracted massive attention, but months after the verdict was read, the hype has not waned. A Hulu television series has drawn major viewership, a movie is in the works, and the trial of Holmes co-conspirator Sunny Balwani is currently underway.

“We are seeing a ton of interest following the Holmes trial, and I don’t think it’s going to go away,” said Aron Solomon, a chief legal analyst for legal marketing firm Esquire Digital who has followed Theranos extensively.

The fascination with Holmes has created a micro-industry for new and vintage Theranos merch. And former employees are cashing in.

John, a seller behind one account listing Theranos products, worked at the company from 2012 to 2018 and was left with a handful of merchandise.

“I heard people were buying stuff online, so I listed some old clothes I had, kind of as a joke,” said