By now, many of us are familiar with the story of Elizabeth Holmes and her late biotech startup, Theranos. And while it’s easy to write the whole story off as the work of a troubled person, the truth is: Theranos, at its inception, had a groundbreaking idea, one that many well-respected people invested millions into.

Theranos’s blood-testing method — which promised to detect a range of illnesses with just a prick — was designed to be as small, compact, and lightning-fast as possible because, the story went, Holmes and her mother were both terrified by needles. The technology — if it had been realized — would have revolutionized the healthcare industry. So it's no surprise that this idea seduced many high-profile investors. ADVERTISEMENT

Ahead, we've compiled a list of investors who put a considerable chunk of change towards the now-defunct Theranos. While the Theranos debacle is juicy from a bystander standpoint, it’s clearly been financially devastating for those who bought into the hype.

Secretary Betsy Devos - Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images. Betsy DeVos



and her family, who put $100 million toward the now defunct company. Members of Atlanta's billionaire Cox family, members of a South African diamond dynasty, and Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim also stand to suffer big losses.



According to Education secretary Betsy DeVos and her family, who put $100 million toward the now defunct company. Members of Atlanta's billionaire Cox family, members of a South African diamond dynasty, and Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim also stand to suffer big losses.According to Greg McNeilly , chief operating officer of Windquest Group, Betsy DeVos and her husband’s holding company, “The investment was made by many members of the DeVos family. To say they’re highly disappointed in Theranos as a company and an investment is an understatement.”

Walmart founders the Walton family - Photo: Beth Hall/Bloomberg/Getty Images. The Walton Family



According to unsealed documents from several of the lawsuits now brought against Theranos, Walmart founders the Walton family donated $150 million to the company.



The Walton's are reportedly According to unsealed documents from several of the lawsuits now brought against Theranos, Walmart founders the Walton family donated $150 million to the company.The Walton's are reportedly the richest family in America , with a combined wealth of $163.2 billion, according to Bloomberg

Atlanta's billionaire Cox family - Photo: CLINT SPAULDING/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images. The Cox Family (pictured: Anne Cox Chambers)



Other investors facing significant losses include members of Atlanta's Other investors facing significant losses include members of Atlanta's billionaire Cox family . As of 2017, Cox Enterprises was valued at $20 billion.