Eric Lefkofsky, a serial entrepreneur, has founded his latest venture, health tech firm Tempus AI, with the goal of making it his “enduring legacy.” Tempus AI uses artificial intelligence to analyze cancer patients’ tumor samples and provide personalized treatment options. Lefkofsky’s personal experience with his wife’s cancer diagnosis inspired him to enter the healthcare industry, despite his initial reluctance due to its regulations. The company went public this summer and has a valuation of $6 billion, with Lefkofsky’s stake worth around $2.5 billion.
Lefkofsky’s approach to entrepreneurship has been marked by quick decision-making and a focus on solving problems. His past ventures include companies in industries like e-commerce and logistics, with Groupon being one of his most famous successes. With Tempus AI, Lefkofsky aims to create a lasting impact on the healthcare industry by applying AI to various disease areas globally. Despite facing challenges and competition, the company has seen rapid growth, sequencing over 288,000 patient samples in 2023 and expanding its partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.
Tempus AI generates revenue from genetically analyzing patient samples and licensing its data for research purposes. The company works with approximately 50% of U.S. oncologists and has contracts with major pharmaceutical firms. While not yet profitable, Tempus AI’s innovative approach to combining genomic sequencing and data analysis has positioned it as a key player in the healthcare tech industry. Lefkofsky believes that the company has the potential to be his most significant achievement, surpassing even the success of Groupon.
Despite facing legal challenges and concerns like unionization of its lab staff, Tempus AI is projected to become profitable within the next year. Lefkofsky remains confident in the company’s growth potential and sees it as a leader in the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. With a focus on personalized medicine and data-driven solutions, Tempus AI aims to revolutionize cancer treatment and expand its impact to other disease areas. Lefkofsky’s vision for the company as his enduring legacy reflects his commitment to making a lasting impact on the healthcare industry.
