Theranos
2013 - 2015
Theranos promised to make blood testing easier, cheaper, and less painful. Instead of the regular-sized blood tests, only a tiny drop of blood was needed to run multiple tests with the small Nanotainer collection tube. The founder, Elizabeth Holmes became the youngest self-made female billionaire in the world.
In 2015, an article in The Wall Street Journal exposed everything as a scam. The micro-sample blood tests were inaccurate and unreliable. This was embarrassing for many investors and partners who invested without ever verifying the technology. Disgruntled investors and partners quickly abandoned the company and Holms is now in prison. Theranos is an example of how easily we are blinded by shiny new technology and charismatic leaders who tell a good story.
Additional info:
Newscientist - The hypnotic tale of the rise and fall of Theranos
Trailer for the film - The Inventor: