Sequoia-backed Ethos files for $1.3B IPO, aiming to raise $210M
- ByStartupStory | January 23, 2026
Virginia-based Ethos Technologies, a life insurance technology company backed by top venture capital firms, is preparing to go public in the United States and could raise more than $200 million from its initial public offering (IPO).
The startup said it plans to sell about 10.5 million shares at a price range of $18 to $20 per share, reports Reuters. Based on that range, Ethos could be valued at roughly $1.26 billion when it begins trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LIFE.”
The offering includes new shares issued by the company and existing shares sold by early investors. Ethos aims to raise about $102 million from new shares and roughly $108 million from existing shareholders.
Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan are leading the IPO effort.
Democratising life insurance
Founded in 2016 by Peter Colis and Lingke Wang, Ethos has built a digital platform that makes it easier for families across the United States to buy life insurance online.
The company works with insurance partners to simplify policy distribution, underwriting, payments, and administration through technology instead of traditional paper-heavy processes.
The company’s platform focuses on speed and convenience, helping customers apply for life insurance without extensive medical exams or lengthy forms. This tech-driven approach has helped the company expand its customer base and attract long-term investor interest.
Ethos has drawn support from major venture investors over the years. Its backers include Sequoia Capital, Accel, GV (Alphabet’s venture arm), SoftBank, and General Catalyst, among others. Some of these investors are selling shares in the IPO, while others are holding on to their positions.
The company’s business has grown steadily. In the nine months ending September 2025, Ethos reported about $278 million in revenue and $46.6 million in net income, up significantly compared with the previous year.
The IPO comes as insurers and financial tech companies return to public markets after several offerings were delayed by a prolonged U.S. government shutdown in 2025.
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