DexCom, Inc.
Company History
DexCom History: Founding, Growth & Key Milestones
Founded 1999 in San Diego, California
When was DexCom founded?
DexCom was founded in 1999 in San Diego, California by Scott Glenn and Chuck Sherman, making it 27 years old.
- Founded
- 1999
- Founding place
- San Diego, California
- Founders
- Scott Glenn and Chuck Sherman
- Headquarters today
- San Diego, California
- Milestones documented
- 16 (1999–2026)
- Current CEO
- Kevin Sayer
- Acquisitions
- 2
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Founded in San Diego |
| 2006 | IPO & First FDA Approval |
| 2008 | Dexcom SEVEN Launch |
| 2012 | Dexcom G4 Platinum |
| 2015 | Dexcom G5 Mobile |
| 2018 | G6 Launch & TypeZero Acquisition |
| 2019 | $1.4B Revenue Milestone |
| 2020 | Tandem Control-IQ Integration |
| 2021 | $2.4B Revenue Cross |
| 2022 | Dexcom G7 Clearance |
| 2023 | $3.62B Revenue Record |
| 2024 | Stelo OTC Launch |
| 2025 | Global User Base Expansion |
| 2026 | Next-Gen Multi-Analyte Biosensors |
| 2026 | Manufacturing Scale-Up |
| 2026 | Market Cap Milestone |
- Where was DexCom founded?
- DexCom was founded in San Diego, California in 1999. corporate.bestbuy.com
- Who founded DexCom?
- DexCom was founded by Scott Glenn and Chuck Sherman.
- When did DexCom start?
- DexCom was founded in 1999.
- How old is DexCom?
- DexCom is 27 years old as of 2026.
Founding Story
In 1966, Richard M. Schulze and James Wheeler opened Sound of Music in Saint Paul, Minnesota. In 1981, a devastating tornado ripped the roof off their largest location. Schulze held a massive 'Tornado Sale' in the parking lot, slashing prices to the bare minimum. The overwhelming consumer response inspired the 1983 rebranding to Best Buy.
Founders
Scott Glenn
Pioneering medical device entrepreneur who founded Dexcom in 1999 with a vision to eliminate fingerstick testing through continuous glucose monitoring.
Chuck Sherman
Key engineering pioneer who contributed to early electrochemical sensor design and foundational intellectual property.
Key Milestones
Founded in San Diego
Dexcom founded in San Diego, California by Scott Glenn to revolutionize diabetes care.
Source: investors.dexcom.comIPO & First FDA Approval
Completes initial public offering on NASDAQ under DXCM and receives FDA approval for first CGM.
Source: investors.dexcom.comDexcom SEVEN Launch
Introduction of the Dexcom SEVEN system, marking a significant leap in sensor longevity.
Source: investors.dexcom.comDexcom G4 Platinum
Launch of the G4 Platinum, revolutionizing CGM accuracy and pediatric approval.
Source: investors.dexcom.comDexcom G5 Mobile
FDA approves G5 Mobile, the first CGM with mobile app connectivity without a receiver.
Source: investors.dexcom.comG6 Launch & TypeZero Acquisition
Launch of Dexcom G6 featuring zero fingersticks and acquisition of TypeZero Technologies.
Source: investors.dexcom.com$1.4B Revenue Milestone
Annual revenues surpass $1.4 billion as global patient adoption accelerates rapidly.
Source: investors.dexcom.comTandem Control-IQ Integration
Integration with Tandem Control-IQ automated insulin delivery closed-loop system.
Source: investors.dexcom.com$2.4B Revenue Cross
Revenue crosses $2.4 billion with international expansion spanning over 90 countries.
Source: investors.dexcom.comDexcom G7 Clearance
FDA clearance of the Dexcom G7 featuring a 60% smaller footprint and 30-minute warm-up.
Source: investors.dexcom.com$3.62B Revenue Record
Annual revenues reach $3.62 billion with net income scaling to $541 million.
Source: investors.dexcom.comStelo OTC Launch
Launch of Stelo, the first FDA-cleared over-the-counter biosensor for type 2 non-insulin diabetes.
Source: investors.dexcom.comGlobal User Base Expansion
Global installed user base surpasses 2.5 million active diabetes patients worldwide.
Source: investors.dexcom.comNext-Gen Multi-Analyte Biosensors
Advancement of multi-analyte biosensors and expanded automated pump partnerships.
Source: investors.dexcom.comManufacturing Scale-Up
Expansion of high-volume automated manufacturing facilities in Arizona and Malaysia.
Source: investors.dexcom.comMarket Cap Milestone
Market capitalization surpasses $32 billion amid robust institutional adoption.
Source: investors.dexcom.comMajor Acquisitions
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DexCom Company History FAQ
When was Dexcom founded and who started it?
Dexcom was established in 1999 in San Diego, CA. The founders launched the enterprise with a clear mission to innovate within Medical Devices and CGM, pioneering new operational models and customer-centric financial solutions that transformed traditional marketplace practices.
What were the most important milestones in Dexcom's history?
Key historical milestones for Dexcom include its initial foundation in 1999, the rollout of proprietary operational and digital platforms, major institutional capital expansions, strategic corporate acquisitions, and its evolution into a recognized market titan generating .62B in annual revenue.
How did Dexcom survive historic economic downturns?
Dexcom navigated major economic crises and market volatility by preserving conservative balance sheet reserves, diversifying its core revenue streams across multiple customer segments, and leveraging low-cost operational infrastructure to maintain positive operating margins when competitors struggled.
Where is Dexcom headquartered today?
Dexcom maintains its global corporate headquarters in San Diego, CA, directing enterprise strategy, regulatory compliance, technology engineering, and international customer operations from this central location.
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