The FemTech industry, a burgeoning sector focused on women’s health and wellness through technology, is experiencing a renaissance led by women, for women. This female-driven and focused industry is a long-overdue response to the historical oversight and underrepresentation of women’s health needs in both the medical and technological arenas.
For years, the unique health challenges faced by women were often sidelined or addressed with a one-size-fits-all approach that failed to consider the intricacies of the female body. However, the tide is turning as more women ascend to leadership roles within this space, catalyzing a wave of innovation and empathy-driven solutions that are reshaping the landscape of women’s health.
FemTech is all about redefining the narrative around women’s health, breaking taboos, and fostering a global dialogue that empowers women to take charge of their well-being. From menstrual health to fertility, pregnancy, and menopause, female-led startups are leveraging cutting-edge technology to develop products and services that address a spectrum of needs, filling gaps that have been ignored for too long.
As more women lead the charge in FemTech, the industry is poised to offer more nuanced, effective, and holistic solutions to women worldwide. The evolution of FemTech signifies a promising future where women’s health is not just a niche market but a global priority, championed by those who understand it best: women themselves. So, who are the women making noise in this up-and-coming industry?
Hilla Shaviv, Tulipon
Hilla Shaviv is a pioneering figure in the FemTech industry, renowned for her innovative approach to women’s health technology. With a formidable academic foundation in biomedical engineering from prestigious institutions such as Caltech and Tel Aviv University, Shaviv has seamlessly blended her technical expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit to address the underserved sector of women’s health.
As the CEO and founder of Gals Bio, she has been instrumental in developing Tulipon, a groundbreaking internal wearable device that promises not only to revolutionize menstrual management but also to offer unique insights into women’s health through its diagnostic capabilities. Shaviv’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of breaking through the barriers of research and funding in women’s health, driven by a commitment to innovation, education, and inclusivity. Her work embodies a holistic vision for transforming the landscape of women’s health technology, making her a leading light in the FemTech revolution.
Elle McCray, ONYX
Georgia State University alumna Elle McCray is spearheading a movement towards ensuring women experience pain-free periods through her early-stage startup, ONYX. McCray’s venture is at the forefront of the FemTech industry, focusing on creating natural, scientifically-supported products designed for on-demand relief from period pain. With a mission to revolutionize women’s health, ONYX has initiated its journey by tackling an issue that resonates with half of the global population.
The company recently unveiled its first product, a re-envisioned CBD suppository, conceived from the urgent need for more conscientious reproductive healthcare solutions. This debut, a hormone-free and prescription-free method for alleviating menstrual discomfort, encapsulates McCray’s seven-month endeavor to blend natural ingredients with scientific research, setting a new standard in the domain of menstrual health.
Carina Kohli, Humm Care
Carina Kohli stands at the forefront of revolutionizing maternity and family-building healthcare with her innovative platform, Humm Care. Recognizing the complexities and challenges that accompany each stage of the family-building journey, from fertility and family planning to pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition back to work and early parenthood, Kohli has crafted a solution that bridges the gap between employers and employees’ healthcare needs.
Humm Care’s mission is to partner with organizations to ensure that employees receive access to high-quality, personalized maternity and family-building healthcare benefits. Kohli’s vision for Humm Care is a testament to her commitment to enhancing the healthcare experience for families, making her a pioneering figure in the realm of family-focused healthcare innovation.
Monica Williams, RedDropCo
Monica Williams, co-founder of RedDropCo, embarked on a mission in 2019 to transform the landscape of feminine hygiene with a specific focus on teenagers. Together with Dana Roberts, both mothers and entrepreneurs, they created RedDropCo to fill a significant gap in the market—offering products, knowledge, and empowerment that were conspicuously absent.
Their initiative is rooted in Atlanta, where they design natural period products, but their vision extends far beyond, offering workshops and preparatory classes aimed at making the journey from girlhood to womanhood both educational and exhilarating. Through RedDropCo, Monica Williams is not just selling products; she’s creating a supportive community that celebrates and eases the transition into womanhood for teenage daughters everywhere.
Beatrice Dixon, The Honey Pot
Beatrice Dixon, inspired by her personal battle with bacterial vaginosis, founded The Honey Pot in 2014, a pioneering venture into plant-based vaginal wellness. Her initiative not only filled a glaring gap in feminine healthcare but also catapulted her into the ranks of the first 40 women of color to secure $1 million in venture capital funding.
The Honey Pot’s success is reflected not just in its financial achievements but also in the critical acclaim it has garnered, receiving accolades from prestigious entities like Essence and Cosmetic Executive Women. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Dixon is committed to giving back, with The Honey Pot donating 2% of its sales to charitable organizations annually, showcasing a business model that marries innovation with social responsibility.
Published by: Martin De Juan
