Once a niche term coined by entrepreneur Ida Tin in 2016, femtech has grown into a powerful movement reshaping women’s healthcare. Representing the intersection of health and technology, the industry has tapped into an underserved market, addressing critical gaps in women’s health and creating a burgeoning space for innovation.
But as femtech gains momentum, questions arise about who is truly benefiting from its success.
A Billion-Dollar Market on the Rise
The global femtech market, valued at $51 billion in 2021, is projected to soar to $177 billion by 2032, reflecting the growing demand for solutions in menstrual health, fertility, menopause, and maternal care.
Landmark achievements include Flo Health, the menstruation tracker app, becoming Europe’s first femtech unicorn in 2022 with a $1 billion valuation. Meanwhile, London-based Elvie, known for its innovative breast pumps and pelvic floor trainers, raised £9.6 million in 2024, bringing its total funding to an impressive £136 million.
This growth signals a shift in how society views and invests in women’s health, with sectors like menopause care projected to grow at 5% annually, reaching $24.4 billion globally by 2030.
A Sector Fighting for Equal Attention
Despite its successes, femtech faces significant challenges. A McKinsey Health Institute analysis highlighted glaring disparities in funding: between 2019 and 2023, 11 start-ups focused on erectile dysfunction received $1.2 billion, while eight focused on endometriosis—a condition affecting 1 in 10 women—received just $44 million.
This funding gap extends to the gender of femtech founders. Start-ups led by men secure nearly twice the funding of those founded by women, even though studies show female-led businesses generate 35% higher returns.
The discrepancy underscores a lingering lack of understanding among investors about women’s health and its potential, says Hannah Samano, founder of Unfabled, a women’s health platform.
Leveraging Technology for a Better Future
The future of femtech lies in its ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with personalised healthcare solutions. Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) are driving advancements in areas such as:
Menstrual and fertility health: Data-driven insights offer more tailored solutions for tracking cycles and optimising conception efforts.
Menopause care: AI enables the creation of targeted interventions, reducing stigma and improving workplace support for women navigating this life stage.
Preventative health: Predictive tools powered by AI allow women to take control of their health before issues arise.
"Advances in AI are accelerating this shift," says Samano. "They enable more accurate insights and help uncover unmet health needs in ways we’ve never been able to before."
The Economic Case for Femtech
Beyond improving women’s lives, femtech has significant economic implications. In the UK alone, missed work due to women’s health issues costs the economy between £2.2 billion and £3.7 billion annually. Menopause-related unemployment accounts for £1.5 billion of that figure.
As awareness grows, so does demand for effective solutions. Women are seeking science-driven innovations that genuinely address their health concerns.
A Promising Horizon
Despite challenges, the femtech sector is gaining recognition and investment. Debbie Wosskow, co-founder of The Better Menopause and co-chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce, predicts a "significant rise in venture capital" for femtech start-ups. The Taskforce’s £250 million funding pool for female-founded businesses stands as a testament to the sector's potential.
Partnerships between femtech innovators and established healthcare providers are also on the rise, signalling a collaborative effort to deliver impactful solutions.
The Revolution Is Just Beginning
The femtech revolution is more than just a trend—it’s a movement redefining how women’s health is approached, supported, and valued. With advancements in technology, increasing investment, and growing societal awareness, the future looks brighter for women’s health.
As Wosskow aptly puts it: "As awareness increases, so does demand for effective solutions. Women want science-driven options that really work."
The question now is not whether femtech will continue to grow but how the industry can ensure its benefits reach all women, empowering them to take control of their health and well-being.
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