Investors Are Betting On FemTech's Untapped $103 Billion Market
Femly CEO Arion Long and 100KM Ventures Managing Partner Shalanda Armstrong
FemTech is not just about periods and pregnancy, it's about data sovereignty, community health, and economic power. The term encompasses software, diagnostics, products, and services focused on women's health, and is on the rise with a global market expected to surpass $103 billion by 2030, according to Deloitte. Funds like 100KM Ventures are continuing to invest in the future of work and health, knowing that game changing FemTech entrepreneurs like Arion Long, CEO of Femly, the world's first smart touchless pad and tampon vending machine are poised to gain a fair share of this market.
During Women's Health month it's important to highlight that Black women face some of the worst health outcomes in the U.S., with KFF finding they have the highest maternal mortality rates to disproportionate misdiagnosis in reproductive issues like fibroids and endometriosis. FemTech has the power to bridge these gaps through culturally informed tech, but only if those most affected have a seat at the innovation table. This creates an urgent need for more relevant solutions, and becomes a ripe investment opportunity for those who understand these nuanced markets.
Femly Ecoflow™ Dispenser
FemTech startups like Femly, with its game-changing innovation that is increasing period care access in restrooms across the nation, and is backed by Pharrell Williams' Black Ambition, Beyoncé's BeyGOOD Foundation, and Google (GOOG -7.51%), is showing what's possible. Despite funding challenges, Long's company continues growing because it meets a specific, underserved women's healthcare need.
'We wanted to think about what innovation looked like and how we could merge social impact with hardware to create a smart feminine hygiene device. Very quickly we found out that we needed everything from engineers and access to capital, that our early traction with our pre-sales helped us secure venture funding' said Long to CultureBanx.
Diverse leadership in FemTech leads to products that actually serve the full spectrum of women's health needs, from fertility tracking and tele-gynecology to menopause support and period poverty solutions. Even as women's health innovation gains traction, the capital flowing into it remains uneven. Not to mention that FemTech investment represents just 2% of the health tech sector. This gap exists even though women spend twice as much on healthcare as men.
Venture capital funds have long ignored this market based on the outdated assumption that women's health is 'niche.' However, with half the global population as the target demographic, and demand for tech-enabled personalized care skyrocketing, investors like 100KM Ventures Managing Partner, Shalanda Armstrong, who see the bigger picture are poised for major returns.
'When we think about our two verticals at 100KM, we see this as a huge market opportunity because we're thinking about how the next generation is really investing their time, money and social capital,' said Armstrong.
When you consider that women's readiness to adopt digital solutions boosts investor confidence, 100KM is ahead of the curve. Grand View Research reports women are 75% more likely to use digital health tools than men. This behavior difference creates a strong user base for FemTech products and services like Femly.
The U.S. FemTech market dominated the sector in 2023 through innovative product launches and increased healthcare investments. While North American FemTech investment dropped by nearly two-thirds from 2021 to 2023, Dealroom.co found that the EMEA region demonstrated greater stability with only a 50% decline. This geographical variation presents opportunities for investors interested in this expanding global sector.
"Until recently there's been an extraordinary blind spot in the world around female healthcare." said Ida Tin, Co-founder and CEO of Clue; credited with coining the term 'FemTech' to TheConduit.
Recent changes in funding priorities have altered the FemTech map. Specifically, the White House Initiative on Women's Health Research allocated $100 million in federal funding for women's health in February 2024. Also, large investment firms like Lux Capital and Google Ventures now back FemTech companies.
The future is female, or at least it will be filled with lots of FemTech. Therefore, it's not enough to advocate for better women's health outcomes, we need ownership, investment and leadership in the tools that make them possible. As more investors step into the space now, they don't just help fund companies solving critical health disparities, they also shape a future where culturally competent care is standard, not scarce. Perhaps, the next health unicorn might not be a fitness tracker or supplement, it could be a tech-powered women's health company.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
21 minutes ago
- Fox News
Female tennis players granted WTA ranking protection during fertility procedures
The WTA will now protect the rankings of female tennis pros who take time away from competition to undergo fertility protection procedures, the tour announced Wednesday. The player-led measure will allow female tennis players to use a special entry ranking (SER) for up to three tournaments if they choose to undergo a "fertility protection procedure such as egg or embryo freezing." "By introducing this new form of ranking protection, the WTA helps to support and empower women athletes to balance a professional sports career with planning and starting a family at a time of their choice," the tour said in a news release Wednesday. The new measure adds to the WTA's Family Focus Program, which already includes ranking protection during pregnancies or other means of parenthood and postpartum support. It also follows the WTA's announcement in March that tennis players on tour can receive 12 months of paid maternity leave. "I'm incredibly proud of our sport in recognizing the importance of fertility treatments for female athletes," 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens said in a statement provided by the tour. "For any woman, the conversation of family life versus a career is nuanced and complex. The WTA has now created a safe space for players to explore options and to make the best decisions for themselves. It's truly groundbreaking and will empower this generation, and future generations of players, to continue with the sport they love without having to compromise." Speaking to the BBC, Stephens explained her own experiences and the challenges she faced under the previous rules. "The first time I did it, I rushed back, and I was overweight and not happy and just very stressed out," she told the outlet. "The second time I did it, I took a totally different approach so I could just be in better shape. I could have the surgery. I could have more time to recover. "Having the protected ranking there, so that players don't feel forced to come back early and risk their health again, is the best thing possible." The SER will be based on the 12-week average of the player's WTA ranking from eight weeks prior to the start of their out-of-competition period. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter
Forbes
21 minutes ago
- Forbes
Do You Need An Accountant For Your Small Business?
By Levi King An accountant brings expertise, efficiency, and strategic value to your business. My first year of business was one of the more interesting experiences of my life. I was still in my early twenties and had taken what I thought was a pretty significant leap of faith by dropping out of college in order to start my own company. When it was time for me to hire an accountant I asked my dad for a recommendation. He had used a local CPA for years, and since I was busy as hell with a million other things, I figured this was a good enough recommendation for me. During my first conversation with the CPA, he advised that I remain a sole proprietor rather than incorporate. I was just a kid in his eyes and therefore unlikely to make the kinds of profits my first year that would have justified changing my status for tax purposes. Nine months later, we met again. He studied my numbers in silence. He was a big dude, physically, so that when he started giggling, his whole desk shook. He proceeded to explain that if I'd rejected his advice and incorporated, I'd have saved an extra $20,000 in taxes. Writing that check took an unbelievably painful bite out of the operating capital I'd managed to build to that point. I fired the guy immediately and found a new CPA. The main point here is that even though I'd had a bad experience with my first CPA, I didn't let that stop me from doing some due diligence and hiring a better one right away Running a small business is a demanding endeavor, requiring owners to juggle numerous responsibilities—from sales and marketing to customer service and operations. Amid these daily challenges, financial management often becomes an overwhelming task, especially as the business grows. Hiring an accountant as soon as possible is not just a matter of convenience; it is a strategic decision that can profoundly impact the success, stability, and growth potential of your business. Many small business owners initially believe they can manage their own finances, especially with the abundance of accounting software available today. However, an accountant brings a level of expertise and specialized knowledge that goes far beyond basic bookkeeping. Accountants are trained to interpret complex financial data, stay current on ever-changing tax laws, and provide tailored advice that aligns with your business goals. Their insights can help you make better decisions about budgeting, forecasting, and risk management, ensuring your business remains compliant and financially healthy. Time is one of the most valuable resources for any business owner. Managing payroll, tracking expenses, preparing invoices, and reconciling accounts can consume countless hours each week. By hiring an accountant, you free yourself from these time-consuming tasks, allowing you to focus on what you do best—growing your business and serving your customers. Delegating financial responsibilities to a professional also reduces stress, as you can trust that your records are accurate, your tax filings are correct, and your financial statements are up to date. Financial errors can have serious consequences for small businesses. Simple mistakes, such as missing a tax deadline or misclassifying an expense, can result in penalties, audits, or lost deductions. Accountants are meticulous about compliance and accuracy, ensuring that your financial records are error-free and audit-ready. Their attention to detail helps you avoid costly pitfalls and provides peace of mind that your business is operating within the bounds of the law. Tax season is often a source of anxiety for small business owners, particularly those unfamiliar with the complexities of business tax codes. An accountant's expertise is invaluable in this area. They know which deductions and credits your business is eligible for, how to structure your finances to minimize your tax burden, and how to file all necessary forms correctly and on time. By optimizing your tax strategy, an accountant can save your business significant amounts of money—funds that can be reinvested into growth and innovation. As your business expands, so do its financial needs and challenges. Growth often brings increased revenue, but it also leads to more complex expenses, payroll, and reporting requirements. An accountant can help you navigate this complexity by providing financial projections, analyzing investment opportunities, and updating your business plan as needed. Their guidance ensures you make informed decisions about scaling your operations, hiring new employees, or pursuing new markets, all while maintaining a strong financial foundation. Accurate, timely financial reporting is essential for understanding your business's performance and making strategic decisions. Accountants provide detailed financial reports that offer clarity on profitability, cash flow, and expense management. These reports are not just numbers on a page—they are tools that help you identify trends, spot opportunities for cost savings, and set realistic financial goals. With an accountant's analysis, you gain a deeper understanding of your business's strengths and weaknesses, empowering you to make data-driven decisions. Regulatory compliance is a critical aspect of running a business, especially as laws and requirements evolve. Accountants stay up-to-date on changes in tax regulations, labor laws, and industry standards, ensuring your business remains compliant at all times. Their vigilance protects you from legal issues, fines, and reputational damage. In the event of an audit or financial review, having an accountant on your team provides invaluable support and documentation, making the process smoother and less stressful. Beyond day-to-day financial management, accountants serve as strategic advisors. They can assist with business planning, investment strategies, and succession planning, helping you set and achieve long-term goals. Whether you are seeking funding, preparing for expansion, or considering a business transition, an accountant's perspective is crucial for evaluating options and mitigating risks. Perhaps the greatest benefit of hiring an accountant early is the freedom it provides. With a trusted financial expert managing your accounts, you can devote your energy to innovation, customer relationships, and building your brand. This focus not only enhances your business's chances of success but also improves your quality of life as an entrepreneur. More from AllBusiness: In conclusion, hiring an accountant as soon as possible is one of the smartest investments a small business owner can make. An accountant brings expertise, efficiency, and strategic value to your business, helping you avoid mistakes, save money, and achieve your goals. Rather than viewing your accountant as an expense, consider him or her a partnership that empowers you to build a stronger, more resilient, and more successful business from day one. You own your business; the buck stops with you. Never take anyone's advice at face value, regardless of how pitifully you stack up in terms of time in the trenches. You believed in yourself enough to risk everything for a dream—honor that trust by seeking a wide range of opinions before making momentous decisions.
Bloomberg
26 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Trumponomics: Why China Can Afford to Wait on a Trade Deal
On this episode of Trumponomics, host Stephanie Flanders, Bloomberg's Head of Government and Economics, leads a panel from the Hong Kong Invest conference to unpack the latest round of high-stakes trade talks between the US and China, exploring why Beijing may still have the upper hand and how far any decoupling of the two economies will go. She's joined by Robin Xing, Chief China Economist at Morgan Stanley, Lotus Asset Management Chief Investment Officer Hao Hong, and Bloomberg reporter Rebecca Choong Wilkins.
