7 Notable Companies Empowering Women’s Health with AI
With over half of the world's population being female, it's only natural that the world of femtech is experiencing a tremendous surge of interest. The numbers speak volumes. A recent research report by Global Market Insights predicts that the femtech market will soar beyond $48.5 billion by 2025. This exciting growth is fueled by the innovative integration of cutting-edge technologies such as tracking wearables, artificial intelligence (AI), intuitive apps, and noninvasive hardware, all aimed at revolutionizing female health and well-being.
Back in 2016, Ida Tin, the CEO behind the renowned period-tracking app Clue, introduced the term "FemTech" to capture the wave of startups pushing the boundaries of technology in the realm of female health. Today, the term encompasses an even wider range of innovative solutions aimed at enhancing every aspect of women's lives.
For far too long, the physiological differences between men and women have been overlooked, despite women constituting half of the population. Fortunately, the rise of femtech has unleashed a wave of empowerment, ensuring that women no longer settle for the status quo. Here we present eight notable AI-powered companies working in the field of fem tech.
1. Ava
Ava is the ideal companion for women who are trying to get pregnant and want to make the most of their chances to conceive, as well as for women who want to get to know their bodies and cycle better. Recognized as an FDA-approved fertility tracking wearable device, Ava revolutionizes the way women approach family planning. Worn during sleep, the Ava bracelet harnesses the power of machine learning algorithms to track five physiological signals. It measures nine physiological parameters and thus predicts a woman’s next fertile window and ovulation precisely and conveniently. Ava has been shown to detect an average of 5.3 fertile days per cycle at 89% accuracy. It was clinically tested in a year-long study at the University Hospital of Zurich, and the first findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports. Ava is an FDA-registered device and CE-certified. The company has raised a total of $42.4 million in funding over 8 rounds, with their latest funding raised in May 2018 from a Series B round.
2. Bloomlife
Bloomlife develops prenatal care solutions designed to improve the health of moms and babies. The company's solutions combine pregnancy-specific wearables with data analytics to reassure moms and provide doctors with better data to predict and manage pregnancy complications earlier. Their wearable monitor is a lightweight patch that non-invasively tracks important health parameters of the mom and baby throughout pregnancy (i.e., fetal movement, fetal heart rate, contractions, and maternal health). The device connects to a smartphone app and backend cloud analytics, enabling population health management for providers.
3. Flo
Flo Health is an AI-powered women’s health platform that encompasses accurate cycle predictions, personalized daily health insights, and a closed, secure community of experts and peers. Flo meets the needs of women of all ages and goals—from periods to menopause, from pregnant women to young moms—and is truly a one-stop health solution for women during an entire reproductive cycle. Flo prioritizes safety and keeps a sharp focus on being the only platform to which women can entrust their most intimate health-related concerns. Flo is the first to use artificial intelligence for the most accurate cycle predictions. Flo is number 1 in the “Health & Fitness” category in the U.S. App Store. They are the world’s fastest-growing femtech startup and women’s ultimate solution for improving health and wellbeing. To achieve their goals, the company has raised $75.5 million in funding over 5 rounds so far. Their latest funding ($50 million) was raised on September 9, 2021, from a Series B round.
4. Kindbody
Kindbody operates a health and tech company intended to offer fertility services and treatments for modern women. It offers a full range of services, including intrauterine insemination, in-vitro fertilization, donor support, egg freezing, and embryo freezing, enabling women to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Kindbody provides end-to-end fertility services, from standard gynecological care to conception, nutrition, and mental wellness options, in reimagined clinics with access to community events. They offer best-in-class price points and are in-network with most major insurance companies.
5. FRENDO
Endometriosis affects a significant number of women, with 1 in 10 experiencing this condition where uterine-like tissue grows in unintended areas. FRENDO steps in as a reliable source of everyday support for those battling this debilitating condition. Acting as a trusted "friend in your hand," FRENDO consolidates advice, insights, and information into a single platform. It empowers users by providing a secure space to store and manage medical records, including blood test and scan results, medications, and clinicians' notes. Additionally, FRENDO fosters a supportive community within the app, connecting individuals at various stages of their endometriosis journeys.
6. Elitone
Determined to transform lives, Elitone is dedicated to helping women enhance their health in a truly transformative way. Addressing the common issue of incontinence, Elitone offers a discreet solution that seamlessly fits into a user's pocket or waistline. Utilizing gentle and low-frequency pulses, this innovative device tones the pelvic floor muscles, delivering therapeutic stimulation and effectively performing pelvic floor exercises on behalf of the user.
7. LatchAid
Breastfeeding can present challenges for many women during their parenting journey. Driven by innovation and empathy, UK-based LatchAid steps in as a comprehensive breastfeeding and early parenthood support app. Leveraging 3D interactive and artificial intelligence technology, LatchAid assists mothers and expectant mothers with essential breastfeeding skills. Through touch-screen control of camera angles, the app showcases different breastfeeding positions, ensuring a personalized and interactive learning experience. Additionally, LatchAid fosters a sense of community, allowing users to connect with others and share valuable support and advice. In 2023, the company joined the NHS accelerator to scale up its breastfeeding support app across the NHS.
Topic: AI in Bio
