“Femtech”. Investors caught a waft and, ever since, have been following its sweet scent. Female technology ( a.k.a. femtech) in the form of wearable devices and apps for female health has been receiving substantial investments as of late. Apart from venture capitalist money, femtech investors—such as Portfolia and Astarte Ventures—are also diving in the sector. In 2018, female health-focused ventures received almost $400 million in total funding—making the year 2018 a landmark year for the burgeoning space.
Accordingly, as more and more women are investing in their overall health and well-being, the demand for female health-focused technology increases. From menstrual and fertility trackers to pelvic floor workout devices, the growing number of apps for female health underscores the sector’s potential. By the year 2025, femtech is projected to reach a market share of $50 billion.
Fusing all the elements together—the influx of funding, availability of technology, and growing market demand—there’s no doubt that female health-focused technology is finally getting the attention it deserves.
Why Now: Behind the Rise of the Femtech Sector
In truth, societies need to do more when it comes to addressing gender parity issues. Regrettably, female health is one of the areas receiving the least attention. Women have always been hounded by female health issues, such as fertility, postpartum recovery, and menopause. Yet, research and studies about these topics are far and few. However, with the growing femtech sector and the rise of apps for female health, we see significant shifts.
Undoubtedly, various factors contributed to this movement. With more educated and empowered women, societies are seeing a tilt in the balance of power. In universities, women are outnumbering men. Similarly, areas and roles formerly reserved for men are now accessible to women. Also, more women are rising to the top tier of businesses and organizations. With social issues, women are finding their voice through social media and movements calling for women empowerment. Consequently, with more opportunities and decision-making powers available to women, issues previously set aside are now being brought forward.
Apps for Female Health and Bold Businesses in the Femtech Sector
The term female technology or femtech was coined in 2016 by Ida Tin—co-founder of one of the notable apps for female health, Clue. By this time, the sector had already established a firm footing in the startup world. Jumping to 53 deals in 2016 from just nine deals in 2012, femtech was on a high growth spur. Today, the number of startups addressing female health issues is growing, and apps for female health are on the rise.
- Kindbody is a full-service fertility clinic. With a mission to democratize women’s health and fertility care, Kindbody offers a suite of fertility services. Its services include fertility assessment, in-vitro fertilization, egg and embryo freezing, and egg thawing and transferring.
- Eve by Glow is an excellent app for tracking monthly cycles. It can forecast ovulation and fertility days and show trends and patterns in easy-to-read charts. The app’s other salient features include tracking of sex, moods and PMS symptoms. You can download the app for free in Android and iOS.
- Wearable device FitBit has a Female Health Tracking app. It is one of the most requested features of FitBit, and the wearer can monitor her monthly cycle and uncover changes in symptoms with it. The device also provides insights on how the wearer’s monthly cycle can have an impact on sleeping and eating patterns and other daily activities.
- Flo Period and Ovulation Tracker has been ranked as the No. 1 period tracker in the U.S. and among the most downloaded apps for female health according to its website. Users who are trying to conceive can use the app to predict ovulation schedules.
- Launched in 2013, Clue is one of the earliest apps for female health to be introduced in the market. The app primarily tracks the user’s period, PMS and fertility window. However, this app for female health can also track other categories, such as sex, sleep, pain, emotion, and energy.
And The List for Great Apps for Female Health Continues
- DOT Fertility Tracker, developed by Cycle Technologies, uses an algorithm to predict the user’s fertile days within the monthly cycle. The user just needs to enter the start date of the cycle, and the app can give accurate predictions for the next six months.
- Nurx believes that good sexual health is fundamental. With that in mind, Nurx offers a line of services that puts women in control of their sexual health. Certainly, services, such as ordering Birth Control Pills, STI Home Test Kits, Emergency Contraception Kits, and HPV Screening Kits, make female healthcare affordable and hassle-free.
- Check Yourself! Breast Cancer Detection App works by sending a reminder to the user every month to proactively check for lumps. Like with other cancer types, early detection spells a world of difference in survival rates. Easy-to-download and -use, the app even provides a step-by-step guide on how to do the self-check.
- Elvie is a pioneer when it comes to smart technology for women. Its flagship products include the Elvie Silent Wearable Breast Pump and the Elvie Pelvic Floor Trainer. Through smart technology, Elvie is empowering women to pursue their goals no matter their stage of life.
- Maven is a telehealth app focused on women’s health. The app provides access to over 1,400 practitioners—including OB-GYNS, mental health experts, nutritionists and wellness coaches. As one of the foremost apps for female health, Maven Clinic has secured a total of $42 million in funding to date.
It’s a Woman’s World, Too!
Women are taking the reins and changing the narrative around female health and wellness. As female health issues are now more openly discussed, the femtech sector plays a crucial role in this change. Through services, devices, and apps for female health, women have access to solutions for their fundamental health concerns.
While femtech is focused on women, it is worth noting that the rest of society benefits, too. Indeed, thanks to femtech, we are on our way to a reality where women are as empowered and as vigorous as their male counterparts. With the rise of apps for female health, we are taking the right steps toward gender parity. After all, it’s a woman’s world, too.
