Apothékary, a consumer health brand focused on Japanese-inspired plant medicine, has secured an $8 million pre-Series A round, including a strategic investment from Japanese beauty giant Shiseido. The round was oversubscribed by 40% according to the company, bringing the company’s total funding to $15 million in equity and $6 million in debt funding via Walden Mutual Bank. The funding announcement coincides with…
Foria, known for its nature-backed wellness and intimacy products, has acquired sleep health brand Ned, expanding its portfolio beyond intimacy, menopause care, and period relief to include solutions for sleep and stress management. The acquisition brings together two brands focused on natural wellness solutions and ingredient transparency. Foria, recognized for products such as Awaken with CBD and Everyday Vulva Moisturizer, will now…
Virtual care company Synapticure has secured $25 million in Series A funding to expand its platform providing care for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, a health issue that disproportionately impacts women both as patients and caregivers. The round was led by B Capital, with participation from CommonSpirit Health, CVS Health Ventures, Google Ventures, Optum Ventures, Rock Health Capital, RA Capital Management, and Nexus…
Alloy Women’s Health, a menopause care platform offering telemedicine services and treatment plans, has secured $16 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Kairos HQ, with participation from PACE Healthcare Capital, Emmeline Ventures, and Amboy Street Ventures. The funding announcement comes as Alloy marks its three-year anniversary and achievement of profitability, with the company reporting 300% year-over-year growth in…
Freya Biosciences, a biotech company focused on women’s health, has secured a $10.4 million strategic investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, along with $1.4 million additional financing from EIFO (Export and Investment Fund of Denmark). The funding extends the company’s Series A to approximately $50 million. The investment will support the expansion of Freya’s DYSCOVERTM platform to develop microbial immunotherapies…
Amazon has ended a confidential four-year initiative to develop an at-home fertility monitoring device and companion app, according to a CNBC report. The project, codenamed “Encore,” emerged from Amazon’s 2020 acquisition of bluDiagnostics, a Wisconsin-based startup. The technology aimed to analyze saliva samples to measure fertility hormones estradiol and progesterone, with results viewable through a smartphone app. The project was housed within…
Evvy, known for its pioneering work in vaginal microbiome testing, today announced its expansion into treatments with a new line of prescription-grade products for vaginal symptom relief. The launch marks a significant milestone for the female-founded startup, as it’s the first time patients can access Evvy’s prescription products without first taking their vaginal microbiome test. The new product line includes prescription-grade suppositories…
For years, the healthcare system has wrestled with the thorny issue of pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies would often exclude patients with these conditions, leaving them without access to essential care. These patients faced devastating choices: paying exorbitant out-of-pocket costs, foregoing treatment entirely, or hiding their conditions to obtain coverage – only to be denied when they needed care most. Some lost their…
