In our “Starter Story” series we invite femtech founders to share their stories of how it all began. How did they come up with the idea? Where did they meet their cofounders and what was the hardest part of going from 0 to 1?
In today’s Starter Story we get to share Lover‘s founding story as told by co-founder Dr. Britney Blair. Lover’s mission is to help users build more pleasurable sex lives through expert treatment and science-based exercises.
When did the idea for your startup first come up?
Technically, the idea of helping as many people as possible optimize their sexual health came up in 2007 during my first year of graduate school. I took a workshop on sexual health and learned 50% of women and roughly 37% of men have a sexual problem. I then learned how effective treatment is and I was hooked! I started a brick & mortar clinic in 2013 designed to help individuals and couples with their sexual health. When I was approached in the fall of 2018 by my co-founders to create a digital platform for sexual wellness, Lover was born.
When and how did you take the decision to take the plunge and turn your idea into a business?
I have always been in love with concept of supporting this aspect of wellness. We talk so much about sleep, exercise, diet and no one is talking about the importance of sex on your (and your relationship’s) health and wellbeing. I did not fall in love with the idea of turning this into a digital business until I met my co-founders. As I began to work with them, I became increasingly confident that this is the team that will make this happen and we have the real potential to impact millions of lives.
How did you meet your co-founders?
Luckily for me, they found me! I have started two business previously and this is the first business I am doing with co-founders with whom I have now become quite close. It is a fantastic experience not to be going at it alone this time around!!
What were the biggest challenges for you personally and your company going from 0 to 1?
While, with any start-up, there are limitless challenges, I think we initially struggled trying to narrow our focus. I was passionate about creating something that could fully support anyone interested in solving a sexual problem OR just enhancing their sexual pleasure. Fortunately, we decided to narrow our focus in the short-term so we could really create a stellar product that we are proud to get behind.
Do you have any advice for others, who are just getting started?
Surround yourself with people that are smarter than you…and that you would like to have at your dinner table. Don’t let the stressors or challenges get to you. Every single day will present you with something else to panic about or be excited about…learn to ride the highs and the lows while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. It’s gonna be a marathon so don’t prepare for a sprint.
