FemTech Lab

It feels like 2024 is the year of partnerships in Women’s Health! 💃 Here are some specific models of how larger brands and startups can work together: First, I have to admit that my past life in SaaS jaded me about partnerships. What we don't want is “innovation theatre” (a term referring to corporates bringing startups for pitching events) and POCs that go nowhere. However, over the past 4 years with FemTech Lab, I have been amazed by the truly collaborative nature of the Women's Health industry. It might be our superpower. Back to partnership models. ⚡️ Corporate VC Corporate venturing (or “CVC”) refers to companies investing directly in startups that align with their strategic interests. Unilever Ventures and Reckitt are examples of consumer corporate VCs. In many cases, the investment comes with resources and support. This model could be especially useful for startups working on longer-term projects (e.g. medtech and biotech). It ensures startups maintain focus while also giving corporates a stake in breakthrough innovations. Merck’s Global Health Innovation Fund looks like an interesting example of that. ✨ Venture Building In this model, a corporate collaborates closely with a startup to co-create a product or proposition, offering resources, expertise, and/or market access. This is a more hands-on collaboration. It requires a significant commitment from the founders and probably makes the most sense for early-stage companies. Venture building is a very interesting model in FemTech because it provides a resource structure, and takes off the pressure (and risk) - allowing founders to focus entirely on product development and customer needs. The exact commercial model here can be quite creative and will vary from corporate to corporate. Essity Ventures is a strong corporate player in this model and my favourite example of doing this well. 💥 Joint Marketing Campaigns The fun one! Joint marketing campaigns can be a win-win in the consumer space. Established companies provide the brand recognition and market reach, while startups contribute innovative products and fresh perspectives. Lots of opportunities for storytelling and getting creative in women's health. This model works best with later-stage startups that have earned industry trust. For instance, the response to the recent collab of Sweaty Betty x Hertility showed how much energy and buzz such campaigns can generate. This is far from a complete list, so I’d love to hear from you. What cool partnership models have you seen? 📸 Image credits: Sweaty Betty & Hertility campaign photo by Caroline Deliakis, recent Lululemon & Oura partnership announcement, and a throwback from Essity Ventures Innovation Challenge that FemTech Lab supported.

Don't miss your chance to get early bird pricing for Women's Health Innovation Summit in Boston 23-25th of September! Use code FemTechLab10 for 10% off your ticket. Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q02Lgg2M0

We are thrilled to announce a special LinkedIn Live event featuring three visionary thought leaders: - Mary Stutts, MHA, CEO of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association - Dr. Maura Campbell, President & CEO, Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO) - Julie Castro Abrams, Managing Partner, How Women Invest; CEO, How Women Lead This discussion will explore the critical importance of funding women’s innovation in the healthcare industry and its far-reaching implications. With only 3% of venture capital funding going to female founders—and even less to women of color—this event aims to highlight the urgent need for change. Our panelists will delve into: - The current landscape of funding for women entrepreneurs in healthcare. - The barriers and challenges faced by women innovators. - Success stories and the transformative potential of women-led healthcare startups. - How we can collectively drive the future of healthcare forward. This event also serves as a prelude to the HBA’s 1st Pitch Competition for Women Innovators, set to take place during the HBA Annual Conference in Toronto in September. The competition was designed to spotlight and support women-led, health-focused startups, providing them with the capital, resources, and support necessary to thrive. Join us live on 22 August to be part of this important conversation. Let’s champion innovation, break down barriers, and pave the way for a more equitable and innovative future in healthcare! #HBAAC24 #HBAimpact #WomenInInnovation #Healthcare #VentureCapital #PitchCompetition #LinkedInLive

🤖 AI is transforming healthcare. It’s probably not a case of “if” your company should harness AI, but “how”. The FemTech Lab pack can explore their “how” at @World Summit AI in Amsterdam Oct 9-10 and book your ticket with a 20% discount, using the code FTLAB20. World Summit AI is where tech professionals, scientists, clinicians, and health leaders will meet to explore the role and ethics of AI in healthcare. Be sure not to miss out on: ➡️ Expediting Drug discovery for undruggable targets using AI ➡️ The rise of robots: How AI is transforming clinical care ➡️ Addressing patient confidentiality and privacy in healthcare applications ➡️ Friends with benefits: Exploring the implications of human relationships with advanced LLMs Book your ticket here: https://worldsummit.ai/

👏👏👏 YeneHealth, Kidist Tesfaye!

We are thrilled to share an insightful article from our partner Sage Revell, Partner at Brown Rudnick LLP, that dives deep into the booming FemTech sector. 🌟 She shares unique insights from her conversations at Decoding the Future of Women last month! As the FemTech market continues to grow, we are excited to watch and support the emergence of new innovations that will shape the future of women's health! 🦄 👉 Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e4rJTYu5

📣 We’re excited to share that our friends at SiS Global are now accepting applications for their premiere event, SiS London, happening in Notting Hill on October 9th! 🚀 From idea to exit, SiS London will offer invaluable insights for disruptive founders on building a roadmap to success and achieving global impact. Hear from the brightest minds in women's health as they share stories of their successes and lessons learned in building some of the most prominent businesses in the industry today. 💰 The event will bring together attendees ranging from investors to global strategists and service experts, all ready to unlock the next phase of your company's growth. What Awaits You:  ☑ Powerful Networking: Meet investors and potential partners. ☑ Insightful Panels: Discover how top disruptors achieved their success. ☑ Exclusive Community: Join fellow innovators in women’s health.   Key Details: - Attendees include founders, investors, and strategists. - Less than 45 out of 100 tickets remain. - October 9th, Notting Hill, London. - You must register and meet the criteria to receive your exclusive ticket link.   👉 Apply now -  https://lnkd.in/eUUD3EkK #WomensHealth #FemTech #Events

Do you want to shape the future of productivity and impact groundbreaking research on women and hormones in the workplace? 🚀 Phase Need Your Help with Groundbreaking Research on Women and Hormones in the Workplace! 🚀 To take the survey, use this link: https://lnkd.in/exyX_jaB Phase are partnering with The University of Greenwich on a flagship study dedicated to understanding how the monthly menstrual cycle affects women at work. With this much-needed research, we are exploring:   🗓 How well women know the four phases of their hormone cycle;   👩💼 How our hormones influence productivity and career advancement  📈 The strategies women use to manage hormonal fluctuations at work  📱 Opportunities for innovative products + solutions to provide better support By participating, you will enrich the research landscape of women's health and contribute directly to the creation of resources that can enhance the overall well-being and productivity of women in professional settings. ⏰ Estimated Survey Completion Time: Just 8 minutes! 🔐 Confidentiality: Your privacy is our priority. All responses are confidential and handled according to GDPR and the University of Greenwich Data Protection Policy. Your personal info stays private, and the data is used only for research. Jump in and make a difference! Thank you for helping us create a more supportive and productive workplace for women 💪 ✨ Maggie McDaris

📣 We’re excited to share that our friends at Sie Ventures have opened up applications for their next funding readiness program: Catalyst V - kicking off in September! 🚀 The purpose of the Catalyst Program is to drive more capital to diverse teams by providing better access to support, capital and network. 💰 If you are looking to fundraise in Q4, 2024 or Q1, 2025 you can find out more and apply below: https://lnkd.in/esxwFN_G Apply if you: 🙋🏾♀️🙋♀️ Have at least one female founder on your team 💻 Are building a venture-backable tech or tech-enabled business 💰 Are seeking to raise an institutional funding round 📍 Are UK / Europe incorporated 🔑 Key details: - Apply before Monday, 29th July - Program runs for 8 weeks from September to October - Primarily remote with select in-person sessions Triin Linamagi British Business Bank Sie Ventures HSBC Innovation Banking #SieTheFuture #BuildTheFuture