Nicole Junkermann stated: “Over the past decade, the market for fertility-orientated startups has exploded, a fact that is unsurprising given that many leading scientists warn of an impending fertility crisis.” According to data published by the CDC, approximately 12 per cent of US women of reproductive age experience fertility problems. As maternal age increases, so do the risks of fertility problems. In fact, the National Institutes of Health notes that women in their 30s are around 50 per cent less fertile than women in their 20s. With the global fertility services sector predicted to be worth around $36 billion by 2023, we look at four of the most successful startups specialising in fertility solutions for women. 1. Future FamilyThis female-founded organisation delivers professional guidance as well as financing options for the fertility process. In 2018 the company attracted an additional $10 million (£7.7million) in investment in a Series A funding round led by Aspect Ventures. Addressing the seismic shift in the funding of female-orientated fertility companies, CEO and founder of Future Family Claire Tomkins explained that thanks to advancements in understanding, acceptance, and acknowledgment, female fertility is no longer the taboo subject it once was. Future Female offers premium fertility care services, including egg freezing plans that start at $250 a month. The organisation coaches and supports its clients through the various stages of fertility treatment. In addition to receiving fertility tests, Future Family members are assigned a Fertility Coach—a registered nurse with professional experience in clinical fertility. Members also receive personalised fertility plans with clear options to get pregnant, as well as five 30-minute coaching lessons and referral to a local fertility clinic. 2. Carrot FertilityCarrot Fertility comprises a global team of doctors, engineers, operators, and designers, united in the mission to provide high-quality fertility care that is accessible to everyone. Dr. Asima Ahmad and Ms. Tammy Sun started Carrot Fertility based on their own personal experiences with fertility care, as well as a shared ambition of making fertility treatments inclusive, accessible, and affordable for everyone. What sets the company apart is that it is aimed at companies rather than individuals, delivering fertility care to company employees. Its care team comprises fertility clinicians and experts who guide employees through their fertility journey. The global provider network consists of more than 2,700 clinics in 40 different countries, providing employees with qualified care that meets strict regulatory and clinical standards. Company employees can access Carrot Fertility care using their Carrot Card, which allows them to access services without the stress of upfront fees. Furthermore, Carrot Fertility handles all financial and benefits administration, which includes processing reimbursements and claims and providing customized reports on engagement, enrolment, and costs. Carrot Fertility covers sperm, egg, and embryo freezing, as well as donor-assisted IVF and surrogacy. Knowledgeable staff can even help employees with the adoption process. Whether employees are postponing starting a family or need help right now, Carrot Fertility offers a variety of fertility solutions through its care plans, which can be implemented in as little as four weeks. 3. Egg-QEgg-Q is a health testing service based in Florida, with plans to roll out nationally over summer 2020. Currently available at select OB-GYN offices, the test requires patients to complete a questionnaire and an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) blood test. Egg-Q uses the results to identify the most appropriate fertility options for the patient, optimizing their likelihood of having a baby. AMH is a hormone produced by ovarian follicles as part of the menstrual cycle; it essentially dictates egg recruitment and release. When women produce lower AMH levels, they produce less viable eggs. For women who test below 1.0, IVF may still be achievable, but it may take longer with more cycles, and the miscarriage risk may be substantially higher. Generally, the higher the AMH level, the better, but for some women with readings above 4.0, further tests may be required to rule out polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that can cause fertility issues. Testing AMH levels is useful for younger women who don’t wish to yet start a family but want to know their fertility potential prior to making a decision. It is also valuable to older women in evaluating how their body might respond to IVF. 4. EverlyWellIn April 2019, testing platform EverlyWell landed an additional $50 million in venture capital funding in a Series B funding round led by Highland Capital Partners. Founded by CEO Julia Cheek in 2015, EverlyWell was featured on ABC’s Shark Tank reality television series. This Austin-based digital health platform offers more than 30 home testing kits, including those for metabolism, thyroid, sexual health, and female fertility issues. EverlyWell’s Women’s Fertility Test measures oestradiol, one of the main oestrogens produced by the ovaries that regulate ovulation. Following menopause, oestradiol levels decline significantly, affecting female fertility. The hormone also plays a vital role in the normal function of sexual organs, including the uterus. The finger-prick blood test currently costs $159. Comments are closed.
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