Creating accessible solutions for the future of healthcare - 20 companies innovating in this space
Blog written by Anja Streicher and Marija Butkovic
There are many causes of social exclusion, and having a certain illness or disability is one of them, especially if there is a perception of stigma around those. The healthcare industry is one of those areas where we need to make sure that services are inclusive and responsive to all sectors of the population is one of the key ways we can make it more accessible to everyone. Breaking down the barriers for those who cannot access the right healthcare services should be a priority, and this is especially important for women’s health and the health of marginalised groups such as people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodiverse people, and more.
Research has shown that 43% of women say hormones have negatively affected their overall well-being, according to new research. The survey of 2,000 American women, aged 30 to 60, also found that nearly half (47%) have experienced the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. Results however suggested that many are unaware of the potential implications of hormones-sadly the vast majority (72%) only later understood the cause of their symptoms. (source: NYPost)
Over 1 billion people are estimated to experience disability. This corresponds to about 15% of the world's population, with up to 190 million (3.8%) people aged 15 years and older having significant difficulties in functioning, often requiring health care services (source: WHO)
Half of the LGBTQ+ people (52%) experienced depression in the last year. Research shows LGBTQ+ people face widespread discrimination in healthcare settings, with one in seven LGBTQ+ people (14%) avoiding seeking healthcare for fear of discrimination from staff (source: Stonewall)
Around 45% of all abortions are unsafe, of which 97% take place in developing countries. Unsafe abortion is a leading – but preventable – cause of maternal deaths and morbidities. It can lead to physical and mental health complications and social and financial burdens for women, communities, and health systems. (source: WHO)
In 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)Trusted Source found numerous examples of health inequity for POC in the U.S., including lower life expectancy (in 2014, Black males and females had lower average life expectancies than white males and females), higher blood pressure (between 2013 and 2014, 42.4% of Black males had high blood pressure, compared to 30.2% in white males; 44% of Black females also had this condition compared to 28% in white females). (source: Medical News Today)
Based on the stats above, it’s safe to say we are still far away from the healthcare industry being inclusive and safe for everyone, but we won’t stop until we get there. It is possible. With so many tech innovations happening around the world, the future of FemTech and healthcare does look bright and we feel grateful that we are surrounded by so many dedicated founders, scientists, clinicians, patients, who are fighting for inclusive and accessible healthcare for everyone.
Many brilliant companies out there are building solutions and designing products that are making the healthcare system more innovative, inclusive, and accessible to underrepresented groups. Because everyone should have the right to healthcare, healthcare that is not led by the principle “one-size-fits-all”, but healthcare that is founded on the approach of taking into account every person’s needs.
On February 24, 2022, we will launch our FemTech Untapped program with an event “Creating accessible, innovative, and inclusive solutions for the future of healthcare” where you will have the opportunity to hear from some of these companies and the work they’re doing, but there are so many more out there whom we couldn’t include in the event, but we felt they deserve the spotlight.
Meet them.
Hormonal health
Biote is a hormone optimization company that has translated over 80 years of scientific insight into clinically-validated medical approaches that identify and treat imbalances in hormone production.
Jennis offers personalised daily workouts mapped to the four phases of your menstrual cycle using innovative CycleMapping technology.
Tuune is a precision medicine startup that leverages AI and biological testing to match women with contraception.
Hormona is a data-driven women's health company helping women take control of their hormones. Hormona empowers you to take control of your hormones by providing you with the tools you need to turn your symptoms into solutions.
Feminade is an online concierge for women's hormonal and reproductive health. Feminade helps women get to the root cause of their symptoms through advanced at-home testing, Telehealth, evidence-based holistic treatments, and education.
LGBTQ+ community
LVNDR Health is a digital platform that improves sexual wellbeing for LGBTQ+ individuals and modernises sexual healthcare for clinics. They facilitate access to remote care and empower users to take control of their health with greater access to tailored services and features designed to fit their needs.
Queerly Health is a health tech startup bridging the gap between the LGBTQ community and safe, comprehensive, and culturally competent healthcare providers.
Folx is a telehealth company that gives the LGBTQIA+ community access to quality care that’s in service of their needs and in celebration of their lives.
Included health is a healthcare company delivering integrated virtual care and navigation. They’re on a mission to raise the standard of healthcare for everyone.
Plume provides gender-affirming hormone therapy via telehealth for the trans community across the United States. Plume’s mission is to create deeply affirming direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical services for the trans and broader queer community.
Abortion and miscarriage
Vitala Global co-creates and implements open-access digital sexual and reproductive health (SRH) solutions. It provides people with evidence-based digital platforms to support their safe abortion and family planning journeys.
HeyJane provides reliable, accessible abortion care through telemedicine.
Choix is an online sexual and reproductive telehealth clinic providing abortion care, birth control and much more.
Poppy Seed Health offers on-demand text access to doulas, midwives, and nurses. They’re one text away during pregnancy, postpartum, miscarriage and loss.
Linepharma International is dedicated to improving sexual and reproductive health through expanding access to safe medication abortion.
Women and people of colour, healthcare in third world countries
Whispa Health uses technology to offer young people (especially women) quality sexual health education, private or anonymous telehealth consultations, affordable contraceptive counselling and services, cervical cancer screening and vaccination, comprehensive STD tests, and more. Currently, the company’s focus is on Nigeria and other countries in Africa.
Veera Health is a digital platform to help women manage chronic health conditions, starting with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Health in Her Hue is a digital platform that connects Black women to culturally sensitive healthcare providers, health content and community.
Candlelit Therapy is an online perinatal therapy clinic built for and by women of colour, revolutionizing how mental healthcare is delivered.
InovCares patented technology delivers care to expecting and post-partum mothers of colour. They offer the full range of prenatal and postpartum care, from low-risk prenatal care with their diverse midwifery team, to high-risk care with their highly skilled Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians and neonatologists.
Join us on February 24, to discuss these and many other topics, and meet some of the most innovative companies in the space. Book your free ticket via the button below!
Many thanks to our program partners FemTec Health and Goodwin, as well as our webinar partner Biote, for supporting this event and our femtech program! ❤️
Find out more about FemTech Untapped here.