A relatively new technology industry is set to be worth $1 trillion by 2027 — but it’s struggling to grab investors’ attention. Women’s health technology (or FemTech) is a thriving industry that seeks to address issues facing half the world’s population. However, there are obstacles preventing the industry from getting the capital it needs to get started.
Due to the “taboo” nature of the technology, investors are ignoring a large part of it – even though it will be worth $1 trillion by 2027.
The term “FemTech” was coined in 2016 to include all technologies and innovations aimed at addressing health issues that women suffer individually, disproportionately, or disproportionately. This covers everything from pregnancy and menopausal health to Alzheimer’s and HIV.
Women make up half of the global population, which means the target market for products focused on their health is huge.
The industry is full of exciting innovations, and the number of startups in this space has grown by 1,000% over the past 10 years. But the industry faces unique hurdles in securing funding.
Tania Boler, founder of femtech company Elvie, told CNBC: “These issues are taboo issues, with our products, with breasts, with vaginas — people don’t like to talk about it.”
But the FemTech sector can reap considerable benefits, including broader economic and social advantages.
A $300 million investment in improving women’s health could generate about $13 billion in revenue, according to Women’s Health Access Matters, a nonprofit organization focused on funding women’s health research.
So, are investors missing out by ignoring FemTech? Watch the video above to find out.