The Menopause Gap in Innovation Funding

Less than 2% of health-tech funding goes to femtech—even though femtech represents half the world and is projected to hit $60 billion by 2027.”

It’s not a typo; it’s a funding crisis.

If our smartphones track every heartbeat and step, why aren’t they tracking the most universal tech need of midlife women? Let’s unpack the menopause-shaped hole in today’s innovation narrative.

1. By the Numbers: The Femtech Funding Reality

• Femtech presently snags only 1–2% of total health-tech funding, despite a market that’s estimated to grow from $28 billion to $60 billion by 2027.

• Yet within that slice, only ~7% goes to menopause-focused solutions—a sector expected to touch 1.2 billion women by 2030.

• The menopause-specific market generated around $3 billion in 2024 and is on track to nearly double by 2030.

• And if you think that’s niche—projects designed for ageing women might be what banking and VC think of as “too niche to fund.” 

2. Why This Matters for Tech & the Workforce

Menopause isn’t a sidebar; it’s central to midlife women’s productivity, retention, and leadership in tech. Investing in tools that help manage symptoms—like hot flashes, brain fog, or hormonal dips—isn’t indulgent.

It’s smart business.

The economic opportunity is massive.

McKinsey estimates untreated symptoms could cost individuals and employers significant health and productivity burdens—supporting menopause tech isn’t charity; it’s ROI.

3. Gender Bias Isn’t Just a Sticker—It’s a Barrier

• Between 2011 and 2021, only 4% of new female-specific medical tech (like drugs) were approved in the US.

• Female founders in femtech still struggle disproportionately: one study found female-led teams secure 23% less capital per deal than male-led ones.

• The stigma stays real: a female founder shared being told her lubricant startup was “too niche for menopausal women.” That funding went instead to another productivity app.

• On Reddit, one founder lamented:

4. Where Innovation Is Breaking Through

• Maven Clinic has become a femtech unicorn ($1.7B valuation after a $125M round)—offering virtual care from preconception to menopause. That’s proof there’s a serious opportunity in this space.

• Celeb-backed investments are starting to hit the headlines—Meghan Markle and others invested up to $500K in Midi Health’s $63M funding round, a virtual menopause care startup.

• Governments are starting to move too—Halle Berry recently joined bipartisan senators to push a $275M US proposal for menopause research, education, and public health.

5. The Stakes: Why Funders and Founders Should Care

Investors: The market isn’t small—it’s overlooked. Menopause tech could be the next goldmine in femtech.

Founders: Your lived experience is your power. You’re building for truth—and that’s long-term demand.

Employers: Supporting midlife health tech improves retention, productivity, and inclusivity—perimenopause shouldn't be professional kryptonite.

Conclusion (Empower + Call to Action)

The next big tech trend may not be an app that tells you to drink water. It might be the one that tracks your power surges—and your resilience.

Let’s close this gap together:

• VCs, diversify your radar.

• Founders, persist in building the tools we need.

• Workplace leaders, support health-forward policies—because brains don’t keep time with hormone cycles.

 #FemTech #MenopauseInnovation #TechSheThink #InvestInMidlife