Why Investing in Femtech is About More Than Just Numbers—It’s About Humanity
With many people supporting, reaffirming, and speaking about the movement towards FemTech, no NOT Fintech, FemTech—you know, anything from products to services created or designed to address women’s health needs. It’s more than a niche market—it’s a vital frontier for equality in medical research, investment, and innovation. It is kind of a big deal, more like a necessary “Popular front” toward equality in research to, in turn, gain a better quality of life for women. I mean, Ida Tin, the founder of Clue, coined the term FemTech in 2016, and yet here we are in 2024, still playing catch-up. This fires me up! Why did this not happen sooner?
Let’s look at some stats, as of 1946, the United States had more females according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2021, the population sex ratio in the U.S. was 98 males per 100 females. By 2050, it is expected to be 99. From an economic perspective, this makes FemTech not just a moral imperative but a lucrative investment. Yet the bigger question is: why has it taken so long to address the health needs of over half the population? Please be aware, just a brief caveat, I am about to go down a rabbit hole that you may not be able to get out of, and you may just have to start doing something to work or help the FemTech businesses as you begin to become more aware of what it means to support FemTech and to keep pushing forward.
For decades, women’s health has been sidelined by medical research. Diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and autoimmune disorders often manifest differently in women, but much of the research has historically been male-focused. Dr. Nanette Wenger famously coined the term “bikini medicine,” highlighting how women’s health studies were often limited to reproductive organs, ignoring the broader picture of female health.
Imagine a world where Lupus and Alzheimer’s research received the attention they deserved in the 1960s and 70s. These diseases disproportionately affect women, yet the lack of early investment has left generations without the knowledge, treatments, and support they needed. What would it have meant to have mothers, grandmothers, and sisters healthier and by our sides longer? What fear or worry could we have eliminated for our daughters and nieces?
It’s not just about the individuals we’ve lost—it’s about the ripple effect of their absence. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest-running happiness study, shows that close relationships are the most significant predictor of happiness and longevity. Imagine the untapped love, wisdom, and support that could have flourished if we’d prioritized women’s health earlier.
At MTGS, we believe we must, “Protect the progress.” We won’t let the FemTech movement fade into the background. We know that investing in women’s health isn’t just about equity—it’s about humanity. Better healthcare for women means stronger families, more innovation, and a more compassionate society.
Let’s learn from the past. The lack of focus on women’s health has cost us dearly. But we have the opportunity to change the future. Investing in FemTech isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a commitment to a better, healthier, and more equitable world.
Referenced Article
https://www.aamc.org/news/why-we-know-so-little-about-women-s-health
