Founder Series: Lauren Wang
Lauren Wang, Founder and CEO of The Flex Company
When a bad ass female founder creates a product that can truly help women, we can’t help but to showcase their work. In our second volume of our Founder Series, we do just that!
Founder Profile
Name: Lauren Wang
Company: The Flex Company
Role: Founder, CEO
Company Summary: The Flex Company create menstrual products that not only are better for the body but also better for the environment.
Company Mission: “To help people with periods thrive”
Tagline: Defying norms is in our blood
Founder Bio: Lauren Schulte Wang, founder and CEO of The Flex Company, has her undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Marketing. She was recognized by Ernst & Young as the EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023 and the Create and Cultivate 100 which honors women for redefining the workplace and the world.
Q+A with Lauren
What inspired you to start a FemTech company, and how did you identify this specific need in the market?
Flex was born out of a deeply personal problem. For 15 years, I dealt with yeast infections every single month, caused by tampons. I didn’t even realize tampons were the issue until a nurse practitioner in San Francisco told me she wouldn’t refill my prescription unless I stopped using them.
I started digging into the menstrual care industry and found out that tampons and menstrual cups hadn’t really been innovated on since the 1930s. The more I researched, the angrier I became. I couldn’t believe that an industry that impacts half the population had been so neglected. When I couldn’t find a product that worked for me, I became obsessed with creating something better—not just for me but for millions of other people who deserve better options.
How do you educate consumers about your product, especially in areas where there may be stigma or lack of awareness?
We make it approachable. Periods are still stigmatized, so we’ve built the brand to feel like a trusted friend. Our team is very intentional about using clear, straightforward language and creating content that answers real questions without judgment.
We also focus on meeting people where they are—whether that’s through social media, in-store displays, or customer support chats. We avoid scare tactics or shaming people for the products they currently use. It’s all about creating a space where people feel comfortable learning and making informed decisions about their bodies.
Looking back on your journey, is there anything you would have done differently?
I would’ve trusted myself earlier. For a long time, I didn’t think I could be the CEO. I was constantly looking for someone more experienced to take the lead. I spent too much time doubting myself, even though I knew this business inside and out.
Also, I would’ve asked for help sooner. When I finally started asking people in my network for specific, time-bound advice, it unlocked so many doors. I think I wasted a lot of energy trying to figure everything out on my own early on.
What advice would you give to aspiring founders who want to make an impact in the FemTech industry?
First, focus on solving a real problem. I didn’t start Flex because I wanted to be an entrepreneur—I started it because I had a problem that no one else was addressing. Talk to as many people as you can to really understand what they need and where the gaps are.
Second, don’t be afraid to ask for help. When you’re building something in a space like FemTech, which is often misunderstood or underestimated, having a strong network of supporters and advisors can make all the difference. Be specific about your asks, and don’t waste time trying to convince people who don’t get it. Focus on those who do.
What is the most outlandish question you’ve gotten as a female founder?
One investor asked me if I got the idea for Flex from my husband. I was stunned. I don’t think they even realized how offensive the question was—it was just this ingrained bias. It’s a good reminder of how far we still have to go in terms of changing perceptions about women in leadership.
