Emma Watson has quietly made a significant investment in Hertility, a pioneering women’s health company, catapulting its total funding to over $14 million. This strategic move underscores Watson’s ongoing commitment to empowering women in both business and health sectors. Hertility, a UK-based, female-founded company, aims to transform women’s healthcare through innovative approaches and personalized services. The investment not only highlights Watson’s advocacy for women’s initiatives but also reflects a broader trend of increasing financial support for women’s health ventures.
Hertility stands out as a trailblazer in the women’s health industry. Founded by women, it focuses on areas historically underfunded and overlooked. The company has already amassed $6.5 million from prominent investors such as Slow Ventures and Founders Fund, along with celebrity backers like Tessa Thompson and Gwyneth Paltrow. This financial backing enables Hertility to expand its offerings, which include diagnostic testing, egg freezing, and telemedicine services, catering to women at various stages of their reproductive journeys.
Helen O’Neill, co-founder of Hertility, brings an impressive background in reproductive and molecular genetics to the company. With academic credentials from the University College London, O’Neill is dedicated to addressing the pressing challenges in women’s healthcare.
“Becoming a founder meant the scale of my research could be propelled to a new level and reach the hands of those who need it much faster,” said Helen O’Neill.
The company’s collaboration with beauty brands like Cult Beauty and educational sessions with organizations such as Channel 4 and Edelman further emphasize its commitment to spreading awareness and education on women’s health.
The urgency of Hertility’s mission is underscored by a report from Silicon Valley Bank, which noted a 314% increase in venture dollars directed towards women’s health companies since 2018. This surge is partly driven by statistics indicating that women spend 250% more than men on reproductive health. Even the average man reportedly spends more than £1,000 annually on such healthcare needs. The British National Health Service suggests that investing one pound per woman in obstetrics and gynecology could potentially generate £319 million for the economy.
O’Neill highlights the growing demand for timely gynecological care in the UK, where over 600,000 women are currently on waiting lists for appointments.
“Over 600,000 women in the U.K. are waiting for a gynecology appointment,” she stated, emphasizing the need for change.
Hertility addresses this gap by providing affordable and accessible healthcare solutions, thus reducing waiting times and improving patient outcomes.
“It’s all about getting as many women as possible talking about their hormones and fertility and meeting them where they’re at to change behavior globally,” O’Neill explained.
Since its inception, Hertility has expanded its product portfolio by 50% year-over-year, selling over 48 million capsules. The company has experienced an overall growth rate of over 120% annually, though it has chosen not to disclose specific revenue figures.
Watson’s investment aligns with her well-documented interest in environmental issues and support for women-led initiatives. As a UN Women Goodwill ambassador and a key figure in launching the HeForShe campaign promoting gender equality, her involvement with Hertility is a natural extension of her advocacy work.
“By investing in a female-founded company that aims to revolutionize women’s healthcare, Watson contributes to empowering women in both business and health,” O’Neill remarked.
Featured Image courtesy of TechCrunch
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