Business of the V

Advancing the Field of Multipurpose Prevention Technologies

Given that women are the ultimate multi-taskers, it’s no surprise that they resonate with new Multi-Purpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs) – the focus of this episode of Busine$$ of the V. Dr. Bethany Holt, director of the CAMI Public Health Institute, shares with Dr. Dweck and Rachel the common-sense wisdom behind combining reproductive health with HIV and STI protections.

 

In an apt analogy, Rachel compares developing “co-administered” technologies related to women’s health with improvements to toothpaste over the years. Advances in dental health care have been introduced to the formula without requiring any change on the part of consumers. Same toothpaste tube and brush. Because barriers to adoption are a perennial health care challenge, the idea of integrating contraception with a reduction in sexually transmitted viruses is a win-win – especially given the current surge in SDIs in the U.S. and across the world.

 

Tune in to hear Bethany update Dr. Dweck and Rachel about exciting new innovations on the horizon for CAMI, which has steadily built momentum since its 2009 launch of the Initiative for MPTs. You’ll learn about exciting projects in the pipeline – game-changing new public health offerings currently at all stages of development – and about the educational network and resources CAMI provides.

 

You can join CAMI’s Initiative for Multi-Purpose Prevention Technologies for Reproductive Health here.

 

Subscribe or listen to previous episodes of the Busine$$ of the V podcast by clicking here.

This Agency Forecasts Trends for Femtech Brands

On this episode of Busine$$ of the V, Dr. Dweck and Rachel welcome a pioneer in the FemTech space. As the Founder & Director of Ultra Violet Futures, Anna Butterworth is bringing future forecasting into new realms of health innovation. Whether you’re a startup geared toward women’s needs or looking to grow a business already in that space, she is all about elevating brands and showcasing innovative products. And lest you think this work is siloed, Anna explains how FemTech is spanning sectors including sex, health, travel and technology.

With education as a focal point, FemTech is creating community and fostering communication among health care practitioners and women who want to be proactive in managing their wellness. Anna shares her take on industry trends and how AI and telemedicine are democratizing access to quality health care. Anna’s agency is right at the heart of a convergence of energy and opportunity in the development and promotion of women-centric products and services.

Don’t miss this chance to learn the latest news about Ultra Violet Futures and what’s on the horizon going forward in this burgeoning market!

Download a free copy of Ultra Violet Futures’ take on a market that is hot, hot, hot: The Future of Cycle Care.

To check out the buzz about Elvie, visit their website here.

To hear previous episodes or subscribe to the Busine$$ of the V podcast, visit: https://businessofthev.com

How Kathrin Folkendt is Innovating for Women’s Health

This episode of Busine$$ of the V is all about the intersection of women’s health and technology. Alyssa and Rachel speak with Kathrin Folkendt, who began in the tech world, later combining technology with women’s health and is now the founder of Perla and Femtech Insider. Kathrin discusses PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a condition that she has been diagnosed with and one that affects 10 percent of women. 

Kathrin discusses her own experience with PCOS as well as points where many women struggle with this condition such as the difficult process of diagnosis, dealing with a chronic condition, and the general lack of information. The treatment for PCOS is – or should be – multidisciplinary and involve professionals such as gynecologists, endocrinologists, nutritionists, coaches or trainers, and sometimes mental health specialists. This multidisciplinary approach is where Kathrin’s startup can really come into play. Perla will attempt to deal with the whole process: early in the diagnosis process all the way through the care of a chronic condition.

Kathrin’s desire is to create more awareness of women’s health issues like PCOS, making the process easier for women and, ideally, leading to more research and funding for these important topics. 

Life Changing Solutions for Women in Menopause

With 6,000 women entering menopause on a daily basis, the market opportunity is huge and growing. This episode of Busine$$ of the V features Colette Courtion, whose innovative medical device company has spawned all kinds of conversation as well as welcome product offerings. Join Dr. Dweck and her co-host Rachel in exploring the evolution of Joylux, whose brand is focused on providing life-changing, scientifically-based solutions for women in mid-life.

 

Colette launched her entrepreneurial venture after learning post-partum about some of the long-term issues that arise as women enter their next phase of life, including incontinence, vaginal dryness and diminished sexual function. Her interest ultimately grew into vFit Gold, the first “smart” wellness device that harnesses the power of red light, gentle heat, and sonic technology to improve strength, sensation, and natural lubrication all from the comfort and privacy of your home. Joylux has also expanded to offer complementary products and a monthly subscription option that delivers curated solutions right to your door.

 

Driven in part by all the social and habitual shifts that have accompanied pandemic, Colette shares good news about the number of women taking self-care/self-love more seriously. Part of that trendline is a keen interest in products for women at all stages of life but most especially for those in perimenopause and menopause. Listen as these three women – all of whom have been at the forefront of advancements in women’s health – talk about the current explosion in Femtech ventures and where the market is headed in the years to come. With 1.1 billion women projected to be in menopause by 2025, there can be no doubt that solutions like those Joylux offers will be a big part of the mix. It’s no surprise that Colette was named one of Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Female Founders of 2020!

 

Check out the Joylux menopause quiz by clicking here.

 

To hear additional episodes or subscribe to the Busine$$ of the V podcast, visit: https://businessofthev.com

Milk Stork Gets Breast Milk Where It Needs to Go For Hard Working Parents

Sometimes employees need to educate their employers and Kate Torgersen is a case in point! In this episode of Busine$$ of the V, Dr. Dweck and Rachel unspool the story of how MilkStork, the first-ever breast milk shipping company, came into being. Formerly an executive communications manager for 18 years with Clif Bar & Co., Kate entered a whole new world when she added young kids to her work-life equation. She found that nursing infants – which is a priority for so many working moms – too often translated into all kinds of challenge, stress and even humiliation.

 

Kate took her experience trying to navigate TSA restrictions at the airport and the lack of adequate cold storage in hotel rooms and turned it into a business opportunity, founding MilkStork – whose mission is to get breast milk where it needs to go. The company empowers and supports moms who merely wanted to work while also remaining committed to the long-term health and well-being of their young children.

 

This episode of Busine$$ of the V gets real about what it’s like to pump breast milk in an airport stall and why there are measures that all employers can take to enable mothers to remain the professionals they desire to be. MilkStork provides a travel solution for working moms who return to work after maternity leave and find the commitment to breastfeeding comes with numerous daily challenges.

 

Kate brought her unique entrepreneurial flair to this issue and what was once her side hustle is now a thriving business featured in outlets such as the Today Show, TIME, Forbes, People, NPR and Fortune. Working and breastfeeding can co-exist. Believe it – and hear why!

 

To check out additional episodes or subscribe to the Busine$$ of the V podcast, visit: https://businessofthev.com

Women’s Health Trends & The Entrepreneurs Behind Them

This episode of Busine$$ of the V is about having important conversations surrounding sexual wellness and reproductive health. Guest Claire McCormack, founder of Beauty Independent, shares her in-depth knowledge of entrepreneurs, their personal stories and rising trends in the market space of intimate beauty. Furthermore, she shares about today’s increase in consumer awareness and the impact that it has had on the market’s demand for clean beauty offerings.

Hot topics that affect the conversations surrounding the intimate beauty industry include product sensitivities, menopause, body dysmorphia, and the need to focus on diversity in beauty. As a result, there has been great progress surrounding what is labeled as “normal” vs. what is actually normal. Claire shares examples of brands and products that have been a part of such progress in bringing “taboo” topics into the light.

In closing, women have so much spending power and have a huge impact on the beauty market. Beauty Independent is committed to spotlighting entrepreneurial, founder brands with a personal story to continue giving women options that will improve their intimate health which in turn affects their general health and overall quality of life.

Proov Gives Women More Control Over Their Reproductive Lives

This episode of Busine$$ of the V is about helping women beat infertility by asking the right questions. Guest Amy Beckley, owner and CEO of Proov, introduces us to a new home ovulation test that asks not “if” but “how.” Called Proov, this ovulation test frames the infertility conversation around overall ovarian health by measuring the quality of ovulation over a mere presence of eggs. This understanding of quality ovulation can help women develop a better plan to overcome the challenge of infertility.

Studies show that 1 in 8 couples in the United States wrestle with infertility every year, and the technology around understanding infertility has done little to empower individual women. Amy developed the idea for Proov after several miscarriages and a broken dream of an easy path to motherhood. Unhappy with the answers and determined to find better solutions, she developed Proov from her background in pharmacology, which she holds a PhD in from the University of Colorado Medical Center. Armed with knowledge, she set out to provide a method for women to fill the gap between a loose understanding of ovulation and treatment methods that didn’t yield results.

If you or anyone you know has struggled to conceive, then you understand how this kind of technology can be literally live-giving. Enough women have been frustrated by too little information while waiting too long. They’ve grieved their lost babies and fought against what many thought ought to be a naturally simple process. Proov is helping give the power back to women by offering a real ovulation quality test set that they can take in the comfort of their own homes.

Proov helps women bolster their ovarian health and creates an environment for overall reproductive success. Join hosts Dr. Dweck and Rachel in finding out more about how Proov is helping women reverse their infertility for good.

To hear previous episodes or subscribe to the Busine$$ of the V podcast, visit: https://businessofthev.com

Emme was Designed to Keep Your Birth Control Pills on Track

This episode of Busine$$ of the V is all about putting technology in the hands of women, starting with birth control. Guest Amanda French, co-founder and CEO of Emme, introduces us to an integrated technology-enabled solution designed to safeguard the birth control experience and reduce the rate of missed pills. With its unique multi-sensor “smart” design, Emme’s case syncs with an app to send persistent, customized reminders as well as contraceptive guidance and a comprehensive window into overall reproductive health. 

 

At least 80% of users struggle with missed pills each year, resulting in some 1 million unplanned pregnancies annually. Amanda developed her cutting-edge vision as a Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellow, focused on evolving better ways not only to track and remind birth control pill users but also to access current gynecological information and guidance. Named one of Fast Company Magazine’s Most Innovative Companies of 2021, Emme’s smart case and app are complemented by telemedicine and prescription delivery options.  

 

Anyone who has ever had a sleepless night because of a missed pill or forgetting to pick up a prescription altogether will appreciate learning more about how Emme came to be and what it’s providing growing numbers of women in terms of support. It’s not only about reminders to take the pill but also answers to critical questions: Should you double up if you miss a day? Is it necessary to make an appointment to see your gynecologist? 

 

With missed pills, hormone imbalances and unplanned pregnancies all too commonly part of the birth control pill experience, it’s time to step out of the 1960s. Join hosts Dr. Dweck and Rachel in finding out more about how Emme is leading the way. 

Today’s episode is sponsored by Attain

Do you get up several times a night to go to the bathroom? Do you wear pads or diapers due to bladder leaks? Attain, by InControl Medical, will stop the leaks and give you back control. Attain is the only FDA cleared at home device, for the treatment of stress, urge and mixed urinary incontinence as well as fecal incontinence. Visit InControlmedical.com for more information.

To hear previous episodes or subscribe to the Busine$$ of the V podcast, visit: https://businessofthev.com 

Organicare Creates All Natural Herpes Relief Backed By Science

Feminine health issues like yeast infections and genital herpes are still considered “taboo” when it comes to media portrayal, and even sometimes in healthcare circles. On this episode of the Busine$$ of the V, hosts Rachel-Braun Scherl and Dr. Alyssa Dweck sit down with Caroline Goodner, the founder and CEO of OrganiCare.

OrganiCare is an efficacious and all-natural healthcare company that specializes in creating products to treat feminine health concerns like yeast infections and genital herpes. With products like FemiClear and Curoxen that are both natural and scientifically proven to work, Caroline has blazed a new trail when it comes to bridging the gap between all-natural and efficacious.

Elektra Health Is Transforming the Future of Menopause

It’s all about “smashing taboos,” as Elektra Health CEO Alessandra Henderson puts it on this episode of the Busine$$ of the V. Together with Dr. Dweck and Rachel, she explains how the market for menopausal education and treatment is burgeoning and what it means from a start-up perspective.

Co-founded by Alessandra just two years ago, Elektra Health is a unique online platform built on three pillars: Education, Expertise and Community. Millions of women have been underserved in their often decade-long journey through menopause, so Alessandra and her team have stepped up with a telehealth alternative within the women’s health space. And companies are jumping on board. Why? Because the market is enormous.

This conversation also highlights an exciting implicit recognition that women are valued team members whose health and wellness needs matter – and that their employees know it. With a constellation of some 34 symptoms – ranging from the traditional hot flash to impacts on mental acuity and vision – menopause is a phase of life that merits serious corporate and entrepreneurial attention. Elektra has taken this as a challenge to get rid of stigma and silence by connecting women with carefully vetted providers, quality education and a powerful network – each other.

Learn how Elektra is meeting a need by meeting women where they are. Corporate America is recognizing the power of menopause – both as a market opportunity and for the freedom, wisdom and confidence associated with well-supported women in the workplace. World-class, evidence-based care, education and community are long overdue! Find out what’s on the horizon in this episode of Busine$$ of the V.

To hear previous episodes or subscribe to the Busine$$ of the V podcast, visit: https://businessofthev.com

Today’s Episode is Sponsored by Attain

Do you get up several times a night to go to the bathroom? Do you wear pads or diapers due to bladder leaks? Attain, by InControl Medical, will stop the leaks and give you back control. Attain is the only FDA cleared at home device, for the treatment of stress, urge and mixed urinary incontinence as well as fecal incontinence. Visit InControlmedical.com for more information.