Elektra Health co-founders Alessandra Henderson (left) and Janine Versi (right). Image source: Elektra Health
As investors continue Big bets on fertility startups, A group of new companies are focusing on aspects of women’s health that are often overlooked.Experienced founders are starting a company Help people manage PCOS And other chronic diseases, and combine virtual clinics with gynecological and mental health services.
Their experience in healthcare prompted CEO Alessandra Henderson and COO Jannine Versi to found Elektra Health, a startup company focused on guiding women through menopause. Although women have undergone many changes during this period, they are rarely discussed.
When starting the company in 2019, Henderson and Versi met with hundreds of women and interviewed them about their experiences.
“There is a common saying that’no one told me’. And there is reason to be frustrated-“Why is this the first time I have learned about this truly important life-changing transformation?” “Versi said in an interview with Zoom.
Henderson said that while most people are familiar with the hallmark symptoms of menopause, such as “hot flashes,” many women experience a longer list. Some common ones include vaginal dryness, changes in libido, trouble sleeping, and anxiety and depression.
This is not just about managing symptoms.
“Intervening during this time of life, we are excited about the long-term mission that can affect women’s health, not just their quality of life and symptoms, but also long-term health,” Henderson said.
Elektra recently completed a $3.75 million seed round led by Flare Capital Partners and 776, a new venture capital firm founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
The company has a paid subscription plan through which women can access private communities and receive text-based support from dedicated experts. The program is currently in the testing phase.
The startup also provides telemedicine services to gynecologists or nurse practitioners in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. For example, at the appropriate time, the care team may guide a person about their possible symptoms, lifestyle changes, or medications that may be helpful, and hormone replacement therapy.
To date, more than 1,800 women have participated in the company’s services.
Elektra plans to use the funds to grow its team and prepare for the public release of its platform.
“Compared to the past few years, women’s health has received more attention and will only continue to grow. I am very excited about Maven and the unicorn that has a billion dollars in this field,” Henderson said. “There are not so many menopausal startups, but they are getting started. We welcome attention and resources into this field. This is a huge market, and women have many different needs.”
