After attending a string of health conferences recently, I found myself reflecting on two things. One, there is a lot of energy crackling around women’s health: I see high spirits, strong convictions and intense dedication to solving big problems.

Two, people are intensely proud of the work they are doing as femtech founders, advocates, investors and mavens. And like any powerful movement we need to honour our roots and celebrate the people who paved the way for femtech to flourish.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re honouring these early femtech trailblazers. These remarkable individuals have been pioneering or advocating tech-based solutions in women’s health since 2016 or earlier.

Our team has designed a FemTech Pioneers T-shirt featuring these 18 individuals, and we are proud to share their stories, and the shirt, with you. 

The pioneers

Ida Tin, chairwoman, former CEO and co-founder at Clue

Ida Tin, affectionately dubbed the “mother of femtech,” is a pioneering entrepreneur and the co-founder of Clue, the world’s leading female health app. With over ten million active users across 190 countries, Clue is celebrated for its mission to provide valuable insights into female health worldwide.

A trailblazing feminist, Ida coined the term “femtech” in 2016, cementing her legacy in the industry. Her impactful work has garnered global recognition, with features in esteemed publications like The New York Times and Forbes, and appearances at prestigious conferences such as TechCrunch Disrupt and LeWeb.

Before Clue, Ida embarked on adventurous motorcycle tours worldwide, reflecting her adventurous spirit. A seasoned traveler and storyteller, Ida’s diverse experiences shape her commitment to empowering women through technology and leadership.

Currently residing in Berlin, she continues to advocate for femtech innovation while penning her upcoming book on the intersection of technology, leadership and systemic change. 

Naama Bloom, former founder and CEO at Hello Flo (acquired by SheKnows Media)

Naama Bloom is a visionary entrepreneur and brand builder with over two decades of experience in marketing and launching brands, particularly in the realm of female health. As the founder and CEO of Hello Flo, she pioneered an internationally recognised women’s health brand that redefined the narrative around reproductive health.

By bootstrapping a monthly subscription gift box platform and launching viral branded content videos, Naama empowered and educated her customers on the stages of their reproductive health journey.

Her adeptness in developing innovative campaigns and forging strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 companies solidified Hello Flo’s impact, garnering extensive press coverage and achieving significant brand recognition.

Naama’s unique blend of creative storytelling and analytical prowess has made her a sought-after leader in the field, driving positive change and reshaping societal attitudes toward female health and puberty.

Priyanka Jain, co-founder and CEO at Evvy

Priyanka Jain is dedicated to harnessing the power of data to drive positive change for women. Priyanka founded Evvy in 2021.

Evvy launched a state-of-the-art, at-home vaginal microbiome test designed to help women understand the health of their vagina in a single swab. This test is the ‘first and only’ CLIA-certified mNGS product on the market.

Before this, Priyanka was head of product at Pymetrics for four years, where she spearheaded the development of algorithms aimed at promoting fairness and transparency in hiring processes.

Beyond her professional endeavours, she serves as a prominent advocate, lending her voice to the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up Campaign and chairing the Acumen Fund’s Junior Council.

Additionally, Priyanka contributes her expertise to the Innovation Board for the XPrize Foundation. A Stanford University alumna, she holds a B.S., where she distinguished herself as a Mayfield Fellow and served as president of Stanford Women in Business.

Marija Butkovic, founder and CEO at Women of Wearables 

With over 15 years of experience in the tech industry, Marija Butkovic is a fervent champion for women’s health, innovation and diversity. Through her extensive expertise in marketing, PR, community building, and business growth, she drives impactful initiatives for tech and consumer companies worldwide.

Marija is the visionary founder and CEO of Women of Wearables, empowering women in technology and serves as a venture partner at Simsan Ventures. She advises renowned organisations like Women’s Health Innovation Series events and The National Institutes of Health, fostering advancements in women’s health globally.

Recognised as one of the Most Influential Women in UK tech by Computer Weekly for five consecutive years, Marija’s insights have graced major tech and business publications, including TechCrunch and The Next Web.

As a former Forbes contributor, she shares her expertise on women’s health, femtech and healthcare innovation. A sought-after speaker and moderator, Marija drives conversations on diversity, emerging technologies and female-led entrepreneurship at prominent conferences and corporate events worldwide.

Gina Bartasi, founder and executive chairman at Kindbody 

Gina Bartasi is the visionary founder and executive chairman of Kindbody, a pioneering fertility clinic network and family-building benefits solution. With 31 US clinics and plans for 11 more in 2023, Kindbody offers comprehensive care including fertility assessments, egg freezing, IVF, genetic testing, surrogacy and adoption, alongside robust support from preconception to postpartum.

Serving over 100 blue-chip employers and more than 2.4 million lives, Kindbody revolutionises fertility care with its integrated approach, superior outcomes and affordability.

Previously, as founder and CEO of Progyny, Gina led the company to a successful public offering in 2019, valued at US$6bn by 2021. Her strategic acumen drove Progyny’s growth while reshaping the fertility benefits landscape, exemplifying her commitment to democratising access to high-quality care.

Dr Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa, co-founder at Chil Femtech Center  

Dr Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa is a visionary innovator and social entrepreneur making profound strides in healthcare and youth empowerment. Renowned for her groundbreaking work in cancer screening, she is the mastermind behind a popular app that has transformed the lives of thousands of African women by enabling early detection of the disease.

As the founder of Chil Artificial Intelligence Lab, Shamim pioneers the integration of artificial intelligence-guided e-oncology services, particularly in detecting cervical and breast cancer.

Beyond her remarkable contributions to healthcare, Shamim serves as Africa’s representative on the Commonwealth Youth Council Executive Committee, where she tirelessly works to connect young African entrepreneurs with investors seeking opportunities in the continent.

Her trailblazing efforts have garnered international recognition, including prestigious awards such as the Takeda Young Entrepreneur Award and the Young African Entrepreneur Award. Named by Bloomberg New Economy as one of the inaugural class of catalysts in 2021, Shamim stands as an inspiring figure among scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers worldwide.

Jade Kearney, co- founder and CEO at She Matters

Jade Kearney is a passionate mental health advocate, recognised as the founder and CEO of She Matters, and a devoted mother with a professional background in education and talent development. With a wealth of educational achievements from esteemed institutions like NYU, Montclair State University, Georgetown and Rutgers, Jade brings a diverse skill set to her endeavours.

Her dedication to wellness is underscored by certifications in Hatha yoga, mindfulness, Tui Na and Ayurveda. Through She Matters, Jade has pioneered a digital health platform dedicated to supporting Black women experiencing postpartum comorbidities, offering a vital community, culturally relevant resources and access to culturally competent healthcare providers.

She also leads efforts in Black maternal health, providing healthcare professionals with culturally competent certification to address the unique needs of Black mothers and combat instances of Black maternal mortality. Jade’s tireless advocacy and commitment to improving maternal health outcomes underscore her pivotal role in this critical space.

Amy Beckley, PhD, founder and CEO at Proov

Amy Beckley is the visionary CEO and founder of Proov, a pioneering company dedicated to unlocking the potential of the menstrual cycle and reproductive hormones.

With a Ph.D. in pharmacology and over two decades of experience as a scientist, Amy’s passion lies in understanding the intricate mechanisms of the human body.

After a personal journey marked by infertility and recurrent miscarriage, she redirected her focus towards reproductive health and hormones, recognising the profound impact they have on women’s well-being.

Through Proov, Amy empowers women to embrace their cycles and optimise their reproductive health, inspiring them to live their fullest lives. And Amy and her amazing team are part of our Femovate by Guidea programme this year. 

Shadi Saberi, co-founder and CTO at iSono Health

With over 13 years of comprehensive experience in research and industry, Shadi Saberi is a seasoned expert in the development of hardware systems, IC and PCB design and system architecture.

Notably, she spearheaded the advancement of ultrasound technology at iSono, overseeing the development of hardware architecture encompassing analog front-end design for transmitters and receivers, interfacing with ultrasound transducer arrays, and implementing digital signal processing in FPGA.

Before her role at iSono, Shadi held positions at renowned technology companies Broadcom and Intel. She holds both MS and PhD degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, cementing her expertise in the field. Guidea is currently sponsoring iSono Health through Famovate as well. 

Dr Brittany Barreto, founder and chief innovation officer at FemHealth Insights 

From her roots in sextech with Athena’s Home Novelties to pioneering DNA-based matchmaking with Pheramor, Dr Barreto has continually pushed the boundaries of the norms in female health. Her HHMI-funded research on oestrogen and Alzheimer’s highlighted critical gender-specific health correlations.

Transitioning to investments, she catalysed a remarkable 205 per cent growth in Houston accelerator portfolios. Dr Barreto’s impact extends through FemTech Focus, the femtech podcast that she hosts and Coyote Ventures, where she fosters early-stage femtech innovations.

With FemHealth Insights, she drives market research to propel women’s health initiatives. Internationally renowned, she advises esteemed committees and shares insights as a FemTech Forbes contributor and HealthyWomen magazine columnist. Dr Barreto’s unwavering dedication and visionary leadership solidify her as the preeminent authority in femtech, reshaping the landscape of women’s health worldwide.

Lea von Bidder, co-founder and CEO at Ava (acquired by FemTec Health) 

Lea von Bidder is the co-founder and CEO of Ava Science, Inc., renowned for pioneering the Ava bracelet, a groundbreaking fertility-tracking wearable device. With a rich background spanning entrepreneurship and corporate roles, Lea co-founded L’inouï, an esteemed chocolate production and retail venture in Bangalore, India, before venturing into the femtech space.

Her journey includes stints at Procter & Gamble’s marketing division in Frankfurt and a strategy-consulting boutique in Paris, showcasing her multifaceted expertise.

A true luminary in the industry, Lea exemplifies leadership as a young mother, female founder and femtech expert. Her academic achievements include a master’s degree in global entrepreneurship from EM Lyon, Zhejiang University, and Purdue Krannert University, coupled with a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Gallen and HEC Montreal.

Lea’s unwavering commitment to innovation led her to establish Ava in Switzerland in 2014, followed by her pivotal role in expanding Ava’s presence in the United States as VP of marketing and president based in San Francisco.

Anda Sapardan, former co-founder and COO at Sehat-i

Anda Sapardan was the co-founder and COO of Sehati TeleCTG, a medical technology firm dedicated to advancing women’s and children’s healthcare accessibility.

With a focus on equal access and quality care, Sehati TeleCTG develops software and IoMT hardware to revolutionise healthcare delivery. Through strategic partnerships with ministries, institutions and international bodies like UNDP and AUSAID, Sehati TeleCTG aims to provide standardised, value-based healthcare to every woman and child.

With over 12 years of experience in healthcare facilities management, Anda is recognised for her leadership in the field, representing Indonesia in global health initiatives such as W-20’s Promoting Health Response for Digital Health Sector.

Acknowledged as a rising figure in femtech by Tatler Asia Group and honoured for her impactful contributions by OPPO, Anda is committed to shaping healthcare financing and policy to ensure safe and healthy pregnancies for women worldwide.

Halle Tecco, MBA, MPH 

Halle Tecco is a distinguished entrepreneur, angel investor, and healthcare advocate committed to revolutionising our healthcare system. Renowned as the founder of Rock Health, Cofertility and Natalist—the latter of it acquired by Everly Health in October 2021—she has been at the forefront of driving innovation in digital health.

Since 2015, she has also been instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare through her role as an educator, teaching the first MBA-level course on digital health investing at Columbia Business School.

As a prominent voice in the industry, Halle hosts The Heart of Healthcare Podcast and co-hosts the Closing Time Podcast. A trailblazer and first-generation college graduate, she holds an MPH from Johns Hopkins University, an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS from Case Western Reserve University.

Halle’s influence extends beyond her entrepreneurial endeavours; she serves on the boards of RESOLVE and the International African American Museum and advises the Harvard Medical School Department of Biomedical Informatics.

Recognised for her achievements, Halle has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and CNBC. She has also graced the stages of renowned events like the Aspen Ideas Festival, CES and SXSW as a keynote speaker, solidifying her status as one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 and one of Goldman Sach’s Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs.

Rachel Braun Scherl, co-founder and president at Semprae Laboratories

Rachel Braun Scherl is a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience driving top-line growth for companies. Notably, as president and co-founder of Semprae Laboratories, she pioneered the development and marketing of sexual health and wellness products for women, revolutionising the industry.

Rachel’s insights are encapsulated in her best-selling book, Orgasmic Leadership: Profiting from the Coming Surge in Women’s Health and Wellness, and she continues to make waves as co-host of the groundbreaking podcast, Business of the V.

A sought-after speaker, Rachel has graced prestigious stages worldwide, sharing her expertise at events such as CES, SXSW and the Pennsylvania Conference for Women. She is also a respected contributor to major publications and remains actively involved in academia, serving on boards for both Duke University and Stanford University Graduate School of Business. 

Cindy Gallop, founder and CEO at Make Love Not Porn 

Cindy Gallop is a visionary brand and business innovator, renowned for her transformative approach to driving change in various sectors. With a remote and in-person consultancy model, she specialises in catalysing radical, breakthrough strategies that challenge conventional norms and disrupt industries.

Dubbed the “Michael Bay of business,” Cindy’s consulting ethos is centered on shaking up the status quo to uncover new opportunities amid adversity.

As a diversity consultant and speaker, she empowers companies to lead the diversity agenda by implementing strategic and creative approaches for real change.

Additionally, Cindy is the founder and CEO of MakeLoveNotPorn, a groundbreaking platform launched at TED in 2009. MakeLoveNotPorn revolutionises social norms surrounding sex by socialising and normalising open, honest conversations while promoting consent, communication and healthy sexual behaviour, thereby combatting rape culture and fostering a culture of empowerment and understanding. 

Ashlee Wisdom, founder and CEO at Health In Her HUE

Ashlee Wisdom is a dynamic force in public health innovation, driven by a fervent commitment to equity and justice in healthcare. As the co-founder and CEO of Health In Her HUE, she spearheads a groundbreaking digital platform connecting Black women and women of colour to culturally sensitive healthcare providers and resources.

With a mission to combat racial health disparities through technology, media and community engagement, Ashlee champions health equity at every turn.

Her extensive experience includes leadership roles at Junto Health, where she directed the Strategic Ventures Group, and in clinical trial management at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Recognised for her advocacy, Ashlee was named a 2021 Top 50 in digital health by Rock Health and serves as a 2022 Aspen Institute Healthy Communities Fellow, amplifying her dedication to advancing health equity in the digital health landscape. Ashlee and her phenomenal team are also participating in our Femovate programme this year. 

Blanca Lesmes, co-founder and principal at BB Imaging

Blanca Lesmes is a seasoned healthcare leader with a mission to revolutionise the industry through technology and accessibility. As co-founder and principal of BB Imaging, she spearheads efforts to enhance patient outcomes by introducing innovative solutions like TeleScan, aiming to address maternal mortality rates in the US.

Blanca’s dedication has propelled BB Imaging to become the largest independent provider of high-risk obstetrical ultrasounds, paving the way for greater prenatal healthcare accessibility.

Additionally, as president of BB Imaging & Healthcare Consulting, she emphasises operational efficiency and lean management. Blanca’s impact extends beyond her companies, as she serves as the chief operating officer of health tech start-up ConfirmX and mentors women entrepreneurs through organisations like DivInc.

Recognised for her leadership, Blanca holds an MBA from the University of Texas and has received prestigious awards for her visionary community engagement. Guidea has been working closely with BB Imaging this year through the Femovate sponsorship programme. 

Dr Sara Naseri, co-founder and CEO at Qvin

Dr Sara Naseri is a dynamic entrepreneur and public speaker, currently serving as the co-founder and CEO of Qvin, a venture they spearheaded. With a diverse educational background, Sara holds a Doctor of Medicine from Aarhus University, complemented by a degree in fabrication of microfluidic devices from Harvard University.

They further honed their expertise through programmes in business development at the Blackbox Connect Program and medical research specialisation in women’s health at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Sara’s passion for education is evident in their academic journey, which includes degrees in mathematics, physics and English from Egå Gymnasium, alongside a certification from Radyr High School. As an accomplished public speaker and former ambassador for Sandbox Network, Sara brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to their entrepreneurial endeavors.

This is not an exhaustive list

We want to acknowledge that while many people have pushed femtech forward; not all will fit on the front of this year’s T-shirt. Please share the founders who have inspired you so we can celebrate their contributions in future prints. In the meantime, keep an eye out for me at the next event, I’ll be proudly wearing my FemTech Pioneers shirt. 

Any profits from the FemTech Pioneers tee will go to Femovate, the UX sponsorship programme for early-stage femtech start-ups, created by Guidea to improve health equity for women worldwide. 

Theresa Neil leads an award-winning women-owned UX design consultancy, Guidea, specialising in medtech, healthtech, digital health and femtech. She is a three time O’Reilly author and is recognised as a Top Designer in Technology by Business Insider. Her client list includes many major biopharma, life sciences, insurance and digital health companies. With a bold mission to advance the femtech industry and the wellness of one billion people, she launched Femovate, an international women’s health equity program for early stage start-ups. Find out more at Femovate.com.