Virtual care platform raises US$10m to support women with common gynaecological conditions

The US virtual care platform Allara has raised US$10m in Series A funding to support women with common hormonal and gynaecological conditions.

Allara is a specialty care platform for women living with complex hormonal and gynaecological conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.

The company aims to pair patients with specially trained doctors and dietitians to fill, what it describes as, a significant gap in women’s healthcare.

Globally, gynaecological health is one of the least prioritised areas of health, despite an enormous burden of morbidity and mortality.

Research shows over one in three women live with a chronic condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or hypothyroidism.

Despite this, women report years of suffering and go as many as 10 years undiagnosed. These conditions often cause complications such as infertility, high-risk pregnancies, obesity, and diabetes, as well as delayed diagnoses and treatments.

“Women’s health is often misperceived as limited to pregnancy and fertility, failing to acknowledge the intricate web of health conditions that affect women’s daily lives and long-term health,” said Rachel Blank, who founded Allara after her own difficulty navigating a PCOS diagnosis without sufficient medical support.

“At Allara, we finally take the burden off the patient to navigate a siloed care system and empower her with a whole-body, preventative approach to her health.”

The company’s latest round was led by Google Ventures, with participation from Great Oaks Venture Capital, Humbition, Vanterra, Gaingels, and individual investors, including Tom Lee (One Medical) and Maggie Sellers.

The start-up will use the new funds to expand access to care by extending its insurance coverage, launching partnerships with health systems and conducting clinical research.

Blank said: “We are grateful for the support of GV and our dedicated partners to scale our operations and extend this vital care offering to women nationwide.”

Frédérique Dame, GV general partner, added: “Women of reproductive age have complex hormonal care needs, and Allara raises the bar for clinically driven, personalised hormonal healthcare.

“Allara has built a brand and community that hundreds of thousands of patients trust, and we’re excited to support CEO Rachel Blank and the team as they provide women with compassionate, modern healthcare.”