Berlin-based start-up raises €2.5m to support women during menopause

Berlin-based start-up Frieda Health has raised a €2.5m pre-seed funding round to help women navigate menopause.

Frieda Health, a company specialising in “enhancing” the health and wellbeing of women during menopause, aims to build a holistic digital health platform to provide women with medical, psychological and emotional support.

The platform, consisting of a team of health experts, software developers, gynaecologists and psychologists, claims to help and assist women through the entire menopausal transition and beyond.

“After witnessing a long-overdue focus on the female menstrual cycle in recent years, it is now time to consider the end of the cycle,” said Valentina Ullrich, co-founder and CEO of Frieda Health.

“‘Positive or healthy ageing’ is still negatively perceived or overlooked in the broader context of preventive health. Yet, this is precisely where Frieda aims to bring change.

“The fact that Frieda has secured a significant investment and a strong partner on board is crucial and makes us immensely proud. We look forward to addressing the treatment gap in menopause and thinking beyond.”

The financial backing, from the longevity company builder Maximon, is hoped to help the company advance its digital solutions.

Frieda is planning to use the funding to intensify its research and development efforts, expand its user base and improve its platform.

Caroline Wagner, founding partner at Maximon and newly appointed board member of Frieda Health, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Frieda Health. Maximon is committed to supporting companies that extend people’s healthspan, maximising the time spent in a healthy state.

She added: “Recognising that for half of the population, menopause is often the starting point of age-related health issues, we’re excited to back Frieda’s mission in addressing this largely overlooked issue and underserved market.”

The number of women aged 45 and older is on an upwards trajectory.

In the UK alone, it is estimated that there are currently around 13 million women going through menopause or perimenopause, equating to around one-third of the country’s entire female population.

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