Women’s health network initiative launches in Canada

Femtech Canada, a women’s health network initiative operated by the business accelerator Innovation Factory, has celebrated its official launch in Toronto, promising to create a more inclusive healthcare landscape.

Femtech Canada is the first organisation dedicated to advancing women’s health innovation, commercialisation and investment in the country.

The network represents and supports companies with technologies that cater to the health and wellness needs of women, girls, non-binary individuals, trans people and those assigned female at birth, aiming to shape a more inclusive healthcare landscape.

The team provides networking, training and business advisory support, including fundraising and mentorship.

Women’s health has historically been under-researched, under-funded, under-served and even considered to be “niche” within the business and investment community.

Rachel Bartholomew, founder of the women’s health company Hyivy Health, started Femtech Canada, with the aim of creating a platform for companies to come together to share knowledge and connections while addressing barriers, ranging from a lack of resources and investment to advertising bans and talent shortages.

The organisation is backed by an advisory board of venture capital members including, Esplanade Ventures, Amplify Capital and Wittington Ventures, as well as femtech companies, such as Future Fertility and Hyivy Health and the business accelerator, Innovation Factory.

Karen Linseman, VP of operations at Innovation Factory, said: “We are truly overdue to rally around women’s health, the health of 51 per cent of the global population.

“Femtech Canada exists to advance the recognition and resourcing of women’s health and wellness companies.

“We take a founder-first approach in all of our programming and are excited to support those innovating for the betterment of Canada’s diverse population.”

This week’s launch event attracted more than 100 members from the network and provided an opportunity for early-stage femtech companies to network with industry partners as well as pitch for a chance to receive CAD$35,000 in non-dilutive funds, supported by the lead sponsor, Sun Life and Shoppers Drug Mart, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization.