US company hopes to become “Bumble for surrogacy” with online matching platform

A new surrogacy matching platform aiming to modernise the surrogacy industry has been launched in the US.

Nodal, a surrogacy platform that connects vetted surrogates and intended parents, is powered by a US$4.7m capital raise led by Amplo and seeks to add transparency and ease to an opaque industry, empowering the surrogate to make the first move. 

Interest in surrogacy has been on the rise, with the industry expected to exceed US$37b by 2027.

For many couples and individuals, surrogacy — a process estimated at US$125,000 or more per child — is their best option for growing their family. However, the slow-moving process can take years to complete.

Nodal is a company based in New York aims to redefine the surrogacy experience through transparency, equity and empowerment by using technology to facilitate matching, with an emphasis on lowering costs for intended parents and providing education and resources for surrogates.

The platform prompts surrogates to make the first connection with intended parent profiles that feel right for them. Individuals and couples who sign up have to pay a monthly membership fee to create a profile on the company’s platform for surrogates to browse.

Each member of Nodal’s platform undergoes screening inclusive of background checks and live interviews.

“For many people, surrogacy is the best and only option for starting or growing a family, but both potential surrogates and intended parents find the industry cost prohibitive, difficult to navigate and, frankly, frustrating,” said Nodal CEO and IVF specialist, Dr Brian Levine.

“That’s what we’re working to change. Our goal is to make surrogacy an attainable option for more intended parents and to give surrogates an exceptional experience with education, support and empowerment along the way.”

Sheel Tyle, founder and CEO of Amplo, the venture capital firm that led the investment round, said: “Nodal is tackling the enormous need to reimagine and bring transparency to the surrogacy industry. Education and equity will be core to its values.”

The members will also have access to Maven Clinic’s virtual care platform, including care from providers ranging from mental health providers and pediatricians to sleep and career coaches.

Surrogates will also have access to community connection with other surrogates at similar stages through the company’s online community.

Kate Ryder, founder and CEO of Maven Clinic, said: “A purpose-built solution for surrogacy that offers thoughtful resources to both intended parents and gestational carriers is sorely needed to help reduce cost and increase access to this critical pathway to parenthood.

“Dr. Levine and the team at Nodal have created a new, better way to support surrogacy journeys that is grounded in empathy for all, and countless families will benefit from their inclusive, technology-forward approach.”