Breast pump company secures US$8.5m in seed funding

An Israeli breast pump company has raised US$8.5m in seed funding to make breast pumping more accessible.

Annabella has developed a portable breast pump that claims to simulate the baby’s tongue to optimise milk output at a faster pace.

The electric device promises a more comfortable and convenient experience for mothers that could “revolutionise” the industry.

“Mothers shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and efficiency when breast pumping,” explained Masha Waldberg, co-founder of Annabella.

“Now, with the Annabella pump, they don’t have to. This investment will allow us to quicken the pace at which we bring best-in-class femtech products to market that radically improve the lived experience of mothers around the world.”

“Our mission is to empower women throughout every developmental phase of motherhood. This is only the beginning.”

The seed funding, supported by Yasmin Lukatz, founder of the Israel Collaboration Network, serial entrepreneur and investor Oren Dobronsky, Tamar Technology Ventures’ Zohar Gilon and Starry Group’s Menachem Weinfeld, will be used to help the company “fuel” product development, expand into the US market and onboard insurance providers to make breast pumping more accessible, Waldberg added.

Lukatz, founder of Israel Collaboration Network, said: “We believe that Annabella’s innovative breast pump holds the potential to revolutionise the maternal health industry, offering an unparalleled experience in comfort and efficiency.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Annabella’s journey and look forward to seeing the company’s growth and expansion into the United States.”