Femtech innovator raises US$1.3m to expand “gynaecologist-approved” sportswear line

The American businesswoman Mitchella Gilbert has raised US$1.3m to expand her hightech “gynaecologist-approved” sportswear brand.

Oya Femtech Apparel, a hightech performance wear brand, provides women with breathable, ventilated activewear made of antimicrobic fabrics to prevent yeast infections.

Inspired by Gilbert’s experience as a college athlete, Oya aims to help women prevent common feminine health issues associated with women’s sportswear.

“Oya’s leggings are twice as absorbent as leading brands with unique designs that provide discrete natural ventilation, significantly performing over current market options,” Gilbert, who dealt with vaginal health hurdles as an athlete, told Forbes.

Clothing has been assessed as a risk factor for yeast infections. Leggings with spandex that sit close to the skin hold more moisture in the vulvar region and can create a moist environment where yeast infections thrive.

According to the company’s website, the “hightech” leggings developed by Oya come with a removable pad designed to absorb moisture and remove sweat and bacteria, featuring ventilation panels to help the skin breathe.

The fabric is one of the firsts of its kind to be physician-tested and athlete-approved prior to going to market.

“Our legging is now patent-pending and we are on our third collection of tops and bottoms that absorb moisture, decrease bacteria, and increase natural ventilation,” the founder added.

Co-investors, Sophia Bush Hughes and Nia Linder Batts, said they are proud to support Gilbert and her team in developing an innovative textile-based technology.

“When we find underrepresented, passionate founders with great ideas, it is a privilege to invest in them and work alongside them.”

The start-up will use the capital to expand its hightech performance wear range and empower women to talk freely about feminine health concerns.