US start-up secures US$7m in funding to ‘redesign’ healthcare for women over 65

The US healthtech company Herself Health has raised US$7m in funding to open its first clinic and advance primary care for women over 65.

The company links women’s health goals with their life goals, taking into account a patient’s physical, mental, social, sexual, and spiritual needs.

Clinicians start by performing an interview and health evaluation to create a plan for care with their patients, focusing on health concerns that commonly affect women over the age of 65, such as osteoporosis, weight management and emotional wellbeing.

The founders say Herself Health will become the first fully value-based advanced healthcare business focused exclusively on women.

“With the launch of Herself Health, we are breaking the mould of one-size-fits-most healthcare, which traditionally falls short of providing the best care for women of this generation,” said Kristen Helton, Herself Health CEO who founded and led the primary and urgent care service Amazon Care.

“Our innovative and patient-obsessed care experience empowers women to keep growing bolder in mind, body, and spirit at any age.”

Data suggests women are currently misdiagnosed at higher rates than men, taking longer to diagnose and often expressing frustration at not feeling heard.

These issues are compounded with healthcare’s universal shortcomings, including not giving patients enough time with doctors and expecting them to navigate their own care across specialists.

“Kristen and Herself Health have created a model for healthcare that will give a wider population elevated and meaningful experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have access to,” said Mindy Grossman, Herself Health’s latest board addition.

“I’m thrilled to partner with a founder and company who share the mission of democratising wellness for all.”

Herself Health has opened its first clinic in Minneapolis where patients can be treated for geriatric health, women’s health and weight management.

The funding round, led by founding partner Juxtapose, will help the company to expand its offerings to include home-based and virtual care touchpoints to allow patients to work towards personalised goals alongside a care team.

Commenting on the announcement, Jed Cairo, founding partner at Juxtapose, said: “At Juxtapose, we partner with leaders who have a proven track record and a clear vision for the opportunity ahead.

“From her work in research and start-ups to Amazon, Kristen has a strong track record of transforming insights around customer and patient-led needs into comprehensive and delightful healthcare experiences.

“We’re thrilled to partner with her as she works to redesign value-based care for the growing population of ageing women.”