Paris aims to become the biggest startup ecosystem in Europe, and their numbers indicate that they are on the right track. In 2021, the French startup ecosystem was valued at $89 billion, with $5 billion invested in the early stages. There are approximately 12,000 startups in Paris’ greater metro area, according to Startup Genome – that’s more than both London and Berlin combined. Wow, right? Well, wait until you hear about the French Femtechs 😉
VC investment in tech companies in France ranked third in Europe in 2021, behind only the UK and Germany, with $11.5 billion invested. Across 600 transactions, that’s a 140 percent increase year over year. The country also boasts 29 unicorns – 16 of which just became unicorns in 2021 – and four of them are in the climate technology field.
Thus, among the thriving tech scene in Paris, there are a number of innovative femtech companies working to revolutionize women’s healthcare. From personalized treatment planning to period panties, these startups are developing cutting-edge technologies to improve women’s health outcomes and empower them to take control of their bodies. So, as a femtech company as well, we would not miss the opportunity to explore some of the top French femtech companies making waves in the industry today.
Meet The Top Paris Femtech Startups
ImVitro
ImVitro is a Paris-based femtech with the pioneering mission to personalize decision-making for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to ensure quality control. It’s developed machine learning algorithms to help fertility clinics make better predictions about embryo selection and increase the number of successful IVF-assisted pregnancies worldwide.
It’s important to note that with the high costs and emotional toll associated with IVF treatments, any tool that can improve outcomes is highly valuable. By personalizing decision-making and ensuring quality control, ImVitro’s technology increases the chances of success for those undergoing IVF and provides hope for those struggling with infertility – and that’s huge!
Perla Health
Following the Station F French femtech program in Paris, Perla Health is now on a mission to redesign PCOS care at every level, from diagnostics to ongoing management, from the ground up. There is no doubt that PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. It is a common cause of infertility as well as wider issues such as irregular periods, weight gain, and mental health problems that can arise from it.
With the help of Kathrin Folkendt, the team has created a tight-knit and growing community that provides evidence-based content, connections to experts, and a tailored plan that will help you better deal with PCOS. In addition to being the founder of Femtech Insider, Kathrin is a force to be reckoned with within the Femtech sector.
Sonio.ai
Sonio focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for healthcare.
Sonio is an AI-powered platform that aims to improve healthcare outcomes through data analysis and predictive analytics. The company’s website states that they use AI algorithms to analyze health data and provide actionable insights for healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. Their solutions are designed to help with early detection of diseases, personalized treatment planning, remote patient monitoring, and improving patient engagement and outcomes.
Perifit
Perifit specializes in pelvic health, offering an innovative device that combines technology with physical therapy to improve women’s pelvic floor strength. The Perifit device is a smart Kegel exerciser that connects to a mobile app. Users engage in video game-like exercises controlled by the Kegel movements, making the training enjoyable and engaging. It provides real-time feedback to ensure that exercises are done correctly and effectively.
As Perifit is made of medical-grade silicone, it is safe to use. The charger can be recharged via a USB cable and comes with a carrying case that makes it easy for you to store and transport the charger.
Wemoms
Wemoms, French femtech but male-led company, provides information and support to pregnant women and new mothers. There are a variety of resources available on the platform, including articles, videos, and forums, covering topics such as pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting, among others.
In addition, as well as offering a messaging system within the app, it offers a community of moms who are able to communicate with and support each other through the app’s community. Additionally, the platform provides access to healthcare professionals who are able to answer questions and provide advice based on the individual’s needs.
So, Wemoms is a valuable resource for pregnant women and new mothers. Its comprehensive platform offers an abundance of information, from articles to videos, on a variety of topics related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. The community feature allows for peer-to-peer support and networking, which can be particularly beneficial for new mothers who may feel isolated or overwhelmed. Additionally, access to healthcare professionals provides a level of personalized advice and support that can be difficult to find elsewhere. Overall, Wemoms offers a supportive and informative space for women navigating the challenges of motherhood.
Endodiag
Endodiag, created by mixed founding teams, is dedicated to advancing endometriosis diagnostics through innovative solutions. Their flagship product, the EndoDTect blood test, uses a combination of biomarkers to detect the presence of endometriosis, a painful and often misunderstood condition affecting millions of women worldwide. By offering a non-invasive and accurate diagnostic option, this test has the potential to significantly improve the lives of those affected by endometriosis.
In addition to their diagnostic efforts, this company has also been actively involved in promoting research and awareness around endometriosis. They played a key role in the launch of the first Endometriosis Observatory in France, which aims to gather comprehensive epidemiological data on the disease and patients. This initiative is an important step towards improving our understanding of endometriosis and developing effective treatments for those living with it.
Overall, this company’s commitment to advancing endometriosis diagnostics and research represents a promising step towards improving the lives of millions of women affected by this often-neglected condition.
FEMPO
FEMPO has disrupted the feminine hygiene industry with its innovative line of period panties. Unlike traditional sanitary napkins, FEMPO panties are incredibly thin, measuring less than 2mm in thickness. These panties are made of a waterproof, highly flexible fabric that prevents leaks and keeps odor at bay, without the use of any harmful chemicals.
Its commitment to providing women with an eco-friendly, sustainable, and hassle-free period experience has resonated with thousands of women who have tried their products. In fact, the panties have been tested by numerous women and have received overwhelmingly positive reviews – 90% of women who have tried the panties have recommended them to their friends. That’s an impressive stat!
FEMPO’s revolutionary period panties represent a major step forward in menstrual care, offering women a discreet, comfortable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional sanitary napkins. Women help women, after all!
MÊME
MÊME cosmetics was born out of the co-founders’ difficult personal experiences. Judith Levy and Juliette Couturier have firsthand knowledge of the physical (adverse effects on the skin, mucous membranes, and hair) and psychological challenges that cancer patients frequently face both during and after treatment. However, they refused to give up and developed a line of dermo-cosmetic care products and make-up based on natural ingredients and tested formulas to ensure tolerance and efficacy.
MÊME cosmetics, accomplished French Femtech, a digitally native vertical brand that went live online in 2017, has been successful in using digital leverage to develop a sincere relationship of intimacy and trust with its customers, with whom it has co-created all of its products. The brand has quickly gained popularity among consumers whose skin has been damaged by treatments and who are looking for hypoallergenic, highly natural products that are also, most importantly, free of any contentious ingredients. This is due to the brand’s effective formulas that have been tested in clinical studies carried out in major French oncology departments.
Because of the high quality of the goods, MÊME Cosmetics has grown to be the go-to brand for pharmacists when it comes to supplying the demands of cancer patients. The company’s 46 French-made products are now sold in 4,800 pharmacies, drugstores, and dedicated retailers in France and ten other nations.
The brand also offers its customers a strong social network support system, a blog that has become a resource for patients and their loved ones, the podcast “Danser sous la pluie” (Dancing in the Rain), which examines cancer from a different perspective, and informational workshops in hundreds of oncology departments in addition to its products.
Apricity
Apricity is a pioneer in the digital fertility space, providing a comprehensive platform that supports individuals and couples through their fertility journey. It blends virtual consultations, personalized treatment plans, and continuous support with an app that manages appointments, medication, and treatment schedules.
Apricity also collaborates with top fertility clinics to ensure high-quality medical care, enhancing the chances of conception through their integrated services.
Fizimed
Fizimed company focuses on pelvic rehabilitation. Their flagship product, Emy, is a smart pelvic floor trainer that empowers women to strengthen their pelvic muscles effectively and provides real-time feedback based on the app.
The device is designed to be discreet, wireless, and reusable, with sensors that ensure exercises are performed correctly. Fizimed’s solution is particularly beneficial for women experiencing issues related to weak pelvic muscles, such as incontinence and pelvic pain.
Final Thoughts
It’s great to see the thriving tech scene in Paris and the many French femtech companies that are working to revolutionize women’s healthcare. ImVitro is doing pioneering work with personalized decision-making for in vitro fertilization (IVF) to increase the number of successful IVF assisted pregnancies worldwide. Perla Health is on a mission to redesign PCOS care from diagnostics to ongoing management, while Sonio focuses on AI-powered solutions to improve healthcare outcomes through data analysis and predictive analytics.
Perifit has developed a pelvic floor exerciser to assist women in strengthening their pelvic floor muscles, while Wemoms provides information and support to pregnant women and new mothers. Finally, Endodiag is dedicated to improving the diagnosis of endometriosis, a common and often misdiagnosed condition, using a biomarker-based diagnostic test and MÊME is focusing on developing cosmetics about women going through hard times. These femtech companies are making waves in the industry and are definitely worth keeping an eye on!
Are you a femtech startup looking to grow your business?
Get in touch with our founder, Effie Bersoux, at [email protected]
