European advancements in AI technology bypassing the progress of femtech industry
In the world of technology, femtech – a sector focused on women's health – has been making strides, yet it seems that Europe has been lagging behind.
In 2021, global femtech investment peaked at an impressive €1.89bn. However, the following year saw a significant drop, with investment plunging to just €1.1bn in 2022. This rollercoaster ride of investment in femtech raises questions about the commitment to this vital sector.
Europe, historically a leader in women's health innovation, captured a mere €164mn out of €8.3bn in healthtech funding in 2023. This stark disparity is concerning, especially considering that femtech serves half of the global population. Recognising this fact is crucial for investors, as the potential of this sector is immense.
Notable femtech pioneers in Europe include Ava, based in Switzerland, and Natural Cycles, based in Sweden. These companies have made significant strides in women's health technology, yet they seem to be few and far between.
The AI bubble is unpredictable, but femtech isn't going anywhere. General-purpose AI built without healthcare specialisation often exacerbates health problems, making it all the more important to invest in femtech.
One of the most pressing issues in femtech is the lack of diagnosis. Up to 70% of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remain undiagnosed worldwide, and the average woman with endometriosis waits seven years for a diagnosis. This delay in diagnosis can lead to severe health complications.
The lack of funding for femtech startups in Europe is also a concern. 44% of European femtech startups haven't raised any funding at all, and female-only founding teams received just 2% of global VC funding in 2024. This disparity is troubling, as women-led investment teams are significantly better at understanding femtech investment opportunities.
Policymakers must reform R&D funding structures to ensure women's health receives proportional investment. Countries with dedicated female angel investor networks see 27% higher early-stage funding rates for women entrepreneurs, suggesting that targeted investment can make a significant difference.
Despite the challenges, the future of femtech in Europe looks promising. Projections estimate a €30bn European femtech market by 2032, highlighting the potential for growth in this sector. Europe's failure to recognise the importance of femtech puts it at risk of falling behind other regions. It's time for policymakers and investors to take notice and invest in this critical area of technology.
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