The recent election was anticipated to spotlight the gender gap and the state of democracy, yet the results revealed that the economy held the most sway. This outcome is hard to reconcile, especially when we know that empowering women and placing them in positions of leadership can drive tremendous economic growth. We must amplify this message louder than ever. I am not alone in feeling a complex mix of confusion, sadness, and concern. These emotions stem from the relentless work we have put into making progress and the fear that it could all be unraveled. We cannot afford to move backward—not for women, not for progress, and certainly not for those of us at Fierce Foundry.

So, what lies ahead under this new administration? The future holds significant implications for FemTech and women’s health. It’s crucial to understand what this means for the industry and where we should channel our energy as we move forward.

The Current State of FemTech and Its Growth

The FemTech sector, which focuses on technology-driven solutions for women's health, has been expanding at an impressive pace. As of 2023, the market was valued at $51.80 billion and is projected to reach $117.37 billion by 2029, with an expected CAGR of 14.61%. However, these promising numbers may encounter challenges depending on the policies shaped by the new administration.

Potential Challenges Ahead

1. Funding and Support: Shifts in government funding could impact research and development for women’s health initiatives, potentially slowing down innovations in FemTech.

2. Regulatory Environment: New healthcare regulations might affect how FemTech products and services are developed and distributed.

3. Access to Care: Changes in healthcare policies could influence women’s access to essential health services, creating both obstacles and opportunities for FemTech.

4. Support for Women Entrepreneurs: Grants, loans, and tax incentives for women-owned businesses, especially those in the healthcare sector, might face new hurdles.

Areas of Focus for Continued Growth

Despite the uncertainties, there are key areas where we can still thrive and make meaningful progress:

1. Digital Health Solutions: The adoption of digital health tools has accelerated, presenting FemTech companies with the opportunity to enhance apps and platforms that deliver health information, tracking capabilities, and virtual consultations.

2. Maternal Health: The United States continues to grapple with maternal health challenges. FemTech should prioritize innovations that support prenatal and postpartum care and help reduce maternal mortality rates.

3. Reproductive Health: Potential policy shifts might lead to increased demand for advanced solutions in contraception, fertility tracking, and family planning.

4. Mental Health: As mental well-being becomes an integral part of health discussions, FemTech can contribute by developing solutions that address stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression.

5. Inclusive Healthcare: The call for diverse, inclusive healthcare solutions has never been stronger. FemTech companies should commit to addressing the health needs of women from all backgrounds and communities.

“Not enough female investors who can write multi-million dollar checks. There are more female investors, but very few are General Partners of funds capable of writing a $5M+ check.” - Gina Bartasi Founder, Kindbody via FemTech Startups’ Uphill Battle For Funding Forbes

Our Path Forward

At Fierce Foundry, we want to build products for women and exit female founders to continue to impact the investment ecosystem. Internally and cross the industry, here is where we will direct our focus to ensure continued impact:

1. Invest in Research: Keep investing in research and development to produce evidence-based solutions that can meet stringent regulatory requirements.

2. Advocate for Women’s Health: Stay active in advocacy efforts to ensure that women’s health remains a central issue in policy debates.

3. Prioritize Accessibility: Create solutions that bridge the gap for women in various socioeconomic conditions, ensuring equal access to quality healthcare.

4. Embrace Innovation: Continue leveraging emerging technologies to fill gaps in women’s health and develop groundbreaking solutions.

5. Collaborate with Healthcare Providers: Strengthen partnerships to integrate FemTech solutions seamlessly into current healthcare systems.

6. Educate: We must continue to educate the value of what women bring to the table and how a change to this ecosystem can have real impact.

Celebrating Wins and Progress

While the election results may present challenges, there are reasons to remain hopeful:

- A Historic Campaign: Vice President Kamala Harris ran a robust campaign, securing nearly half the vote and proving that progress is happening.

- Victories for Women’s Health Advocates: Candidates who prioritized women’s health saw success at the local level (for more, see Women’s Health PAC).

- Increased Female Representation: The Senate saw the election and re-election of influential women like Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Kirsten Gillibrand, Mazie Hirono, Maria Cantwell, and Tammy Baldwin. This growth in representation could mean more support for women’s health and FemTech initiatives.

- Cautious Optimism in Venture Capital: The market has responded positively, hinting at potential boosts in funding, a wave of M&A,  IPO activity, and investment.

A Call to Action

Now more than ever, we need to emphasize the importance of female leadership and its undeniable impact on the economy. I stand committed to spreading this message and championing the value of women-owned and -led businesses. Will you join me in this mission to secure the future of FemTech and continue pushing for progress, regardless of the political landscape? Together, we can ensure that the work we’ve started only grows stronger.

Let’s stay hopeful, stay inspired, and keep fighting for what we know is right.

Please help us raise the funds needed to keep this mission moving. Join us on WeFunder where you do not need to be an accredited investor and can invest as low as $100.