For years, women’s health was treated as a niche. That’s finally changing. Clinicians, investors, and founders now see it as a major driver of innovation and impact. While New York, Boston, and San Francisco have long been innovation centers for Women’s Health, Southern California is fast emerging as another vibrant U.S. hub.

What is “FemTech”? And how does it relate to FemHealth?

But first of all, what is FemTech? And how does it relate to women’s health?

Used for the first time in 2016 by Ida Tin, recognized as the “mother of FemTech,” the term refers to technologies and services built for women’s health across life stages, from fertility and contraception to menopause, menstrual health, cardiovascular disease, mental well‑being, prevention, wellness, and more. It regroups various categories: medical devices, digital platforms, biotech, and patient‑centered care models.

More broadly, FemHealth encompasses not only FemTech innovations but also clinical practices, policy initiatives, and community-driven approaches to advance equity and innovation in women’s health. Together, they represent a new era of integrated solutions for women’s care.

What makes Southern California special?

The region combines world-class health systems, deep tech talent, diverse investors (VCs, family offices, angels), and accessible infrastructure:

Policy also matters. In 2022, California voters approved Proposition 1, enshrining reproductive freedom in the state constitution, reinforcing a supportive environment for women’s health innovation, trials, and clinical partnerships.

Startups and local initiatives leading the way

  • Tia Health: Hybrid clinics combining in-person and virtual holistic care, backed by Cedar‑Sinai, with a strong presence across Los Angeles.

  • Aspivix: Recently launched in California with Carevix®, an FDA-cleared, non‑traumatic cervical stabilizer that makes IUD insertions and other gynecological procedures gentler.

  • Braave, based in Los Angeles, is developing a 3D smart bra that blends wearable technology with health insights, showing how fashion, sensors, and women’s health converge. 

  • Cern Corporation, a Southern California medtech company advancing therapy for fungal and bacterial vaginosis through microbicidal light treatment.

  • Lidavex is revolutionizing maternal health through a minimally invasive device designed to provide accurate, real-time monitoring of labor progress, ensuring better outcomes for both mothers and babies.

  • SoCal Women’s Health Collective, a new community initiative, brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and healthcare leaders across Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County to share knowledge, collaborate, and amplify innovations in women’s health.

These few examples of companies and collectives don’t just innovate; they challenge the standards of care and foster a supportive ecosystem centered on women’s lived experiences.


Investment momentum and the 2030 outlook

Investor interest in FemTech has surged over the last few years confirming the market opportunities are tremendous. Since 2016, more than $16 billion has been invested globally (FemTech Analytics), with Southern California emerging as a growing hub. In 2024 alone, over $1.2 billion was raised across FemTech companies, with overall deal value since 2020 topping $5 billion (source: Pitchbook).

Looking ahead, the global FemTech is expected to surpass $97 billion by 2030 (sources: Fast Company, Grand View Research, Acumen Research).


A Global Funding Signal

The Gates Foundation recently announced a $2.5 billion commitment through 2030 to catalyze R&D across five critical, historically underfunded areas: obstetric care and maternal immunization, maternal health and nutrition, gynecological and menstrual health, contraceptive innovation, and sexually transmitted infections. The funding targets over 40 innovations globally, including AI‑powered ultrasounds, new contraceptive methods, and vaginal microbiome therapies, yet underscores that even this historic pledge “falls far short of what is needed.”

This monumental investment sends a clear signal: women’s health is no longer a philanthropic footnote; it is a strategic global priority.


The positive impact: health equity and economic growth

Closing the women’s health gap is one of the largest and most under-recognized opportunities of our time. According to the World Economic Forum and McKinsey, addressing women’s health needs could add at least $1 trillion per year to the global economy by 2040, while improving quality of life and workforce participation. In other words, investing in women’s health is both a moral and an economic imperative.


Why this matters for founders and investors

Southern California uniquely aligns clinical partners, medtech and biotech talent, design and consumer sensibility, engaged communities, and supportive policy. FemTech innovators, whether in devices, digital, diagnostics, or data, will find an ideal launchpad for piloting, validation, and scaling.

Call to action (for French entrepreneurs & investors)

If you’re building innovations in women’s health, Southern California should be on your radar. Based on your innovation, start exploring programs with ULP or JLABS @ San Diego, collaborate with UCLA Health and UC Irvine (UCI) researchers, and connect through BioscienceLA and the SoCal Women’s Health Collective. With global momentum, especially underscored by the Gates Foundation’s pledge, now is the moment to engage by investing, researching, innovating, and amplifying voices. Health equity, impact, and economic return await and the local southern California ecosystem is here to support you.

“The global fem tech market is projected to reach at least $97 billion by 2030.”
— Fast Company, 2025

Author : Ikram Guerd

Read her French Cluster expert profile or contact her by email, see her website or LinkedIn profile.

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