The women’s health market represents a massive and growing opportunity, yet it remains one of the most under-ventured sectors in healthcare. Despite women making up over half the population and accounting for the majority of healthcare spending decisions, investment in women’s health technologies and companies continues to lag. At LSI USA ’24, a panel of industry leaders, including investors and innovators, gathered to dissect why this gap persists and, more importantly, how to close it. This blog is originally published here: https://www.lsiusasummit.com/news/why-the-womens-health-market-remains-underfunded

1. Why The Women’s Health Market Remains Underfunded
The women’s health market represents a massive and growing opportunity, yet it remains one of the most under-
ventured sectors in healthcare. Despite women making up over half the population and accounting for the majority
of healthcare spending decisions, investment in women’s health technologies and companies continues to lag. At
LSI USA ’24, a panel of industry leaders, including investors and innovators, gathered to dissect why this gap
persists and, more importantly, how to close it.
Defining the Women’s Health Market
Before addressing the investment challenges, the panelists established a broad and inclusive definition of
women’s health.
“Women’s health is anything that impacts a woman’s well-being and ability to thrive—physically,
mentally, and emotionally,” said Tara Ghazi, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of MALCOVA.
However, as Terri Burke, former Venture Partner at Epidarex Capital, emphasized, it’s important not to conflate
women’s health solely with reproductive health, though there are, of course, significant maternal healthcare
disparities. “Women’s health includes cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and other
conditions that present differently or disproportionately affect women,” she said.
From reproductive health and pregnancy monitoring to breast cancer imaging and chronic disease management,
the women’s health market spans the entire continuum of care. Yet, despite the vast unmet needs, investor
hesitation remains a challenge.
Why Is the Women’s Health Market Still Underfunded?
Despite recent success stories in women’s health, investment remains inconsistent. The panelists pointed to
several key reasons why this space is still underfunded compared to other medtech sectors.
This blog is originally published here: https://www.lsiusasummit.com/news/why-the-womens-health-market-
remains-underfunded