Women's Health

Created over six years ago, our network of native and ‘new to’ women’s health investors, start-ups, pharmaceuticals, biotechs, technical advisers, manufacturers, distributors, legal advisors and strategic partners is what makes us the growth engine for Women’s Health innovation.

The Women’s Health Innovation Series (WHIS) is dedicated to accelerating early-stage innovation, with startups and emerging companies forming a core component of our audiences and broader community. WHIS also brings together large multinational corporations at the forefront of pharmaceutical and medical device development, investors that span from women’s health focused VCs to larger investment banks, service providers such as CROs and lawyers, regulatory bodies, non-profit organisations and research institutions, and payers.

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Bringing together senior executives from large pharmaceutical and medical device companies, biotechs, startups, investors, funds, CROs, patient advocacy groups, consultants, law firms, government representatives, regulatory experts, payers, and insurance companies, and other supporting stakeholders, WHIS is dedicated to meeting the essential demands of the women’s health sector to facilitate the scaling and growth of companies and key stakeholders throughout their commercial journey.

Emerging / Start-Ups

We are committed to increasing exposure of emerging companies in women’s health, at all stages of growth and development, who are seeking partnership opportunities and are at the forefront of shaping the future of this space.

25%

120+

Attendees

Past Participants Include

What our attendees say

WHIS is one of our companies favorite events to attend. The community vibe and excitement of attendees makes this event so inspirational and motivating.

Anna Daily, Chief Scientific Officer, Namida Lab

Critical Needs Identified

Women's health startups stand at the forefront of addressing long-standing gaps in healthcare, necessitating crucial investments to drive innovation, secure regulatory approvals, and generate robust clinical trial data. These startups face unique challenges in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and substantiating the efficacy of their solutions tailored specifically to women's health needs. The Women's Health Innovation Series serves as a pivotal catalyst, providing a dynamic platform for these startups to connect with the right investors, regulatory experts, and collaborators. By fostering these connections, the series not only facilitates vital financial support but also cultivates an environment for sharing insights, overcoming regulatory hurdles, and leveraging expertise to advance groundbreaking solutions for women's health. This series is more than an event; it's a strategic nexus where ideas converge, partnerships flourish, and the trajectory of women's healthcare innovation is shaped collaboratively.

Partnership Priorities

Partnerships are paramount for the success of women's health startups, as they bring a multitude of benefits across various facets of the business. Investment partners provide crucial financial support, enabling startups to advance research, navigate regulatory landscapes, and accelerate product development. Service providers, including consultants and law firms, contribute specialized expertise, guiding startups through complex regulatory processes and legal intricacies. Commercial partners bring industry know-how, distribution channels, and market access, facilitating the entry of innovative women's health solutions into mainstream healthcare. Collectively, these partnerships create a robust ecosystem that not only fosters growth but also enhances the startup's credibility and market reach.
Academics / NPOs

Non-profit organizations and advocacy groups play a key part in our Summits, and in the women’s health space in general, ensuring the fight towards health equity continues and awareness of the industry is being spread.

15%

70+

Attendees

Past Participants Include

What our attendees say

Kate Ryder, Maven

Fantastic eye-opener widening the scope and offering 360 perspective to women's health in the US context.

Aura Pyykönen, Aalto University

Critical Needs Identified

Academic groups and non-profit organizations (NPOs) are driven by a shared commitment to advancing knowledge and promoting the well-being of women. Staying abreast of the latest developments in the women's health industry is crucial for these entities as they seek to contribute to research, education, and advocacy efforts. The Women's Health Innovation Series serves as an indispensable conduit for academic groups and NPOs to learn about cutting-edge advancements, regulatory updates, and government initiatives directly from industry leaders and experts. Participating in the series provides these organizations with a platform to engage in discussions, share insights, and connect with the right people in the women's health ecosystem, including researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the series empowers academic and non-profit entities to stay at the forefront of the industry, ensuring that their initiatives align with the latest trends and regulations to drive positive impact in women's health.

Partnership Priorities

Partnerships play a pivotal role in advancing women's health within the academic realm, fostering collaboration among government entities, regulatory experts, and startups. Government support and collaboration with regulatory experts ensure that research initiatives align with evolving standards and guidelines, facilitating smoother approval processes and adherence to regulatory frameworks.
Investors / Funding Groups

We look to bring together leading investors with a particular focus in women’s health, ranging from seed, to angel, venture capital firms, private equity, funds, and advisors.

15%

60+

Attendees

Past Participants Include

What our attendees say

Alice Zheng, Rhia Ventures

The WHIS is the only conference focused on the entirety of women's health: conditions that impact women exclusively, disproportionately or differently.

Linda Greub, Avestria Ventures

Critical Needs Identified

Investors are increasingly drawn to women's health startups due to the immense potential for impactful innovation and significant market growth. Recognizing the unique healthcare needs of women, investors see an opportunity to support groundbreaking solutions that can make a meaningful difference in improving women's well-being. The Women's Health Innovation Series serves as a key gathering point for investors eager to explore and invest in this burgeoning sector. By participating in the series, investors gain access to a curated network of like-minded peers, fellow investors, and industry experts. This platform not only offers a chance to discover promising startups but also facilitates strategic discussions and collaborations with other investors, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and collective investment efforts that drive advancements in women's health. The series acts as a catalyst for creating connections, enabling investors to meet the right people and collectively contribute to the growth and success of the women's health innovation ecosystem.

Partnership Priorities

WHIS serves as a key catalysts for such collaborations, offering investors a curated environment to connect with promising start-ups, exchange ideas with other investors, and collectively contribute to the growth and success of the women's health ecosystem. By fostering these partnerships, investors not only broaden their investment portfolios but also actively participate in shaping the trajectory of advancements in women's health, creating a collaborative and informed investment landscape.
Large Pharma / Biotech

At the forefront of innovation, big pharma, medical device, and biotech companies play a key role in shaping the investments and innovation happening in the women’s health sphere.

30%

110+

Attendees

Past Participants Include

What our attendees say

Aliette van der Wal, Philips

Days filled with top notch presenters, awesome innovative ideas and connecting with transformative talented women!

Izabela Malinowska, GSK

Critical Needs Identified

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, major pharmaceutical companies are increasingly recognizing the value and innovation that women's health startups bring to the table. Acquiring these startups not only allows pharmaceutical giants to diversify their portfolios but also enables them to tap into the latest technologies and advancements tailored to address women's unique health needs. The Women's Health Innovation Series emerges as a pivotal conduit for large pharmaceuticals to connect with innovative startups and gain insights into cutting-edge technologies. By participating in the series, these companies can engage with the right people — from visionary entrepreneurs to regulatory experts — fostering collaborations that propel them to the forefront of women's healthcare innovation. This series serves as a strategic platform, facilitating the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and forging partnerships that are instrumental in shaping the future of women's health solutions.

Partnership Priorities

Partnerships are integral to the success of large pharmaceutical and biotech companies in the women's health sector, offering multifaceted advantages for sustained growth. Collaborating with start-ups presents an avenue for these industry leaders to harness innovative solutions, expand their product portfolios, and stay at the forefront of scientific advancements. Acquiring start-ups not only facilitates access to cutting-edge technologies but also enables large pharma and biotech firms to leverage entrepreneurial agility in developing tailored solutions for women's health. Moreover, strategic partnerships with service providers, including consultants and law firms, bring specialized expertise, aiding in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and ensuring compliance.
Consultants / Law Firms / Service Providers

Industry support and service providers include advocacy groups, researchers, knowledge leaders and accelerators such as consultants, lawyers, CROs, non-profits and regulatory experts.

15%

40+

Attendees

Past Participants Include

What our attendees say

The conference covered a wide range of topics and had great speakers that covered clinicians, regulatory, research, and investment.

Abby Sheer, Cambridge Design Partnership

Critical Needs Identified

Service providers, including consultants and law firms, recognize the burgeoning opportunities within the women's health sector and the unique challenges faced by companies in this space. These professionals aim to offer their expertise to support women's health startups in navigating regulatory landscapes, legal complexities, and strategic business decisions. The Women's Health Innovation Series emerges as an invaluable platform for service providers to connect with potential clients and establish meaningful partnerships. By participating in the series, consultants and law firms gain direct access to a targeted audience of women's health entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers. This strategic environment facilitates the exchange of insights, fosters collaborations, and enables service providers to showcase their offerings to companies seeking specialized guidance. The series serves as a nexus for building relationships, fostering partnerships, and creating synergies that contribute to the growth and success of women's health companies while providing service providers with a unique avenue to meet the right people in this vibrant and evolving ecosystem.

Partnership Priorities

By actively engaging with women's health companies, service providers gain firsthand insights into industry needs, positioning themselves as integral contributors to the sector's growth. These partnerships serve as a two-way street, driving commercial growth for service providers while ensuring that women's health companies receive tailored, high-quality support, ultimately fostering a robust and interconnected ecosystem within the women's health industry.