Hello, tech enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a groundbreaking initiative that aims to empower women by making egg freezing more accessible.
The modern era has seen women increasingly focused on their careers and often delaying marriage. As a result, many are contemplating preserving their fertility through egg freezing.
However, the hefty price tag, usually between $10,000 and $15,000, often puts this option out of reach during the prime years of fertility, particularly the 20s and early 30s.
Enter Cofertility, a remarkable startup co-founded by former Uber executive Lauren Makler and health tech angel investor Halle Tecco. They’re tackling this challenge head-on by offering no-cost egg freezing services in exchange for the donor’s agreement to donate half of the harvested eggs to women facing fertility struggles.
Recently, Cofertility completed a successful $7.25 million Series A funding round, bringing their total investment to $16 million. This financial boost is set to further their mission of making egg freezing accessible to more women.
Makler’s inspiration arose from her personal health scare, where a rare abdominal disease and subsequent surgeries raised concerns about her fertility. This experience ignited her passion for helping others in similar situations.
While it’s common to find egg donation programs, Cofertility stands out with its unique “Split” program, offering a large pool of egg donors—much more than traditional clinics. Approximately 55% of these donors are highly educated, adding valuable diversity to the program’s offerings.
For intended parents, the retrieval costs and coordination fees are covered without the added financial burden of compensating the donor, making the process more affordable. While they don’t view Cofertility merely as a marketplace, Makler recognizes it as a crucial solution to the stigma surrounding egg donation.
Ultimately, the goal is to normalize the conversation around egg donation, ensuring that any path to parenthood is embraced without shame. The collaboration between donors and those seeking eggs presents an exciting new opportunity for many.