Investment into femtech — technology and digital products focused on women’s health — has increased substantially over the past decade, but experts caution that headline growth conceals important gaps in the sector, according to a recent analysis reported by healthcare commentators.
Numbers show fast growth, but context matters
Research cited in the commentary found that deal activity in UK femtech rose by more than 194% over the past 10 years, with the number of deals increasing from 18 in 2015 to 53 a decade later. Total funding climbed from about £9.4 million in 2015 to more than £100 million in 2025, while the average deal size rose from roughly £527,000 to £1.9 million.
Those figures contribute to wider momentum in women’s health investment: the commentary referenced the 1st Global Women’s Health Investment Report, which recorded record investment of $1.55 billion (about £1.1 billion) in the broader women’s health market last year.
"Headline figures only ever tell part of the story,"
The author of the piece, Vicky Protano, a corporate partner at Mills & Reeve, used that phrase to signal caution. She argued that while headline metrics point to growing investor confidence, they do not necessarily indicate a healthy, evenly distributed sector.
Where growth is concentrated
Analysis showed that much of the recent investment has been clustered geographically. London remains the dominant hub for femtech funding, hosting the majority of venture activity. Other UK regions — including the North East, North West and Yorkshire & the Humber — are markedly underrepresented in deal numbers and values.
- Deal volume rose from 18 to 53 over 10 years.
- Total sector funding increased from £9.4 million to over £100 million.
- Average deal size grew from about £527,000 to £1.9 million.
| Metric (2015) | Metric (2025) |
|---|---|
| Deal volume | 18 → 53 |
| Total funding | £9.4 million → >£100 million |
| Average deal size | £527,000 → £1.9 million |
Why the pattern matters for health services and innovation
Observers warn that concentrated investment can limit the types of products and services developed and the populations they serve. When capital and talent cluster in one city, regional needs — which may differ in demography, healthcare access and service delivery models — can be overlooked. The commentary emphasised that the femtech sector remains small relative to other health segments, and that funding needs to become more balanced and widespread across regions to support a fuller range of innovation.
The piece also named several companies that completed notable funding rounds in the previous 12 months, including SheMed, Gaia, Emm and Hertility, with most investors remaining UK-based. While these rounds signal investor interest in specific propositions, the analysis argued that broader structural support is required to build regional clusters outside the capital.
Policy and market implications
For policymakers and funders, the findings suggest two priorities: first, creating a funding environment that supports smaller and regionally based startups; second, ensuring investment flows into a diversity of women’s health areas rather than concentrating on a narrow set of commercially attractive problems. The commentary called for targeted measures to stimulate regional innovation ecosystems and to make capital more accessible beyond London.
For clinicians and patients, more balanced investment could mean digital tools and services tailored to varied clinical pathways and population needs. However, the commentary also implicitly reminds readers that investment figures alone do not equate to improved clinical outcomes; products still need robust evidence, regulatory oversight and integration with health services.
Readers should consult health professionals rather than rely on consumer-facing femtech tools for medical diagnosis or treatment. Where products claim clinical benefit, verification through peer-reviewed research and regulatory approval remains essential.
