<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Alife Health, a technology company developing AI tools to improve fertility and reproductive health, has raised USD 22 million in a Series A round co-led by Deena Shakir (Lux Capital), Rebecca Kaden (Union Square Ventures), and Anarghya Vardhana (Maveron). This brings the total funds raised to over USD 31 million.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        The funds will be utilized to launch its two fertility products (Stim Assist and Alife mobile app) to the market and conduct clinical trials for its third fertility product (Embryo Predict), which is still in development.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Stim Assist is an AI tool used during ovarian simulations&mdash;patients receive injected medications that stimulate the ovaries to produce and release mature eggs. This provides clinicians with insights that support their decision-making in utilizing the correct dose of medication to retrieve the maximum number of mature eggs per cycle from the patient for fertilization and implantation while reducing medication costs. Alife's mobile app is its first B2C platform, which it plans to launch later in 2022. The app will feature educational resources and tools for medication reminders, appointments, lab results, and more. Embryo Predict is an AI-based solution that helps embryologists in analyzing and transferring patient embryos.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
    &lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
    <b>Analyst QuickTake:</b>
     The latest funding follows Alife Health&rsquo;s 
    <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/3002">
      USD 9.5 million seed funding
    </a>
     round raised in May 2021, in which it used the funds to prepare its technology for regulatory review.&lt;/ul&gt;
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alife-announces-its-22-million-series-a-to-modernize-and-personalize-fertility-care-with-artificial-intelligence-301506795.html">
      Company press release
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/alife-health-raises-22m-series-fertility-ai-tools">
      Fierce Healthcare
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Fertility Tech

Alife Health raises USD 22 million in Series A funding

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>

<p>Ōura Health, a wearable technology company from Finland, has revealed its latest product, the Ring 4, which is a smart ring available at a cost of USD 349. The Ring 4 succeeds the previous Ring 3 and boasts enhnaced health tracking capabilities.</p>
<p>The new ring comes equipped with approximately twice the number of sensors in comparison to the Ring 3, sophisticated algorithms customized to individual physiology, and a more streamlined titanium design with embedded sensors. Blood oxygen levels and heart rate readings, especially during sleep, are more accurately measured by the Ring 4.</p>
<p>In a separate research study, the Ring 4 was found to provide a 30% enhancement in the accuracy of blood oxygen data, notable reduction in inconsistencies in heart rate readings, and a better breathing disturbance index by 15%. Moreover, the new version has a commendable battery life, lasting up to eight days on a single charge.</p>

</div>
 <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> In <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/33488"> September 2024 </a> , Ōura Health acquired metabolic health company Veri for an undisclosed sum. Through the acquisition, it planned to incorporate Veri's expertise to expand its offerings in metabolic health.</p>

Ōura launches Ring 4 with improved health tracking accuracy

<div>
 
 <p>Health tech company Ōura has acquired fellow Finnish company Veri, a firm specializing in personalized metabolic health. Veri's team, including its three founders, will now become Ōura employees. The purchase price remains undisclosed.</p>
 <p>Veri's product is an app that utilizes continuous glucose monitors (CGM) to guide users toward food and lifestyle choices best suited to their individual bodies. The platform aims to assist users in understanding the relationship between nutrition and health, and help them in achieving their weight loss, energy level, and sleep quality goals.</p>
 <p>Ōura aims to incorporate Veri's knowledge and expertise into its current health platform to broaden its metabolic health offerings. This move is directly aligned with the interests of Ōura's existing user base. In addition, Ōura will unveil a new Meals feature this fall - a tool intended to help users monitor their meal timings and gain insights on how their eating habits influence various health metrics such as sleep, stress, and recovery.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake</b> :<br>
 Traditionally, Ōura has tried to maintain its market share by <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/30034"> suing potential new entrants </a> . However, this strategy fell apart when Samsung countered Ōura’s strategy by <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/30034"> preemptively suing </a> the company before launching its Galaxy Ring. Now, it appears that Ōura is attempting to maintain its market presence by expanding its product features, as it plans to integrate Veri’s CGM functions into its wearable. The latest version of the ring, which could incorporate these features, is <a href="https:<br>
//techcrunch.com/2024/09/11/oura-has-acquired-metabolic-heath-startup-veri/"> rumored to be released soon </a> .</p>

Ōura acquires metabolic health company Veri for undisclosed sum

<div>
 
 <p>Irish health tech firm LetsGetChecked has acquired Truepill, an online pharmacy based in California, for a total of USD 525 million. The acquisition breakdown includes USD 25 million in cash, potential earnouts amounting to USD 200 million, and USD 150 million via a convertible note offering. The merger is projected to give rise to a digital pharmacy that markets and delivers LetsGetChecked's at-home testing kits.</p>
 <p>Despite both companies grappling with financial difficulties, with Truepill reporting a loss of USD 15 million following USD 64 million in revenues in the initial four months of this year, and LetsGetChecked recording a loss of USD 32 million after making USD 39 million in revenues within the first five months of 2023, the merger intends to consolidate both businesses under one entity. The company will continue trading under the Truepill name.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> In <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/17522"> April 2023 </a> , Truepill sold off its UK-based operations to UK-based virtual pharmacy provider Phlo for an undisclosed sum. With its sale of the remainder of its operations to LetsGetChecked, Truepill appears to have handed over its operations and brand name to LetsGetChecked.</p>

LetsGetChecked acquires Truepill for USD 525 million

<div>
 
 <p>Bloomberg reports that Kindbody, a fertility services provider, is looking to secure between USD 30 million and USD 50 million in a new funding round. This round could reportedly decrease the company's pre-money valuation to USD 600 million from USD 1.8 billion previously. </p>
 <p>The funding round is expected to complete by mid-September with a new 'blue-chip growth equity investor' planning to invest at least USD 10 million and setting the terms of the round.</p>
 <p>Kindbody has faced recent challenges such as larger operational losses than anticipated, lower service use by clientele companies' employees, cost-cutting measures leading to clinic closures, and doctor turnover. </p> 
  
</div>

Kindbody seeks USD 30 million in funding to recapitalize

<div>
 <p>Menstrual health app Clue and mental health platform Headspace are collaborating to provide mental health support for cycle-related issues. The partnership will integrate Clue's cycle-tracking insights with Headspace's mental health resources to support users in managing stress associated with their menstrual cycle and different life stages.</p>
 <p>Clue Plus members will benefit from a 50% discount on Headspace subscriptions as part of the collaboration. The partnership is aimed at addressing the link between menstrual and mental health, offering targeted support for various cycle stages such as general tracking, fertility, pregnancy, and perimenopause/menopause.</p>
 <p>Data from Clue users indicate high rates of anxiety and depression, with 62% reporting difficulties managing daily life during menstrual symptoms and 75% expressing concerns about emotional symptoms. This initiative is a response to these challenges.</p>
 
</div>

Clue partners with Headspace to offer mental health support for menstrual cycle management

<div>
 
 <p>Fertilitywise has partnered with Fairfax EggBank, a leading repository of superior-quality frozen donor eggs in the US.</p>
 <p>This collaboration grants Fairfax EggBank's patients and clients a free two-month Fertilitywise membership, effectively shielding them from misinformation often spread on social media and offering them precise details and supportive assistance.</p>
 <p>As a comprehensive solution for fertility patients, Fertilitywise offers access to a comprehensive library of content that explains the science and research behind fertility treatments. Membership grants access to a professionally moderated private community, a secure environment for peer support. Currently, Fertilitywise memberships are available at a monthly rate of USD 19.99.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> In <a href="https:<br>
//femtechinsider.com/fertilitywise-launch/"> February 2024 </a> , Fertilitywise introduced an online membership program to provide resources and a supportive community for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges. The program offers educational articles and moderated discussion boards to assist those undergoing fertility treatments.</p>

Fertilitywise partners with Fairfax EggBank to enhance resources for fertility patients

<div>

 <p>Flo Health has successfully raised over USD 200 million in a Series C funding round, led by General Atlantic. This has boosted the company's valuation to over USD 1 billion.</p>
 <p>The investment will be used to support Flo's growth strategies, which include expanding its services to new user segments such as perimenopause and menopause. The company plans to integrate more tech-driven health updates and explore strategic expansion plans. Part of the funds will also be allotted for increasing the research and development team.</p>
 <p>As of June 2024, Flo Health has nearly 70 million active users monthly and about 5 million paid subscribers. The company's growth is also reflected in its gross bookings for 2024, which are expected to exceed USD 200 million, representing a 50% increase year-over-year.</p>

</div>

Flo Health raises ~USD 200 million in Series C funding to support growth plans

<div>

 <p>Progyny, a leading fertility benefits management company, recently acquired Apryl, a Berlin-based fertility benefits platform. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Apryl is known for offering a variety of fertility services, such as consultations, access to a network of clinics, and various treatments including egg freezing, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and adoption process support. These services span throughout the UK and Europe.</p>
 <p>The acquisition is largely strategic, as it is expected to significantly bolster Progyny's concierge services. Specifically, Progyny believes that Apryl's integration will enhance their ability to assist employees around the world as they navigate through the often complex and challenging process of fertility and family-building care.</p>

</div>

Progyny acquires Apryl to expand global offerings

<div>
 
 <p>Kindbody has recently opened a new clinic in Newport Beach, CA, primarily to meet the growing demand for fertility and family-building benefits from local employers. A new in vitro fertlization (IVF) lab is also set to be introduced in this facility by summer.</p>
 <p>The Newport Beach clinic is overseen by Dr. Lauren W. Sundheimer. She is a double-board-certified fertility specialist, with a focus in reproductive endocrinology and obstetrics and gynecology.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> In May 2023, the company raised <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/18126"> USD 25 million </a> in funding from Morgan Health, the healthcare arm of JPMorgan Chase. The funds were expected to be used to expand the geographical reach of Kindbody’s services.</p>

Kindbody opens new state-of-the-art clinic in Newport Beach, CA

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

<div>
  <p>Samsung has filed a proactive lawsuit against Ōura, a smart ring provider, to avert possible intellectual property conflicts concerning its forthcoming product, the Galaxy Ring. The lawsuit indicates that Ōura has used its patent portfolio to file legal action against smaller US smart ring market players.</p>
  <p>Samsung's lawsuit asserts that the Galaxy Ring does not violate any of Ōura's patents. It condemns Ōura’s litigious stance and accuses the company of trying to monopolize features commonly found in all smart rings, including electronics, sensors, and health metrics.</p>
  <p>The legal documents revealed additional information about the Samsung Galaxy Ring. It was finalized in mid-May 2024, mass production is planned for mid-June, and a US release is slated for around August.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst Quicktake</b> :<br>
 Previously, Ōura had filed suits against rivals such as Ultrahuman, Circular, and RingConn, in some instances before they even entered the US market. Additionally, earlier this year, Ōura filed suits against the same three companies with the US International Trade Commission (ITC), alleging that they infringed on several of the company’s patents concerning form factor, along with internal and external components, hoping to open an investigation and block the importation of infringing products into the US.</p>

All Updates

Alife Health raises USD 22 million in Series A funding

Ōura launches Ring 4 with improved health tracking accuracy

Ōura acquires metabolic health company Veri for undisclosed sum

LetsGetChecked acquires Truepill for USD 525 million

Kindbody seeks USD 30 million in funding to recapitalize

Clue partners with Headspace to offer mental health support for menstrual cycle management

Fertilitywise partners with Fairfax EggBank to enhance resources for fertility patients

Flo Health raises ~USD 200 million in Series C funding to support growth plans

Progyny acquires Apryl to expand global offerings

Kindbody opens new state-of-the-art clinic in Newport Beach, CA

Samsung Sues Ōura to avert potential Galaxy Ring patent dispute

Fertility Tech

Alife Health raises USD 22 million in Series A funding

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