One of the most frequently asked questions in my LinkedIn inbox is ‘how can I get into FemTech?’ I’m going to use this post to share some thoughts.
But, disclaimer, I’m not a FemTech founder (as such). I’m a provider that specialises in FemTech and women’s health. In other words, this sector is my ‘niche’. My trade is communications strategy. Truth be told, I don’t only work with women’s health companies (more on that another time), my wider focus is healthcare and life science.
That all said, I still have some words of wisdom to share if you want a career in FemTech.
Tip 1 - Understand the nuances of this sector
I’ve no doubt that you’re keen to work in FemTech because of lived experience. Perhaps you’re suffering with a chronic condition related to female health, have been gaslighted by medical professionals or generally feel misunderstood and underserved. This is important energy! But. Women’s health faces a lot of challenges around censorship, lack of investment, stigma... Get to know why VCs aren’t investing right now. Spend some time understanding the ongoing battles with Meta around alogrithm bias. Try to get an understanding of why certain topics remain so difficult to talk about. This context will be hugely valuable to businesses in this sector.
Tip 2 - Use your voice
One of the best ways to get noticed in this space is to be another positive voice raising awareness of women’s health. Select your social media platform of choice and share content. What unique perspective can you add? What skills can you use to bring data or research to life? The majority of my new business leads come via my LinkedIn content.
Tip 3 - Sign up to influential platforms
There are three big communities in women’s health currently:
FemHealth Insights - join its free Slack channel for tonnes of information and job info
FemTech Insider - this platform has a great job board
Women of Wearables - this membership platform is another great way to connect with others in this space and access a job board
Another newsletter you won’t want to miss is Jodi Neuhauser’s Jobs in Women’s Health . It covers job listings as well as advice from experts in the space.
Tip 4 - Explore the ways your current job could support the sector
I plan to write a second blog dedicated to this topic but for now I want you to think about the ways your current organisation could be a force for good in women’s health. Perhaps you could champion them to implement a menopause policy or add free period care products to the bathrooms. Could you push that its next ‘charity of the year’ relates to a cause supporting women’s health? Are there any partnership opportunities with FemTech brands? This work would not only be a great CV addition but it could open the door to a job at an organisation you partner with.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any specific questions around what I do and what it means to work in communications, I’ll draft some content around that too.
Welcome to Substack Hannah! So pleased you will be writing here, and what a brilliant first article. Anna.