European femtech continues to defy funding statistics, with innovative health solutions targeting underserved women’s health markets securing capital despite the broader challenges facing female founders. Against a backdrop where just 2.3% of venture capital flows to female-led companies, YON E Health has secured €250k in pre-seed funding for its pioneering vaginal health device, signalling growing investor appetite for targeted women’s health technologies.
The Hamburg-based startup’s funding round represents a strategic validation of the femtech sector’s potential within Europe’s fragmented healthcare landscape. With women’s health historically underrepresented in medical research and product development, YON E Health’s approach addresses a significant market gap that European regulators and healthcare systems are increasingly recognising.
Femtech funding gains momentum despite broader challenges
PMK-Group led the pre-seed investment, bringing not only capital but strategic expertise in healthcare commercialisation across European markets. The investor’s thesis centres on the untapped potential of women-centric health technologies, particularly those addressing intimate health concerns that have traditionally received limited attention from mainstream medical device companies.
“The European femtech market represents a €50 billion opportunity that remains vastly underserved,” notes the lead investor. “YON E Health’s approach to vaginal health monitoring aligns with our portfolio strategy of backing founders who are solving real problems for underrepresented patient populations.”
The funding landscape for female founders remains challenging, yet companies like YON E Health demonstrate that investors are beginning to recognise the commercial viability of women’s health solutions. PMK-Group’s involvement suggests institutional appetite for femtech investments is strengthening, particularly when backed by solid clinical evidence and clear market positioning.
European regulatory advantages drive femtech innovation
YON E Health’s vaginal health device benefits from Europe’s progressive approach to medical device regulation, with the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) providing clear pathways for innovative health technologies. The startup’s European base positions it advantageously for navigating fragmented healthcare systems whilst building credibility for eventual expansion into larger markets.
The company plans to utilise the €250k funding to advance clinical trials and prepare for CE marking, essential steps for European market entry. Unlike their US counterparts, European femtech companies can leverage harmonised regulatory frameworks that, whilst complex, provide clearer routes to market across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously.
“European women deserve healthcare solutions designed specifically for their needs,” states YON E Health’s leadership team. “Our device addresses a clinical gap that affects millions of women daily, yet has received minimal innovation attention until now.”
This funding round positions YON E Health within a growing ecosystem of European femtech companies challenging traditional healthcare approaches. As institutional investors like PMK-Group commit capital to women’s health technologies, the sector gains credibility that could accelerate broader funding flows to female founders across European markets.