1. Femtech on the Rise
Today marks a change as the female revolution is finally here! Previously, a paltry 10% of global investments had been attributed to startup companies run by females. Research firm Frost & Sullivan predicts that the women’s health market will hit $50B by 2025. This enormous market has been coined “femtech.” The femtech market is currently comprised of 200+ startups across the globe—most are led by female management. These startups provide apps and instruments that promote women’s well-being. Examples include hormone tracking birth control apps and wireless breast pumps. The industry still has a long way to go, but the future looks promising as Portfolio, an original femtech fund, expects to invest $4M in femtechs this year alone.
(Source: The Hustle)
2. Uber’s IPO $120B?
Uber’s IPO could potentially move north of $120B dollars. That’s a whole lotta ride shares. $120B is almost double the company’s valuation from its last fundraising round. Uber would have a greater valuation than General Motors Co., Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, and Ford Motor Co. combined. Uber handles 15M rides and food deliveries every day in 70 countries and is valued as the highest venture-backed private company in the world.
3. Allbirds Fly High—$1.4B Valuation
San Francisco startup company Allbirds, known for their environmentally friendly and stylish footwear, has tripled their value in 13 months alone. After raising $17.5M last year, the shoes have outmatched their competitors by maintaining their simple business model of wool and wooden shoes priced at $95. The company has hit a $1.4B valuation only 3 years since they raised $77.5M. Allbirds founder, Joy Zwillinger, claims the company will steer away from an IPO for the time being and use the cash instead to launch a UK store and 8 additional US stores in 2019.
(Source: WSJ, The Hustle)
