How Neha and Supriya of Momly, have created a platform for women to navigate motherhood.
During a recent interview with Team FemTech India, Supriya and Neha, the co-founders of Momly, an AI-powered online community of women who can support each other through all phases of motherhood, pregnancy, postpartum, fertility, and others, have a freewheeling chat.
Their transition from being industry veterans, to moms, to now shaping up the FemTech space, specifically on the maternal care side, is nothing short of true inspiration.
Where it all began…
Momly, founded in August 2022 by Neha and Supriya, emerged from their shared vision to revolutionize maternal healthcare in India. Recognizing the inadequacies of existing systems, they aimed to create a platform catering to the multifaceted needs of women navigating motherhood. Their insight was not just to provide medical advice but to offer comprehensive support encompassing psychological, social services like counseling and lactation support.
Their motivation stemmed from conversations with over 200 women, revealing the glaring gaps in available resources. They identified the evolving societal norms and the increasing demand for tailored products and services for Indian women. Neha and Supriya’s deep understanding of these needs, combined with their passion for technology, culminated in the birth of Momly.
Momly stands as an AI-powered online community, designed to empower women throughout every stage of motherhood – from conception to postpartum and beyond. By leveraging technology, Momly facilitates peer support, information sharing, and access to vital resources, addressing the holistic needs of women on their journey through motherhood.
The journey in review..
Both the founders agree that the roller has been a rollercoaster ride. Here are a few excerpts from their views –
“Our journey with Momly began nearly two years ago with initial research and thesis development, culminating in our official launch in August 2022. Throughout this time, we’ve encountered skepticism from traditional stakeholders in the industry, including investors. Many are cautious about embracing new solutions that cater to the diverse needs and experiences of women, emphasizing the importance of creating effective and sensitive offerings.
Women’s health is often oversimplified to focus solely on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), neglecting the broader spectrum of health issues that affect women. Additionally, the regulatory landscape surrounding women’s health products and services is constantly changing, necessitating us to stay informed and adaptable.
Despite these challenges, our journey into the FemTech industry has been deeply fulfilling. We’ve had the privilege of making a significant impact on women’s lives, empowering them to prioritize their health and well-being.”
On the industry headwinds!
“Two years ago, we began our thesis and research, officially launching Momly in August 2022. Throughout discussions with industry experts and investors, we’ve encountered lingering skepticism from traditional stakeholders. Crafting solutions that effectively cater to women’s diverse needs demands careful empathy and consideration.
Women’s health extends far beyond sexual and reproductive health (SRH), yet it’s often oversimplified in discussions. Navigating the regulatory landscape in this field requires constant vigilance and adaptation to changing policies.
Despite these hurdles, our journey into the FemTech industry has been deeply fulfilling. We’ve had the chance to positively impact women’s lives, empowering them to prioritize their health and well-being.”
The icing on the cake.
The impact we’ve had on our community is truly remarkable! Hearing feedback like this is our greatest achievement:
…Motherhood is filled with joy, but it also comes with challenges that aren’t always discussed openly. Momly provided me with a non-judgmental support group when I needed it most! With Momly Plus, I feel a profound sense of calm and confidence knowing I have a team of experts and fellow moms available 24/7…
The Business, in a nutshell..
Momly is a safe, judgment-free, women-only platform for moms and to-be-moms, to make meaningful connections and get access to expert support during the most pivotal and transformative time of life so they can focus on their social, mental and physical wellbeing.
Momly Offers:
- Advisory and consultations: A host of ancillary services such as lactation, childbirth education, fitness, nutrition, parenting coach, back-to work coaching and more!
- A judgement free community: a 5000+ women only community, where they can discuss anything. We also offer anonymous posting to help open up about stigmatized topics.
- A hyper personalised product recommendation
- An AI based chatbot with scientific answers from IAP and RCOG for your 24X7 support.
Momly is a technology-led trusted 1-stop shop for motherhood, providing a highly comprehensive and personalized journey for the women.
The Brains behind Momly!
Two mothers- Supriya Ananthakrishnan and Neha Sondhi are the ones driving force behind the success of Momly.
Supriya Ananthakrishnan is an experienced professional and entrepreneur with over 12 years in the industry. She’s deeply passionate about innovation and solving problems. With a strong background in both technical expertise and business acumen, she has led strategic planning efforts and overseen the creation of advanced digital products. Supriya earned her Engineering degree from BITS Pilani, Dubai, and her Masters from Dartmouth College, USA, a prestigious IVY League institution. She has sharpened her skills working in various environments across five different countries, with a focus on health tech and agri-tech domains.
Neha Sondhi, has over 12 years of experience as a Product Manager in the enterprise software industry. With a solid background in product development and sales, Neha’s expertise is invaluable. She holds an Engineering degree from BITS Pilani, Dubai, and completed her Masters at Cornell University, a prestigious IVY League institution in the USA. Neha has gained extensive experience working in both the US and Europe, giving her a profound understanding of global markets and trends.
What’s on the cards?
Here’s what the founders say about what is in the pipeline:
“We’ve developed an initial version of a chatbot designed to provide scientific answers and assist with various needs. Currently, we’re focused on enhancing its capabilities further. Furthermore, we’re establishing partnerships with gynecologists to facilitate recommendations for Momly consultations.”
Where is the industry heading next?
The Femtech Market is set to experience significant growth, with an estimated value of USD 7.48 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 14.67 billion by 2029. This growth, with a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.42% from 2024 to 2029, is driven by various factors, including the rapid advancement of technologies such as AI.
Moreover, societal shifts have highlighted the importance of addressing women’s unmet health needs and providing gender-specific care. This growing awareness extends to previously considered taboo topics like menstruation, menopause, and sexual health, as well as the gender-specific aspects of certain non-reproductive diseases. These trends contribute to an increasing demand for FemTech innovations.
Additionally, micro-trends within the Femtech sector include the adoption of person-centered frameworks. These frameworks prioritize tailored approaches that consider individuals’ unique needs, priorities, and circumstances, moving away from generic solutions. Furthermore, there’s a growing emphasis on addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. This reflects efforts to tackle inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes.
At the heart of #FemTech.
The journey of healthcare, from recognizing a health issue to accessing services, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, is filled with inequalities. These disparities in women’s health impact not just their quality of life but also their economic opportunities and ability to support themselves and their families. Health is closely tied to economic productivity and the potential for prosperity.
Empowering women to have more control over their health and well-being is the core motivation behind our involvement in the Femtech movement at Momly!
The “Impact” Equation.
One change we aim to bring to the FemTech industry is to highlight the vital connection between financial independence and well-being for women. By recognizing and addressing this relationship, we can break the cycle. When women invest in their well-being, they enhance their ability to pursue economic opportunities and achieve financial stability. Similarly, greater financial independence allows women to prioritize their health and well-being, resulting in an overall improvement in their quality of life. Therefore, raising awareness about this connection is paramount in our industry.
[Sign up here to never miss these candid conversations delivered straight to your inbox.]
If you’re a trailblazer in women’s health or FemTech, we’d love to hear your story! Share your journey and insights with us at press@femtechindia.com. Together, let’s amplify the voices driving positive change.
