These startups are bridging dreams to reality in fertility care.
Over the years, assisted pregnancy options, like surrogacy, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing, have seen a remarkable surge in popularity. Many well-known celebrities like Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian and Jimmy Fallon and Nancy Juvonen have embraced these methods. While these high-profile examples often capture headlines, the reality is that assisted reproduction reaches far beyond the glamorous world of the rich and famous.
The expansion of the assisted reproductive technology market is driven by several factors. These include a rise in infertility rates, the increasing visibility and acceptance of non-traditional and same-sex families and a broader awareness of the array of reproductive options available. As a result, the market is set to expand at a 9.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2031, reaching US$58.6 billion by the end of the forecast period.
In this article, we spotlight three startups that are dedicated to making the journey to parenthood smoother. From matching parents with experienced surrogates to offering financial support plans and providing in-house fertility treatments, these companies actively support and facilitate every phase of the family-building process.
1. Nodal: Pioneering transparency, equity and education in surrogacy
Nodal’s website
Situated in Philadelphia, Nodal was launched in 2021 by Dr. Brian Levine with a novel approach to the world of surrogacy, reminiscent of the dating app Bumble. The company connects surrogates with potential parents through a user-friendly platform. Nodal teams up with surrogacy agencies and assisted reproductive lawyers to facilitate this matchmaking process, focusing exclusively on gestational surrogacy. In this model, the surrogate carries the pregnancy for the intended parents but does not contribute the egg. Instead, the parents provide the embryos that are transferred to the surrogate via IVF.
At Nodal, surrogates are empowered with the choice to select first from the profiles of prospective parents. This offers them greater control over whom they wish to assist—a significant shift from the norms of traditional surrogacy agencies. If a surrogate feels a connection with a profile and a mutual agreement is reached, all parties come together for a “match call” to discuss moving forward.
Once matched, Nodal provides comprehensive support to all involved. This includes legal assistance, educational resources and support from nurse practitioners. The platform places a strong emphasis on the surrogates’ well-being, offering a mentorship program where experienced surrogates guide newcomers. In addition, Nodal hosts a private group where surrogates can exchange advice and support each other, addressing topics such as the impact of IVF hormones and the emotional and physical challenges post-birth.
For intended parents, joining Nodal incurs no application fee. They only have to pay after they clear the screening process. Upon approval, parents are required to subscribe to the service for US$500 per month. This subscription is part of a 12-month membership plan, during which they can browse and connect with surrogates. If the parents successfully match with a surrogate during their subscription, they will pay a total match fee of US$7,500.
2. Sunfish: Paving the way for affordable assisted reproduction
Sunfish’s website
Santa Monica-based Sunfish is a startup focused on making assisted reproduction technologies more accessible and affordable. Founded by Angela Rastegar in 2022, the startup was born out of a need to address the prohibitive costs of fertility treatments such as IVF, egg freezing and surrogacy—expenses often not covered by insurance. The company collaborates with IVF clinics, surrogacy agencies and egg banks, offering a suite of financial solutions to help families manage the often overwhelming costs associated with these treatments.
One of the key offerings from Sunfish is the Gold IVF Success Program, which provides financial assistance plans, including a refund of up to 90% if IVF treatment does not result in a pregnancy. This program is designed to alleviate the financial burden on families undergoing fertility treatments, making the process more financially manageable. Additionally, Sunfish offers tools like AI-powered cost calculators and a wealth of educational resources to help clients navigate the complex financial aspects of fertility treatments.
While Sunfish itself does not directly provide loans, it bridges the gap by connecting families with suitable loan providers and arranging financing through medical providers.
3. Apricity: Bringing fertility treatment to your doorstep
Apricity’s website
Founded in early 2019 by Caroline Noublanche, Apricity is a UK-based virtual fertility clinic that offers a comprehensive range of digital and at-home fertility care services. The clinic offers consultations, diagnostic tests and cutting-edge technological solutions aimed at treating infertility.
For both men and women, Apricity provides diagnostic packages priced up to GBP285 (US$362) and GBP375 (US$477), respectively. Additionally, IVF treatment starts from GBP7,895 (US$10,000).
In May 2020, Apricity launched an innovative app called WOOM, designed to support couples in achieving natural pregnancies and connecting those struggling to conceive with fertility specialists. The app provides valuable information on fertility issues and offers various packages for egg freezing, IVF and egg donation.
Moreover, Apricity offers an online fertility predictor tool that assesses a woman’s likelihood of conceiving naturally based on her age, alcohol consumption, smoking habits and body mass index. Through a short quiz, this tool integrates lifestyle and health factors to forecast conception chances.
Additionally, Apricity also harnesses AI algorithms to help choose the optimal embryos through 3D reconstruction technology. This innovative approach positions the company as a pioneer in employing advanced technology to enhance fertility solutions.
Finally, the startup provides an at-home sperm testing service to address male fertility concerns, broadening its support spectrum. These multifaceted services ensure that Apricity offers comprehensive support to couples facing fertility challenges, ultimately enhancing their chances of starting a family.
Final thoughts
The startups featured in this article are at the forefront of democratizing access to assisted reproductive technologies. They champion inclusivity and affordability in a field traditionally marked by high costs and limited access.
By addressing the needs of diverse family structures, including same-sex or heterosexual couples, as well as those facing financial barriers, these companies are facilitating the dream of parenthood for many families. Through their work, they are setting new standards in healthcare equity, ensuring that the journey to parenthood is a possibility for a broader segment of society.
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Header Image Courtesy of Freepik
