Emm Secures $9M to Launch Revolutionary Smart Menstrual Cup

The UK-based company Emm has raised a $9 million seed round, led by Lunar Ventures, to support the launch of its smart menstrual cup, a device designed to track reproductive health data. The product, which has been in development for five years, is set to officially launch next year. According to Jenny Button, founder of Emm, the idea for the smart menstrual cup was born during the COVID-19 lockdown. Button, who was using an Oura ring and a Whoop monitoring band, realized that there was a lack of devices that could provide data about menstrual health. "It seemed crazy to me, because these are things that every woman wants to be able to track and better understand," Button told TechCrunch. She then penned a letter to one of the engineers at Dyson, made a connection, and started testing the idea. The smart menstrual cup functions like a regular menstrual cup, designed to store period blood rather than absorb it. However, Emm's medical-grade silicone is fitted with ultra-thin, advanced sensor technology that gathers data to help users understand their reproductive health. The sensor technology is a key component of the device, and Button emphasized its importance in an interview. "We've had thousands of designs and iterations, and extended user testing, to get to this point," Button said. "We're excited to bring this innovation to market and make a positive impact on women's health." The development of the smart menstrual cup is significant, as it addresses a long-standing need for more accurate and comprehensive reproductive health tracking. According to Button, the device will provide users with valuable insights into their menstrual cycles, fertility, and overall health. "We're not just creating a product, we're creating a platform for women to take control of their reproductive health," Button said. The implications of the smart menstrual cup are far-reaching, and experts in the field are taking notice. "This is a game-changer for women's health," said Dr. Kathryn Schertz, a reproductive health expert at the University of California, Los Angeles. "The ability to track menstrual cycles and fertility in real-time will revolutionize the way we approach reproductive health." Emm's smart menstrual cup is set to launch next year, with the company planning to make the device available to consumers through various channels. The $9 million seed round will support the company's marketing and distribution efforts, as well as further development of the device. As Button noted, "We're just getting started, and we're excited to see the impact that our product will have on women's health."