Ida Tin: The Woman Behind the Name ‘Femtech’

We are thrilled to introduce Ida Tin, a trailblazer in the world of women’s health and innovation. Known as the co-founder of Clue and the visionary who coined the term “Femtech,” Ida has been at the forefront of redefining how technology can support and empower women globally. With a background in creative entrepreneurship from the renowned Chaos Pilots in Denmark, she is a passionate advocate for sustainability, ethical innovation, and gender equality.

In an engaging conversation with Dr. Chandra Vadhana (Known as Dr. CeeVee), the managing editor of SheSight Magazine, Ida Tin opens up about her incredible journey, the evolution of Femtech, and her vision for a future where technology truly addresses women’s needs. Dr. Ceevee and Ida Tin share a passion for empowering women and driving innovation. It’s a heartfelt and thought-provoking exchange between two women who believe in creating a better world for everyone.

Dr. CeeVee: Ida, you coined the term “Femtech.” What inspired you to create this word, and how did it all begin?

Ida Tin: The idea for the term “Femtech” came to me in 2016, a few years after I had co-founded Clue, a women’s health app. At the time, I noticed something was missing—there wasn’t a unified way to talk about women’s health technology. Different companies in this space were using scattered language to describe their work, and it felt like we were operating in silos. Investors, too, often dismissed women’s health as a niche area or even as “weird” simply because it involved topics like periods.

I wanted to change that perception. I thought, “What if we had one word that tied us all together, a word that made it clear this wasn’t just a side topic but a significant and growing field in technology?” That’s how I came up with the term “Femtech.”

The idea was to create a sense of unity and legitimacy—so people could see this as a real industry with enormous potential. It wasn’t just about language; it was about shaping how the world viewed women’s health. By giving it a name, I hoped to create a community where innovators could connect, share ideas, and attract the attention and investment this field deserved.

Dr. CeeVee: How has Femtech evolved since then? Are we where we need to be?

Ida Tin: Femtech has come a long way since the early days, and that’s inspiring to see. More women are stepping up to start companies that focus on health issues that have long been ignored or underserved. It’s exciting to witness this momentum as innovators bring fresh ideas and solutions into the space. Topics like menopause and endometriosis, for example, are finally getting some of the attention they deserve, but there’s still a lot to do.

Despite the progress, many gaps remain. Areas like research, investment, and access to proper care are still underfunded or overlooked. While more companies are addressing women’s health, the demand far exceeds what’s available, and many women around the world still don’t have access to the care they need.

Culturally, there’s been a shift, and Femtech is no longer viewed as a “niche” or “unusual” field. People now see it as a legitimate and vital sector of technology and healthcare. But we have to keep pushing forward, addressing these gaps, and ensuring that innovation reaches all women, everywhere.

Dr. CeeVee: Is Femtech only about reproductive health, or does it include broader health concerns?

Ida Tin: While Femtech started with a focus on reproductive health, it has grown to address a much wider range of issues that are unique to women’s biology. Initially, the conversation was about periods, fertility, and family planning, which were groundbreaking at the time because these topics were rarely addressed in tech.

Now, Femtech has expanded to include areas like cardiovascular health, mental health, bone health, and even brain health. Women’s health isn’t just about reproduction—it’s about understanding and addressing the entire spectrum of biological differences and how they impact our well-being.

For example, cardiovascular diseases affect women differently than men, yet much of the research historically has been based on male subjects. The same goes for areas like osteoporosis or hormonal health. Femtech is about filling these gaps and ensuring women have the tools, research, and care tailored to their unique needs. It’s a broader, more inclusive approach to health and wellness that recognizes women as whole individuals.

Dr. CeeVee: How do you see the role of technology, especially AI, in shaping the future of women’s health?

Ida Tin: AI has enormous potential to revolutionize women’s health in ways we’re just beginning to explore. Imagine having personalized health insights at your fingertips—tools that can predict and guide you through your health journey based on your unique data. AI can help analyze patterns in data, offering more accurate predictions and empowering women to make informed decisions about their bodies.

For instance, continuous data tracking, such as blood sugar or hormone levels, can give women a clearer picture of their health over time. This isn’t just about treating problems after they arise—it’s about prevention. Imagine knowing early warning signs for conditions like diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or even menopause, all through technology.

Home diagnostics are another exciting area. Think about being able to test for early signs of cancer or track menstrual health biomarkers at home. These advancements could make healthcare more accessible and personalized, transforming how we approach health altogether. The combination of AI and innovative diagnostics has the potential to make healthcare smarter, more efficient, and, most importantly, centered around the individual.

Dr. CeeVee: Privacy and data ethics are critical in Femtech. How can we ensure trust?

Ida Tin: Privacy is one of the most important issues in Femtech, especially when it comes to women’s health data. The information being collected is often deeply personal—things like menstrual cycles, fertility windows, and reproductive health. Consumers need to trust that their data is being handled responsibly and ethically.

Unfortunately, the current landscape can make this difficult. There’s no universal system that tells users, “This company uses your data responsibly, and this one doesn’t.” That means users have to rely on the ethics and transparency of the companies they interact with, which isn’t always reassuring.

To build trust, companies must commit to ethical practices, especially those working with such sensitive data. Having women in leadership roles can also make a difference because they are more likely to understand and prioritize the needs of their users. In the future, we need clearer regulatory standards or certifications—like a “trusted data” label—that signal which companies uphold strong privacy standards. Until then, transparency and accountability from companies are key.

Dr. CeeVee: What challenges do women face as Femtech entrepreneurs, and how can they overcome them?

Ida Tin: Femtech entrepreneurs face unique challenges, starting with convincing people that their ideas matter. Women’s health has often been dismissed as niche or unimportant, so pitching to investors can be tough, especially when they lack personal experience with the issues being addressed.

The key is to trust your instincts. If you see a need in the market, believe in your ability to solve it. Stay confident, even if others don’t understand your vision right away. Build a strong team around you—diversity in your team, including male allies, can make a big difference. And don’t be afraid to seek help. Building a company is a collaborative effort.

It’s also important to recognize that systemic barriers exist. Women often raise less funding at lower valuations, even though data shows they’re more efficient with capital. Don’t let rejection deter you—it’s not a reflection of your abilities but a sign of the systemic challenges in the industry.

Finally, as a founder, you have the unique opportunity to create a company culture that works for you. Shape a workplace that reflects your values, supports your team, and fosters creativity.

Dr. CeeVee: You’ve had a fascinating life, including a two-year motorcycle journey across the U.S. How did that shape you?

Ida Tin: That motorcycle journey was a life-changing experience. I spent two years riding through the deserts of the U.S., with no fixed plans and everything I owned packed on my bike. It was a quest to simplify my life and gain clarity.

Riding a motorcycle puts you in direct contact with the world around you. You’re not insulated like you are in a car—you feel the wind, smell the air, and notice every detail of the landscape. It’s freeing, but it’s also challenging. There were times when I had no idea where I would sleep that night, but that unpredictability taught me resilience and adaptability.

It was also deeply introspective. Hours on the road gave me time to think and confront my thoughts without distractions. That journey taught me how to embrace the unknown, stay present, and trust in my ability to navigate life’s uncertainties—lessons that have shaped both my personal and professional life.

Dr. CeeVee: What’s next for Femtech? What emerging areas excite you?

Ida Tin: The future of Femtech is incredibly exciting. One area I’m particularly passionate about is deeper diagnostic technology. Imagine being able to track hormone levels, blood sugar, or other health markers continuously and over long periods. That kind of data could completely transform how we understand our bodies and make healthcare decisions.

Home diagnostics are another area with huge potential. For example, menstrual blood is rich with biomarkers that could be used to detect health issues early. It’s non-invasive, readily available, and underutilized in today’s healthcare landscape.

Ultimately, the next wave of Femtech will focus on making healthcare more personalized, preventive, and accessible. We’re moving beyond apps into technologies that can provide a complete picture of women’s health, empowering women to take control of their well-being in ways that weren’t possible before.

Dr. CeeVee: Any parting advice for women aspiring to lead in Femtech or other fields?

Ida Tin: Be bold and trust yourself. If you have an idea or see a need in the market, believe in your ability to make a difference. Share your experiences openly—your unique perspective matters and can inspire others.

As a leader, don’t feel like you need to conform to someone else’s definition of success. You have the opportunity to create something meaningful that reflects your values. Build a culture that works for you and your team, where diverse perspectives can thrive.

Finally, remember that success isn’t just about financial gains. It’s about creating solutions that improve lives, foster resilience, and make the world a better place. Keep that vision at the heart of what you do, and you’ll make a lasting impact.

Thank you, Ida, for sharing your incredible journey and invaluable insights with us. Your passion for creating meaningful change in women’s health and technology is truly inspiring. From coining “Femtech” to leading innovative solutions for women’s well-being, you’ve shown how one person’s vision can spark a movement that empowers so many.

Your honesty and thoughtfulness remind us of the importance of staying true to our ideas, trusting our instincts, and building something that genuinely makes a difference. We can’t wait to see how Femtech Assembly and your future projects continue to shape the world. Your journey reflects the power of bold ideas and heartfelt commitment, and we know you’ll keep inspiring more people to dream big and make an impact. Wishing you all the success in the exciting chapters ahead!

-Staff Reporter