Joylux (www.joyluxinc.com)

HQ: Seattle, WA

The team: Colette Courtion (Co-founder & CEO)

The problem: Here’s a fact — at least 50% of all menopausal women (38+ million in U.S.) experience hormonal changes and weak muscle/tissue tone that affects, ahem, intimate activities. There are at- home solutions for tightening pelvic floor area (creams and exercises), but they aren’t wildly effective. Laser treatment (also known as vaginoplasty) is costly and invasive — and not convenient for a busy woman’s schedule.  The desire for an affordable, science-validated home-use solution for menopausal women is clear.

Meet Joylux: Joylux is a global FemTech company ready to disrupt the $19+ billion U.S. intimate health and wellness market. They take on the major discomfort menopausal women face (dryness, incontinence, and sexual function) and provide relief with patent-protected technology that’s scientifically validated and endorsed by medical professionals. Using light-energy, gentle heat, and sonic technology, Joylux is the first to provide a non-invasive, hormone-free vaginal wellness solution. Their LED-based device (branded “vSculpt” and ”vFit”) works seamlessly with a consumable line of photonic gels to strengthen pelvic floor muscles without messy creams or unclear exercises.

Why we’re betting on it:  It all starts with the people. Joylux’s team has 100+ years combined experience in energy-based technologies and consumer brands we respect, like Clarisonic (part of founding team), Sonicare, and Starbucks. They have the right medical advisors, including a former U.S. FDA Commissioner who brings valuable regulatory and clinical insights. But none of that really matters without a product that doesn’t actually work. We’ve heard countless life-changing stories, and there are clinical studies to back them up: ~90% improvement in bladder function and dryness*.  No wonder Angel Capital Association named Joylux most innovative company of 2019.

Our take: The wellness economy is here to stay — from the things everyone’s talking about, to the once-considered taboo subjects like sexual health. Applying effective technology to improve health and pleasure of women is a huge opportunity for equality. The product is innovative, and actually has health and studies behind it. But even more exciting is the future product pipeline, including a biofeedback vaginal health diagnostic and treatment device, and consumable products that can change menopausal lives.  Stay tuned!

*Based on six clinical studies to date (225+ women)