Breast Pump Giants Merge as Market Shifts

The women's health tech scene has seen a lot of action lately. Two big names, Willow and Elvie, are joining forces. Willow, known for its wearable breast pumps, is taking over Elvie, which started with smart Kegel trainers and expanded to other mom-focused products. This move comes as Elvie faces financial troubles, entering administration. Over the past 12 years, Elvie raised over $186 million from big investors. But the market for women's health tech has been tough, with plenty of cheap competitors flooding in. Willow, based in San Francisco, has also had its share of ups and downs. It has raised around $254 million and saw its valuation peak in 2021. Now, Willow is hoping to turn things around by becoming a bigger player in the women's health market. The deal means Willow will take on Elvie's products and team, though some employees are already leaving. This merger could be a sign of more consolidation in the women's health tech industry. The market is huge, estimated at $60 billion this year, but it's also crowded and competitive. One big challenge for these companies is turning hardware into profitable businesses. Plus, there are concerns about handling sensitive health data, especially in today's political climate. Willow's CEO, Sarah O'Leary, sees this as an opportunity to prove that femtech can be both innovative and profitable. The women's health tech boom started with the rise of smartphones and big data. Now, the challenge is to turn those innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. Willow's acquisition of Elvie is a step in that direction, but it's not without its hurdles.