#Folx health series#

The heads of both companies said they encountered some skepticism from potential investors, but were able to show both a huge unmet need in the existing market and a population that is growing in size and economic power.The big picture: Folx and Plume are part of a broader trend of direct-to-consumer startups that offer health services that are hard to find, aren't covered by insurance or have a history of being poorly served by the medical establishment.

#Folx health series#

Folx has attracted $25 million in Series A investment, led by Bessemer Venture Partners.It is initially available in 11 states, with an aim to expand nationwide.īy the numbers: Plume is announcing $14 million in Series A funding Craft Ventures with participation from General Catalyst, Slow Ventures and Town Hall Ventures. Folx plans to offer additional services addressing other queer health needs, including STI testing.(Injectable medications, including supplies, cost extra.) Folx charges $59 per month, which covers doctor visits, lab work and the least expensive hormone medications.Plume is more narrowly targeted at transgender-specific care, while Folx offers services for the broader LGBTQ community.ĭetails: Plume charges $99 per month for a service that includes online doctor visits and lab work, as well as referral letters people may need in order to get gender-affirming surgery or legally change their name or gender.Both firms bypass traditional insurance and provide needed care online, directly to consumers.Today's announcements are also noteworthy as few companies focused on LGBT consumers - and transgender people in particular - have attracted venture funding.ĭriving the news: Plume and Folx are both announcing Series A funding rounds today.Why it matters: Transgender and non-binary people can face enormous barriers to health care, from a scarcity of facilities that provide gender-affirming care to insurance company denials and outright discrimination.

Transgender health needs, long neglected by the medical establishment, could get a needed assist from tech, as a pair of startups that focus on hormone treatment and other services today announce fresh venture funding.