What services do you offer?
FlowIntell revolutionizes women’s reproductive health with a non-invasive at-home endometriosis screening kit, targeting those suffering from undiagnosed menstrual pain and inflammation. Our kit provides rapid results, affordability, and convenience, thus mitigating the pain points of endometriosis diagnosis. We connect app users with specialists & community support, addressing physical and mental well-being, pain management, nutrition, and accessibility.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy most about being a founder is the incredible opportunity it provides to champion causes that truly matter. As the founder of a FemTech company focused on addressing the taboos and stigmas surrounding women’s health, I’ve found a deep sense of purpose in breaking the silence that has veiled critical issues like menstruation, incontinence, menopause, and postnatal depression. This journey isn’t just about entrepreneurship; it’s about challenging societal norms and making a meaningful difference where it’s needed most.
Moreover, being my own boss grants me the autonomy to align my company’s culture, values, and mission with my personal beliefs and passions. I get to shape a future where FemTech not only thrives but also transforms the lives of countless women. It’s about paving the way for innovation in women’s health and providing support and education where it’s been lacking for far too long. The entrepreneurial journey is rewarding, not just for the personal achievements but for the opportunity to contribute to a greater cause, advocating for women’s health and empowerment.
What inspired you to start your business?
My journey as a Hispanic woman, raised by a single mother in a family with limited access to healthcare, has deeply informed the evolution of our endometriosis-focused startup, FlowIntell. Growing up, doctor visits were a luxury we couldn’t afford, and like many Americans, the thought of a medical bill haunting us financially was a constant worry. It forced me to downplay any illness, even when I was unwell. As you can imagine, specialists and checkups weren’t accessible for me. My first visit to an OBGYN occurred during my graduate school years when a health care stipend granted me access to the student health center. Fortunately, I never experienced the torment of endometriosis-related pain. This absence has granted me the clarity to advocate for those who do, free from the influence of personal suffering.
But that’s not what really started FlowIntell. While immersed in a Harvard capstone project focused on developing a flow test for detecting spoilage in beer, the lives of three dear friends became intertwined with my mission. All in their 30s and 40s, all three were navigating the delicate path of motherhood but their journey was marred by fertility challenges, including miscarriages, unsuccessful IVFs, and lack of egg retrievals. These women, like countless others, bore the weight of endometriosis without even knowing it. Shockingly, none were aware of endometriosis until they received their diagnoses!
I witnessed their tears, shared in their despair, and I became more than a friend. I realized that if these women who were being seen by countless professionals and specialists had such little knowledge about endometriosis, it must be even more difficult for women without access to these resources. FlowIntell was conceived from this devotion- to help advocate for women to screen for endometriosis.
What gets you out of bed every morning?
We’re all about tackling those hush-hush health topics that hit women hard. Sometimes I can’t believe some of the stats I’ve learned – like 30% of women getting their first lesson on their menstrual cycle when they had their first period. And can you imagine, the same percentage actually thinks periods should be painful? Plus, two-thirds of women have never even heard of endometriosis, which shows there’s a massive gap in women’s health education. As a FemTech entrepreneur, I love gathering data and doing research to fix these issues, but there are still so many taboos and stigmas around women’s health that hardly anyone’s talking about it. I’m committed to breaking down these barriers and creating a platform for open dialogue and education through FlowIntell’s milestones.
What is your secret to making progress each day?
I’m going to take the counter point and say the opposite- not every day will bring visible or immediate results. In fact, expecting constant progress can be unrealistic and counterproductive. Setbacks and failures are an integral part of the journey towards success, and they provide invaluable lessons that help us grow and improve.
Numerous sources and studies support this perspective. Research in psychology and personal development consistently emphasizes that setbacks are crucial for personal and professional growth. Individuals who embrace their failures with a growth mindset often experience greater resilience and long-term success.
I think there’s a lot of reasons why it’s important to acknowledge setbacks, and that startups are often one-step-forward-ten-steps-back, especially for women. FlowIntell’s commitment to advocating for female founders and addressing the gender bias in venture capital underscores the importance of recognizing the unique challenges women face. For example, less than 5% of VC funding is allocated to all-female teams, highlight the need to persist in the face of adversity. It’s clear that setbacks and obstacles are part of the entrepreneurial landscape, but they also serve as motivation to push forward and create meaningful change.
Tell us one thing people don’t know about you.
The first professional award I received as a scientist was for my hair. There were only two criteria- you had to be a published scientist in a peer-reviewed journal, and a group of panelists had to agree you had luxuriously flowing hair.
A typical weekend for me is…
A typical weekend for me? That’s tough because as an entrepreneur, there are sacrifices we often have to make to keep our businesses thriving. For example, I work another job to support FlowIntell, because FlowIntell is my passion project.
And when I do manage to snag some downtime, I like going on long, long walks or at the gym. You might find me editing my husband’s novel. It’s a way to unwind and escape into different worlds, and it’s something we enjoy together. So, while my weekends may not be all leisure, they’re a mix of hard work, shared creativity, and a dash of relaxation.
What will people get from your business that they won’t get anywhere else?
With endometriosis, as with many chronic illnesses, education and community building is one of the most important factors. Our collaborative efforts have focused on various partnerships, including national endometriosis conferences hosted in Orlando, support groups focused on the BIPOC community, and partnerships with advocates for conditions like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. These engagements are instrumental in expanding our educational resources, and will be facilitating the launch of our app in Q4.
Have you won any awards or had any special recognition or acknowledgement of your business?
- A semifinalist in the Rollins College 2023 Crummer Venture Plan Competition
- Won the $3000 grand prize at the PropelHer Pitch Competition by NAWBO Orlando
- Won the $10,000 women’s empowerment grant from the Startup Runway Foundation in Atlanta
- Had her NSF SBIR pitch was accepted, and is working with Cenfluence and the FHTC on her proposal
- Chosen through a very competitive application process as one of 12 founders in Camelback Venture’s 2024 Fellowship
- Received a $40,000 SAFE investment from Camelback
What are your plans for the future of your business?
With endometriosis, as with many chronic illnesses, education and community building is one of the most important factors. Our collaborative efforts have focused on various partnerships, including national endometriosis conferences hosted in Orlando, support groups focused on the BIPOC community, and partnerships with advocates for conditions like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. These engagements are instrumental in expanding our educational resources, and will be facilitating the launch of our app in Q4.
Additionally, we’re actively exploring the diagnostic device community networks in Orlando, Delaware, and Texas, and we’re thrilled by the overwhelming interest we’ve received. Through grants and strategic partnerships, we are on track to place our early product in the hands of eager testers by 2025, marking a significant milestone in our journey.
Lastly, we cannot ignore the amazing potential being offered by Camelback Ventures, which focuses on supporting women- and minority-owned tech startups.
What’s your secret talent no one knows about?
I don’t even have non-secret talents. Maybe that I always manage to put a USB in correctly the first time, without having to flip it upside down.
What did you want to be when growing up?
My mom was the chemist for a famous cosmetic brand, so I don’t think there was much of an option to work outside of the sciences.
I do have a History BA degree though and went through UCF’s history master’s program a.b.d, so I guess I could masquerade as a historian if need be.
What is your favorite thing to do in the wonderful area of Central Florida?
Trails.
What would people never guess you do in your role?
I’ve spent a long time assessing the comfort, accessibility packaging, and sustainability of many menstrual products.
How have you advanced professionally since starting your business?
What I wish someone had told me before I started my entrepreneurial journey in FemTech is the critical need for investors to consult experts like me in the field. FemTech is a unique industry with its own set of strengths and challenges, and it’s crucial for investors to understand this distinction. Unfortunately, FemTech still faces severe underfunding, primarily due to certain obstacles.
One of the major challenges is that male investors may feel uncomfortable discussing taboo topics related to women’s health, such as menstrual bleeding. Additionally, many male investors may not be familiar with the symptoms and issues that FemTech is addressing, like urinary incontinence. This lack of awareness can hinder investment opportunities in the industry.
Moreover, the vast market size of FemTech presents both an opportunity and a challenge. However, only 2% of FemTech founders are women, which can be a barrier in itself when it comes to fundraising. To unlock the full potential of FemTech, we need a diverse range of voices and perspectives at the table.
My biggest concern is that investors, while excited about FemTech’s potential, often make investments without consulting experts in the field. It’s crucial for them to seek advice from FemTech experts who can provide valuable insights and perspectives. We’ve seen deals funded by family offices and funds that, with input from FemTech experts, could make more informed and impactful investments.
In essence, FlowIntell is not just another healthcare-related startup. It’s a unique industry with specific challenges and opportunities. Investing in FemTech requires a tailored approach and an understanding of the nuances of women’s health. By consulting experts and embracing diversity, investors can contribute to the growth and success of this emerging industry in a way that benefits us all in the long run. So now we’ve successfully gathered over 500 women on her landing site to sign up to test the product. Her newsletter, covering topics beyond endometriosis, showcases her commitment to education. She actively engages in grassroots campaigns and initiatives like UpEndo and PeriodPoverty, advocating for increased discussions on menstruation.
