Cofertility Secures $7M Series A Funding to Revolutionize Egg Freezing Accessibility

In today’s fast-paced world, many women are prioritizing their careers and choosing to delay marriage, which has led to an increased interest in egg freezing as a means of preserving fertility. However, the financial burden of this procedure, typically ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 per attempt, can be prohibitive for many during their peak reproductive years in their 20s and early 30s.

Cofertility: A Revolutionary Approach to Egg Freezing

Cofertility, a pioneering startup co-founded by former Uber executive Lauren Makler and health tech angel investor Halle Tecco, is changing the landscape of fertility preservation. This innovative company offers women the option to freeze their eggs at no cost, provided they are willing to donate half of the retrieved eggs to those struggling with infertility.

Recent Funding and Growth

In a recent development, Cofertility successfully raised $7.25 million in a Series A funding round led by Next Ventures and Offline Ventures. This funding, along with investments from Initialized, Gaingels, and other contributors, brings Cofertility’s total funding to $16 million.

The Vision Behind Cofertility

The inspiration for Cofertility arose from Makler’s personal experiences with fertility challenges. After being diagnosed with a rare abdominal disease in 2018, she faced multiple surgeries that posed a risk to her ovarian health. During this time, she learned about the importance of egg freezing as a potential option for women wanting to have children.

Understanding the Egg Donation Process

• Makler discovered that egg donors often receive compensation, but the costs associated with purchasing eggs can be exorbitant.
• If she sought eggs from a specific ethnic background or educational attainment, the prices could escalate significantly.
• She likened the pricing model to “surge pricing” seen in ride-sharing apps, which felt uncomfortable to her.

Fortunately, Makler was able to conceive naturally. However, her journey highlighted the need for a platform that connects women interested in preserving their fertility with those in need of donor eggs.

Cofertility’s Unique Offering

While egg sharing is not a new concept, Cofertility claims to be the only company that provides egg donations at scale through its unique “Split” program. According to Makler:

“At any given time, we have hundreds of donors that are available for intended parents.”

This availability contrasts with most clinics, which may only have a limited number of donors, making it challenging for intended parents to find a suitable match.

Diverse Donor Pool

Cofertility has cultivated a diverse pool of egg donors, with approximately 55% possessing graduate degrees. This diversity ensures that intended parents have a variety of options when selecting a donor.

Cost Structure of Egg Freezing with Cofertility

In the Cofertility model, intended parents are responsible for the costs of egg retrieval and a coordination fee, similar to traditional egg donation practices. However, they are not required to compensate the donor, which significantly reduces their financial burden.

Breaking the Stigma Around Egg Donation

Makler emphasizes that while Cofertility operates like a marketplace, its mission extends beyond transactions. She aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding egg donation, stating:

“There is zero shame in however you become a parent. Doing that with the help of a donor who’s also interested in freezing her own eggs is a really exciting option.”

For more information about fertility preservation options, visit Cofertility’s official site.