Company: EVE
Location: London
Founded: 2024
Founders: Dr Vanessa Awong, CEO, Emily Westwood, CCO
Written by: Lucy Ahern
Edited by: Caroline Babisz & Natasha Barrow
EVE is breaking ground in the MedTech industry with a pioneering home testing device that measures anaemia levels in menstrual blood. Low iron and anaemia are closely linked to fatigue, and in extreme cases, cognitive impairment and decreased quality of life [1] [2].
Designed to empower women with instant, needle-free insights into their health, EVE’s device will enable users to test their iron and anaemia levels from the comfort of their homes. With this tool, women can rapidly diagnose and monitor anaemia levels every month, providing insights that support informed choices surrounding supplements and iron-rich diets. This offers an alternative to the current process of waiting days, or even weeks, for lab results.
The importance of women-centric innovation was highlighted in a pilot study EVE conducted. Participants used menstrual blood with a finger-prick iron test designed for men. Due to gender-specific differences in iron levels that weren’t considered, nearly all participants tested positive for iron deficiency. This highlighted the need for diagnostics tailored specifically for women, further fuelling EVE’s commitment to deliver accurate, women-focused health solutions.
EVE’s founders, Emily and Vanessa met at the London branch of Antler, an accelerator programme that matches individuals with complimentary skills to fast-track business ideas.
Dr Vanessa Awong, EVE’s CEO, is a practising NHS medical doctor, giving her unique insight into the clinical challenges surrounding anaemia and other health issues affecting women. Prior to qualifying as a doctor, Vanessa studied business and worked as an investment analyst. She is deeply committed to using her knowledge to make a difference on a large scale.
Emily Westwood, EVE’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) has a background in leading business development within fast-growth VC-backed companies. She also led the Barclays' Eagle Labs innovation hub in Oxford. Her passion for womens’ healthcare and innovation were instrumental to EVE’s mission. EVE has assembled a skilled team of advisors, including bioengineers and founders with precedented success through exits.
The founders’ vision goes beyond anaemia: by focusing on menstrual blood, which contains unique biomarkers not found in other bodily fluids [3] [4], they aim to develop research backed diagnostics for other conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS. EVE’s first-mover advantage, combined with their ongoing patent applications, positions the company to be a pioneering force in this space.
Diagnostics using menstrual blood is a new field, with only one other start-up exploring similar parameters. Qvin, a US based company, also uses menstrual blood but requires lab based testing. In contrast, EVE’s vision is to make testing as simple as a pregnancy test – no lab work, just immediate results. Through rigorous research and development, the company is refining a collection and testing method that is both efficient and user-friendly.
EVE is successfully cultivating a community through their podcast and TikTok account, where they share information about menstrual health and other MedTech innovations. This community not only raises awareness but also provides invaluable user feedback, helping shape EVE’s product to better meet the needs of real users.
EVE’s innovative approach is more than a diagnostic tool, it is a movement towards informed health management for women, with potential diagnostic applications well beyond anaemia. With a supportive community and clear vision, EVE is paving the way for a more empowered health-literate future for women.
EVE are currently fundraising. Join them in advancing our patent-pending device. They're seeking investors, businesses, and strategic partners to help redefine women’s health monitoring and enhance lives globally.
EVE are one of eight groundbreaking startups graduating from the SEC's in-house accelerator programme, the Innovators Club. Find out more about the Innovators Club here.
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