The fertility care market has been greatly underserved for three reasons. First, limited awareness and education on methods and success rates. Second, cultural stigmas. Finally, affordability. The cost of treatment typically ranges between US$40,000 and US$100,000 (about S$54,000 and $135,000).
To provide solutions, Anna Haotanto set up Zora Health, which offers egg freezing, in-vitro fertilisation, and fertility testing. The one-stop fertility care platform goes the extra mile by holding fertility education workshops, advocating for fertility-friendly work environments, and creating transparent price structures.
Now that Singapore has lifted restrictions on egg freezing, the company currently has a waitlist of over 180 patients and partnerships with more than 50 clinics in eight countries. It helps that the high-growth segment currently faces minimal competition in this part of the world.
“There are only three fertility tech companies operating in hardware or direct-to-consumer e-commerce in South-east Asia,” explains Haotanto.
“It is a sector that requires deep understanding and sensitivity, so there is a strong barrier to entry.”
Anna Haotanto on market limitations
With the fertility care market expected to grow to US$90 billion by 2027, investors are sitting up and Zora Health recently secured $1 million in funding. Haotanto intends to use it in several ways.
These include developing corporate partnerships that support employees in their reproductive health journeys and introducing workplace-specific education initiatives. Also expanding educational resources in the form of interactive guides, video series, and expert interviews.
Haotanto also understands the culturally sensitive nuances required to navigate the Asian market. “This involves addressing the cultural taboos around discussing reproductive health openly,” she says. “Through relevant content and outreach programmes, we strive to create a safe and inclusive space for individuals to engage with and understand their reproductive health.”
