Founded in August 2020 by sisters Shobhita and Shashwata Narain, Veera Health aims to address the healthcare needs of women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through a comprehensive digital platform offering medical care, nutrition therapy, lifestyle coaching, and doctor support. With a recent infusion of $3 million in funding from investors including Sequoia Capital India’s Surge and Global Founders Capital, the startup is poised to expand its reach and impact in supporting PCOS patients.

Founders’ Background and Mission

Shashwata Narain, armed with an MBA from Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and expertise in data science from Yale University, co-founded Veera Health alongside her sister Shobhita Narain. Shobhita brings years of experience working with prominent healthcare companies such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Accenture Life Sciences, and UnitedHealth to the table. Their personal experiences with PCOS fueled their mission to bridge the gap in PCOS management and provide accessible, personalized care to women grappling with the condition.

Digital Healthcare Platform

Veera Health offers a digital platform that facilitates online consultations, enabling PCOS patients to access medical advice, nutrition therapy, lifestyle coaching, and doctor support from the comfort of their homes. The inspiration behind the startup stems from the founders’ own challenges in obtaining timely diagnosis and effective treatment for PCOS. Shobhita Narain, Veera Health’s COO and co-founder, emphasizes the importance of addressing the stigma and misinformation surrounding PCOS prevalent in the Indian context, where women often face body-shaming and societal pressure instead of receiving proper medical care.

Understanding PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder characterized by symptoms such as irregular menstrual periods, excess male hormone (androgen) levels, and the development of numerous small fluid-filled follicles in the ovaries. Studies have shown that PCOS prevalence rates can be as high as 22.5% in urban areas like Mumbai, highlighting the significant burden of the condition on women’s health. However, data availability and awareness about PCOS vary across regions, underscoring the need for accessible and reliable healthcare resources for affected individuals.

In conclusion, Veera Health’s recent funding round underscores the growing recognition of the importance of addressing women’s health issues such as PCOS and the potential of digital healthcare platforms to deliver personalized, holistic care to patients. With a team dedicated to leveraging technology and expertise to support PCOS patients, Veera Health is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in improving the lives of women affected by this prevalent hormonal disorder.