Solence, a French-based startup focused on providing innovative solutions for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), has successfully raised €1.6 million in Seed funding. The funding round will enable the company to enhance its app’s capabilities and expand its team, marking a pivotal step in its mission to support women affected by this common but often overlooked condition.
The investment was led by Impact Shakers Ventures, joined by several angel investors. These include Céline Lazorthes, founder of Leetchi, Mangopay, and Resilience; Berthe Latreille, formerly of JP Morgan; Systemanova VC founder Stephane Mardel; and BPI France.
Solence was founded in 2022 by Clara Stephenson, whose personal journey with PCOS inspired her to develop a more patient-centric approach to care. A former corporate lawyer at Ernst & Young and founder of the French PCOS blog Les Natives, Clara experienced symptoms of PCOS for a decade before finally receiving a diagnosis during fertility investigations.
“PCOS is one of the great blind spots in women’s healthcare. It’s time to change that. Ultimately, our vision is to leverage data and environmental factors to better address chronic hormonal conditions among women, with a focus on prevention and improving their healthy life expectancy. This first round is a step towards realising this vision,” said Clara Stephenson.
The app’s core offering is a personalised, AI-powered programme that goes beyond standard medication. It targets PCOS symptoms through tailored lifestyle interventions, aiming to improve the overall health and quality of life for its users.
Solence’s origins trace back to the COVID-19 pandemic when Clara began Les Natives to share her experience with PCOS. The blog quickly gained momentum, attracting over 135,000 visits and building a community of more than 8,000 followers. This widespread interest prompted Clara to transform her passion project into a digital health platform designed to deliver structured, evidence-based support.
“We backed Clara and Solence not only because PCOS is a condition that affects 1 in 7 women and can have serious consequences for women’s health and wellbeing, but also because Clara brings a unique perspective, experience and network to solving this challenge and scaling a solution that has the potential to reach hundreds of millions of women to improve their quality of life.” said Yonca Breackman, Founding Partner Impact Shakers Ventures.
The app provides a structured twelve-week programme based on peer-reviewed research, aimed at reversing symptoms, enhancing fertility, and supporting mental and physical well-being. It integrates interactive lessons with the latest in behavioural science to guide users through sustainable lifestyle changes. The app also generates monthly PCOS assessments, helping women identify and manage specific triggers over time.
PCOS affects an estimated 20% of women globally and around 85% of them do not receive adequate care. Symptoms vary widely, including hormonal imbalances, metabolic issues, infertility, and emotional distress. Traditional treatment often relies heavily on medication, despite clinical guidelines advocating for lifestyle changes as a first-line intervention.
One of the major barriers to care remains the cost. Many women across Europe report paying thousands of euros out-of-pocket for treatment, while misinformation and bogus remedies promoted online continue to exploit the vulnerable.
Entrepreneur and investor Céline Lazorthes said: “I’m extremely happy to invest in and support Solence. PCOS is a silent plague that Clara and her team are tackling head-on!”
With its new funding, Solence aims to accelerate development of its app, deepen clinical collaborations, and refine its distribution strategy as it continues working to provide practical, accessible solutions for women with PCOS.
