According to the Harvard Business School, entrepreneurs share a distinct set of characteristics. They are almost inevitably curious, adaptable, self-aware and decisive.
But there’s a personality trait that Harvard leaves out – passion. Successful entrepreneurs are able to adapt to market conditions and analyze needs extremely quickly, and when they find a business or cause that excites them, they can be single-minded in purpose.
One such focused individual is Dominnique Karetsos, CEO, venture general partner, board member, advisor, global speaker, innovator, and UN Women Delegate.
Karetsos, Founder and CEO of Healthy Pleasure Group, Minthub and Co-Creator of Amboy St Ventures, is bullish about the growth potential of the female-focused health and wellness market. She has seen an increased demand for products that appeal to modern women and leveraged that demand into entrepreneurial success.
Her work with Amboy Street Ventures, the world’s first venture capital fund dedicated to women’s health tech startups and Minthub, a B2B innovation hub focused on enhancing health and wellness and intimate care for everyone at all life stages, are both projects that Karetsos is especially passionate about.
As she says, “These are organizations at the cutting edge of empowerment, but they’re not just passion projects. They’re companies that are hyper-focused on the sexual health and women’s health technology market and providing products and solutions designed, developed and marketed by pioneering women.”
Growing up in South Africa, surrounded by nature and exposed to societies where behaviors such as breastfeeding in public are very different from those and considered taboo in Western society gave Karetsos a unique view of what it means for women to take ownership of their bodies. Although now based in the UK, her exploration of various cultures and the role of women in society is a passion that continues to shape her life and unique take on the female wellness industry.
“We’ve seen movements such as MeToo grab the headlines, and we’re also seeing a lot more conversation about women’s health and the unique needs of this market. But health and wellness organizations, especially startups, need to become more in tune with what the female market wants and needs, says Karetsos.
Photo Courtesy: Dominnique Karetsos
The Keys to the Kingdom
The venture capital market has surged in recent months after a slow start to 2024 and a very quiet 2023. Much of this nascent recovery is due to re-emergent interest in technology, geopolitical issues and economic motors, especially AI, and it bodes well for those seeking funding in these areas.
Karetsos is bullish about the growth potential of companies involved in female wellness tech but warns that the needs of this market are changing, and those seeking a competitive edge need to get on board with new narratives surrounding the empowerment of women.
“Anyone involved in brands would have by now realized that the female market is in urgent need of products that speak to them as women, not societal constructs. Times are changing. Women are taking ownership of their lives and their identities. They are no longer satisfied with being a Mrs, a Miss or even a Ms; they want to be recognized for their value as equal humans.”
For Karetsos this also means developing health and wellness products that cater to women from every background and of every age.
“More and more companies are realizing that women have different needs, depending on their time of life. A wellness product designed for a woman of 18 is probably not going to meet the needs of a menopausal or postmenopausal woman. So, extra data needs to be gathered by any company entering this potentially lucrative market.
“Women are a unique demographic that has to cope with periods, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and often professional and societal pressures. It’s a complex marketplace, but the right advice and research can smooth the way to brand acceptance and loyalty.
“I believe that every woman deserves honest, inclusive, and comprehensive sexual health education and access to innovative products marketed at women by women who understand the challenges that they face.”
Experience Counts
Karetsos has applied 25 years of experience across 40+ markets, advising major brands and becoming a sought-after expert in the competitive female-focused health tech industry.
As Founder and CEO of Healthy Pleasure Group, a professional services firm specializing in women’s health and technology, Karetsos and her team help companies launch products, build brands, and craft strategies tailored to evolving customer needs.
“There are approximately 170 million women in the United States, and worldwide, women spend almost $35 trillion on consumer goods, the equivalent of 50% of global consumer spending. It’s a market that requires careful consideration and, in many cases, new narratives and revisiting brand identities. It’s also a potentially lucrative U.S. market if companies go in with their eyes wide open.”
Photo Courtesy: Dominnique Karetsos
The Need for a New Perspective
Karetsos is dedicated to dismantling stigma and dispelling misinformation. “Advocacy is about reshaping the narrative and making discussions about female health and wellness more common,’ she explains.
‘We must foster safe environments where individuals feel comfortable asking questions and seeking support without fear of judgment.”
In tandem with her advocacy work, Karetsos is a focused investor, backing forward-thinking startups that share her vision. She believes entrepreneurship can spark change and is dedicated to supporting ventures focused on empowering women. “Investing in female-centric health startups isn’t just about profits; it’s about driving innovation and creating solutions that truly improve people’s lives,’ says Karetsos.”
This rapidly evolving industry offers great rewards for savvy entrants, but market domination requires more than just strategy—it demands a distinct edge.
As competition grows, companies need unique selling points that resonate with women. For expert insights from an accomplished advisor, an industry pioneer and Healthtech thought leader, and a mentor to female founders, connect with Dominnique Karetsos on LinkedIn or explore her empowering vision for women on her website.
Published By: Aize Perez
