Cofertility, a health tech startup founded by former Uber executive Lauren Makler and health tech angel investor Halle Tecco, has secured a $7.25 million Series A funding round to expand its unique egg freezing and donation program. The financing round, led by Next Ventures and Offline Ventures, brings the company's total funding to $16 million.

The startup's "Split" program offers women the opportunity to freeze their eggs at no cost in exchange for donating half of the retrieved eggs to individuals or couples struggling with infertility. This innovative approach addresses the significant cost barrier associated with egg freezing, which can range from $10,000 to $15,000 per attempt. By making fertility preservation more accessible, Cofertility aims to empower women to take control of their reproductive health.

Makler's personal experience with fertility and health issues inspired the creation of Cofertility. After being diagnosed with a rare abdominal disease in 2018, she underwent multiple surgeries that threatened the loss of her ovaries. During this time, she learned about egg donation and was shocked by the high costs associated with it. This experience sparked her desire to build a business that matches young women who want to preserve their fertility with those in need of donor eggs.

While the concept of egg sharing is not new, Cofertility claims to be the only company that offers eggs at scale through its "Split" program. The startup has built a diverse pool of egg donors, with around 55% holding graduate degrees. Intended parents cover the egg retrieval costs and Cofertility's coordination fee, but they do not have to compensate the donor, reducing their out-of-pocket expenses.

Makler emphasizes that Cofertility's goal is to remove the taboo surrounding egg donation and promote a culture of openness and acceptance. "There is zero shame in however you become a parent," she said. "Doing that with the help of a donor who's also interested in freezing her own eggs is a really exciting option."

The startup's unique approach has the potential to disrupt the fertility industry, which has traditionally been characterized by high costs and limited access. By democratizing egg freezing and donation, Cofertility is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of women and families struggling with infertility.

With its latest funding round, Cofertility plans to expand its operations and further develop its platform. As the company continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how its innovative approach shapes the fertility landscape and improves access to reproductive healthcare.