Dutch startup Vi raises funds to support working women through menopause

Rotterdam-based Vi, a startup that claims to be an expert in the field of menopause, announced that it has secured fresh funding from Dutch financial services company NN Group.

Vi aims to assist the 1.8 million working women in the Netherlands experiencing menopause as about 90 per cent of them feel lost with questions and symptoms. Vi’s app is tailored to provide support, information, and connections to qualified experts, addressing this gap.

Tackling taboos surrounding menopause

Vi claims to be challenging the taboos surrounding menopause, traditionally viewed as a private matter or ‘a women’s issue’. The lack of open discussion has led to a dearth of knowledge and awareness.

The Dutch startup seeks to change this by providing support, enabling women to monitor their physical and emotional symptoms, and offering workshops for employers and employees.

By facilitating access to proper care, Vi aims to minimise the potential impact of menopause on women’s lives and careers.

Marleen ten Damme, founder of Vi explains, “Tackling the menopause taboo is our starting point for Vi. We’re really happy that conversations about menopause have developed over the course of the last year.”

“It’s time to support women and employers with the right services to bring this change to action.” We aim to bring understanding and awareness about this phase through personalised and data-driven insights.”

“Every woman experiences the menopause in her own unique way. That’s why our services are designed so that each woman can examine her own situation and receive advice that truly suits her,” adds Ten Damme.

Vi available for employers

Vi, launched in August 2023 for pilot users, has become an independent platform accessible to employers and employees since January 2024.

The startup was developed by NN Ventures, the corporate venture builder of NN Group, with a focus on creating independent yet complementary business models, primarily in life insurance and pensions. NN will co-found Vi, holding a minority stake in the platform.

Jeroen Meijers, Head of NN Ventures says, “Female health has been under-invested, and it has a direct impact not only for women but the companies they work for. NN sees this important issue in society, and we are in a good position as a business to invest in Vi as a solution.”

Brief about NN Group

NN Group is an international financial services company with over 175 years of history. It operates in 11 countries, primarily in Europe and Japan. 

With 16,000 employees, the Group offers retirement services, pensions, insurance, banking, and investments to approximately 20 million customers. NN Group includes Nationale-Nederlanden, NN, ABN AMRO Insurance, Movir, AZL, BeFrank, OHRA and Woonnu.

The firm is trading under ‘NN’ on Euronext Amsterdam since its IPO on July 2, 2014.