Lola, an e-commerce startup that focuses on women’s reproductive health, has raised $24 million.
The Series B round of funding was led by ACG with participation from earlier investors Spark Capital, Lerer Hippeau, and Brand Foundry Ventures. Among the startup’s initial investors are tennis player Serena Williams, model Karlie Kloss, television producer Lena Dunham, and actress Allison Williams.
New York-based Lola was launched in 2015 and started as a subscription service for women’s hygiene products, including tampons, pads, and liners made with organic cotton. In addition, the startup sells First Period and Cramp Care kits. Last month, Lola added its Sex by Lola line, which includes condoms, lubricants, and feminine cleansing wipes.
“We’re dedicated to being a trusted resource for women of all ages, and will continue to lead the way in delivering transparent products that cater to women’s full reproductive life cycles,” Alex Friedman, Lola’s co-founder and co-CEO, said in a prepared statement. The company said in the press release that the new funding would go toward new product development, marketing efforts, and hiring. Friedman was not available for an interview.
While there are box subscriptions for a variety of retail products available on the Web—dog treats, spicy salsas, and, well, skulls—Lola’s founders have said women’s health is underrepresented in e-commerce.
Innovation in the category has lagged because there’s so much stigma and lack of conversation around sexual health, Friedman said in a recent Fortune article.
“Brands are targeting the male consumer,” she said, but “women want to have that conversation and play an active part in the decision making.”
