Mae Health Inc., a pioneering startup focusing on minority health, has closed an oversubscribed seed funding round led by Jumpstart Nova.
This investment will enable Mae to expand its tech-enabled services and tackle the significant disparities in Black maternal health outcomes.
The funding round saw contributions from a variety of investors, including the Astia Fund, Impact Engine, Joyance Partners, and Gratitude Railroad, alongside early backers like RH Capital and Bright Ventures.
Tech-Enabled Solutions for Maternal Health
In response to the maternal mortality rates and the prevalence of maternity care deserts, Mae offers a dual approach combining a digital engagement platform with community-based doula support.
This strategy aligns healthcare provider teams around the needs of pregnant individuals, focusing on reducing risks such as preterm births and unnecessary C-sections, which are notably higher among Black women.
With a 30% reduction in C-section and preterm birth rates in its operational states, Mae’s impact is both measurable and promising.
Empowering Doulas, Enhancing Care
Mae’s commitment extends beyond just the patients; it also aims to build capacity and sustainability for birth workers of color.
By facilitating doula registrations and providing ongoing support for Medicaid participation, Mae strengthens the overall doula provider workforce.
“Since our founding, our goal at Mae has been to create more seamless pathways for established, impactful clinical interventions to reach more birthing people of color, and we’re thrilled by the progress we’ve made in our earliest years,” said Mae’s founder and CEO, Maya Hardigan.
“We are grateful for the partnership of Jumpstart Nova and our growing community of investors in believing deeply in this mission, and working collaboratively with us to drive towards improvements in maternal health equity.”
With this new funding, Mae is set to continue leveraging the collective expertise of community stakeholders, managed care organizations, and state health departments to make substantial advances in maternal health equity for Black mothers.
