Startup Of the Week: AVeta Medical Ltd.

In this edition, we introduce AVeta Medical, a leader in women’s health transforming the treatment of vaginal atrophy with its hormone-free solution. Using regenerative technology, AVeta Medical offers a safe, affordable treatment to restore natural moisture and relieve discomfort. Designed for postmenopausal women and breast cancer survivors, the solution minimizes risks linked to hormonal therapies. With a science-backed approach, the company enhances clinical communication and patient care. AVeta Medical is redefining women’s health by prioritizing safety, effectiveness, and empowerment.

Tell us about your company.

Brian Ledwith:  AVeta medical was founded in 2019. It is a spin out from the University of Galway Bioinnovate program, affiliated with the Standford Design program. The company completed a 2yr detailed clinical needs assessment into endocrinology which converged into a deep dive into Breast cancer survivors, and what impacted their lives mostly post treatment. This led the company on the journey of understanding the chronic progressive condition for Genitourinary Syndromes of Menopause, a condition that impacts Breast Cancer Survivors severely and aggressively as their oestrogen production halts rapidly, compared to woman entering natural menopause. Not only do these women have to bare the reality of their Cancer, but also the severe effect their treatment can cause to their bodies which profoundly impacts their quality of life, self-esteem and overall wellbeing. These women have gone through so much anguish that they are not prepared to use Oestrogen therapy or hormone therapy for the treatment of their GSM symptoms. This journey of exploration and understanding the stark impact on women’s lives in the aftermath of Breast Cancer is what has drove AVeta Medical to develop a product that not only solves the unmet need for Breast Cancer survivors, but for all women living with the symptoms of GSM.

What made you become an entrepreneur?

Brian Ledwith:  I have always had an interest in business and with my background of Engineering strived to understand customer needs and solve problems that lead to better outcomes. 

What is the most challenging part of running your own startup?

Brian Ledwith: When you are working in multinational medical device companies the project timeline was focussed on how fast you could get the work completed. In startup the focus is what can you get completed with the funding you have to make the next important milestone. There is no room for mistakes as in the current climate funding for startups is challenging so the last thing you want do is to be inefficient with the funds. This is the challenge when you are developing a pioneering and novel device. You need to plan well and challenge every decision deeply and efficiently to ensure it advances the company to meet it goals. 

What is the biggest challenge you have faced when looking for funding?

Brian Ledwith: There is a sizable gap from the friends and family type funds and the VC funds. There is a shortfall of investment to move from the pre-seed or government type funds to continue the development through the clinical and regulatory phases. Thankfully AVeta medical have completed clinical testing with exciting results that I am confident will excite investors to fund the next phases of development to regulatory approval. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship?

Brian Ledwith: Moving through milestones with a concise effective and efficient team and meeting planned goals on time knowing that this solution is getting closer to getting a critical therapy approval that will change the lives of Millions of women worldwide.

Learn more about the company: https://avetamedical.com