DITTO, a menstrual health company founded by women, has successfully secured $6 million in a seed funding round. The investment was led by FoodLabs with continued support from Eka Ventures, bringing the company's total funding to approximately $7.7 million. This capital will fuel DITTO's mission to provide science-led solutions for women experiencing symptoms related to PMS and the more severe PMDD.
Addressing a Gap in Women's Healthcare
The company addresses a significant gap in women's healthcare where symptoms are often dismissed as normal or exaggerated. Founder Alice van der Schoot notes that women feel validated when they see their experiences supported by scientific evidence. This validation empowers them to advocate for themselves during medical consultations, equipped with research that was previously inaccessible.
Van der Schoot, a neuroscientist and nutrition scientist, founded DITTO to bridge the divide between academic research and practical health advice. The company's flagship product, the Cycle Supplement, was co-developed with medical experts like gynaecologist Dr. Anita Mitra. This supplement is grounded in the intersection of neuroscience and nutrition, targeting the root causes of menstrual cycle challenges.
Science-Backed Solutions and Community Growth
DITTO's commitment to clinical evidence is central to its product development and market strategy. Its initial clinical trial demonstrated that 88% of participants experienced a significant reduction in symptom severity. The supplement utilizes an innovative beadlet-in-oil delivery technology to ensure the timed release and maximum absorption of its ten key ingredients.
A key part of DITTO's strategy involves translating complex scientific findings from paywalled journals into accessible information for the public. This educational approach has cultivated a highly engaged community of over 300,000 members in just 18 months. The community not only validates the need for DITTO's products but also guides its future research directions.
Strategic Expansion and Investor Confidence
The new funding will accelerate DITTO's research initiatives and expand its range of science-led supplements. The company plans to conduct three additional clinical trials and publish five new papers within the next year. A primary focus of this new research will be a systematic review exploring the potential links between PMDD and ADHD.
Investors have expressed strong confidence in DITTO's evidence-based model, which they believe is crucial for building trust and scale. Flo Breiner of FoodLabs stated that clinical evidence is becoming the standard in menstrual health, positioning DITTO as a market leader. Eka Ventures' Camilla Dolan highlighted that the combination of scientific credibility and brand trust is a powerful and rare asset.
Differentiating in a Growing Market
DITTO enters a global menstrual health market valued at over $22 billion and projected to reach $35 billion by 2030. The company distinguishes itself from competitors by prioritizing large-scale clinical trials for its formulations, a standard not always met by other brands. This focus on verifiable data sets a new benchmark in a category traditionally reliant on herbal remedies.
This $6 million seed round marks a significant milestone for DITTO, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in evidence-based menstrual healthcare. By combining rigorous scientific research, product innovation, and a strong community, the company is poised for substantial growth. DITTO's approach is set to challenge industry norms and empower women with the validated solutions they have long sought.