The Rising Interest in Fertility Preservation

In recent years, more women are delaying marriage and prioritizing their careers, leading to an increased interest in fertility preservation methods such as egg freezing. However, the high cost—often ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 per attempt—can hinder many women from accessing this crucial option during their prime reproductive years.

Cofertility’s Unique Model

Cofertility, co-founded by Lauren Makler and Halle Tecco, provides a groundbreaking solution where women can undergo egg freezing at no cost. In return, they donate half of the retrieved eggs to those struggling to conceive. This innovative model aims to bridge the gap between women who want to preserve their fertility and those in need of donor eggs.

Recently, Cofertility secured a $7.25 million Series A funding round led by Next Ventures and Offline Ventures, increasing its total funding to $16 million.

The Inspiration Behind Cofertility

Makler’s personal experience with a rare abdominal disease in 2018 highlighted the importance of fertility preservation. After undergoing multiple surgeries that posed a risk to her ovaries, she became aware of the option for young women to freeze their eggs—a choice she did not have at the time. This realization prompted her to investigate the complexities surrounding egg donation.

During her research, Makler discovered the staggering costs associated with acquiring donor eggs, particularly when targeting specific demographic backgrounds. “It felt sort of like surge pricing for egg donors, which felt icky to me,” she remarked, comparing it to Uber’s variable pricing model during high-demand periods.

Expanding Access to Egg Donation

Although egg sharing is not a new concept, Cofertility differentiates itself with its “Split” program, which enables a larger pool of donors. “At any given time, we have hundreds of donors available for intended parents,” Makler states, noting that many clinics may only have a limited number of donors, potentially reducing matching success.

The diversity of Cofertility’s donors is another strength; approximately 55% possess graduate degrees, reflecting a broad range of backgrounds. While intended parents cover the costs of egg retrieval and the service fee, they do not compensate the donors directly, making the financial aspect more manageable.

Changing Perspectives on Egg Donation

Makler refrains from labeling Cofertility strictly as a marketplace, yet acknowledges that the platform operates in a manner similar to one, effectively addressing a significant structural issue in fertility solutions. “The big vision and the goal is removing the taboo of egg donation,” she asserts. “There is zero shame in however you become a parent. Doing that with the help of a donor who’s also interested in freezing her own eggs is a really exciting option.”