Seattle VC Jessica Kamada Launches $6.6M Fund to Support Women’s Health Startups

Jessica Kamada, founder of Swizzle Ventures, raises $6.6M for a fund aimed at investing in 30 companies focused on women’s health and wealth, marking a significant step in addressing gaps in these sectors.

Jessica Kamada, a Seattle-based venture capitalist, is leading the charge to close gaps in women’s health and wealth with the launch of a $6.6 million fund. Kamada, the founder and managing partner of Swizzle Ventures, plans to use the fund to back around 30 innovative companies in this rapidly growing sector.

A Unique Path to Venture Capital

Unlike traditional venture capitalists, Kamada doesn’t come from an Ivy League or large VC firm background. Instead, she brings more than eight years of experience from her time at Bamboo, a Seattle-based marketing agency. There, she worked with consumer tech startups, many of which later went public or were acquired. This unconventional journey has proven to be a strength, enabling her to pitch a compelling vision for Swizzle Ventures during a challenging fundraising environment.

“I didn’t go to an Ivy League school. I’m not coming out of a huge VC firm,” Kamada said. “And so I really had to own the narrative of why different is better.”

Focus on Women’s Health: A $1 Trillion Opportunity

Women’s health is a growing market with immense untapped potential. Kamada’s investment thesis builds on data from McKinsey, which estimates $1 trillion in economic potential from improved women’s health and economic participation. Similarly, a Boston Consulting Group report highlights the disconnect between women’s needs and current products and services, a gap ripe for disruption.

“The opportunity to capitalize on this market that’s just going to go up is huge,” Kamada said. “We’re excited to be on the ground floor of that.”

Swizzle’s Investments: Supporting Innovative Startups

Swizzle Ventures has already invested in 10 companies from its inaugural fund. Notable investments include:

Trellis Health: A Seattle-based startup focused on pregnancy tracking, which graduated from Techstars Seattle in 2023.
Mavida Health: A maternal mental healthcare provider addressing postpartum mental health challenges.
Alinea: An AI-driven investment management platform designed for Gen Z women.

Kamada is particularly excited about the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. “The ability to take a ton of different variables and map it to a personalized protocol for you — it’s a game-changer,” she said.

Trends Driving Growth in Women’s Health

Several trends are bolstering Swizzle Ventures’ mission, including advancements in women’s health research and a shifting political landscape. Kamada noted that regulatory uncertainty around women’s healthcare and the pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are sparking innovation in areas like maternal care and remote patient monitoring.

For example, one of Swizzle’s portfolio companies, which builds a social search platform for women, has experienced a surge in user signups following recent U.S. election results.

Swizzle Ventures: Investing Across the U.S.

Swizzle Ventures’ average investment ranges from $100,000 to $200,000. The firm backs startups nationwide, focusing on companies that align with its vision of improving women’s health and financial empowerment.

Kamada is supported by venture partner Ashley Lieser, a healthcare industry veteran with leadership experience at organizations like WPS, Optum, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Limited partners in the fund include former executives from Providence Health, NFL and WNBA athletes, and leaders from Meta, Google, and Uber.

Why This Fund Matters

The launch of Swizzle Ventures highlights the growing recognition of women’s health as both a critical societal issue and a significant investment opportunity. By targeting early-stage companies with innovative solutions, Kamada aims to not only generate strong returns but also make a lasting impact on women’s health and wealth across the U.S.