Tennis legend and entrepreneur Serena Williams has stepped into healthcare innovation with a $10 million seed investment in Teal Health, a women’s health startup dedicated to revolutionizing cervical cancer screenings.
Williams’ venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, joined forces with other investors to support the development of Teal Health’s at-home self-collection cervical cancer screening kit.
Founded in 2020 by CEO Kara Egan and Dr. Avnesh Thakor, Teal Health aims to eliminate the barriers associated with traditional cervical cancer screenings.
Dr. Thakor, inspired by years of medical experience, developed the “Teal Wand™” — a device designed to provide women with an alternative to the invasive and often uncomfortable speculum-based screening process.

The kit, which is currently under FDA review, allows users to collect samples at home. After requesting a kit and completing a vetting process, eligible users receive the device for sample collection.
Samples are mailed to a lab, and results are accessed via Teal Health’s app. Women also have the option to consult with a healthcare provider for additional guidance.
A Game-Changer for Black Women’s Health
The Teal Wand™ is poised to have a significant impact on Black women, who are disproportionately affected by cervical cancer. Black women are 41% more likely to develop cervical cancer and 75% more likely to die from it compared to white women, according to research from St. Jude. These disparities often stem from medical distrust, limited access to healthcare, and lower follow-up screening rates.
“Cervical cancer is nearly 100% preventable with proper screening, yet more than 1 in 4 women in the U.S. are not up to date on their screenings,” said CEO Kara Egan. “Our at-home self-collection screening device will make it easier for women to prioritize their health and help eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern for all women.”
Funding the Future of Women’s Health
The $10 million seed funding round, led by Emerson Collective and Forerunner, included participation from Labcorp, Metrodora Ventures, and Serena Ventures. This financial backing enables Teal Health to bring its transformative device to market.
“This investment allows us to bring Teal Health’s vision to life, enabling women to take control of their health with confidence and ease,” said Egan in a press release.
Serena Williams: Championing Women’s Health
Serena Williams’ involvement underscores her commitment to advancing healthcare solutions for women. Through Serena Ventures, Williams has supported numerous initiatives that empower women and promote equity in underserved communities.
As Teal Health moves closer to launching its innovative screening solution, its mission aligns with Williams’ broader advocacy for health, wellness, and inclusivity. This investment not only bolsters the startup but also paves the way for a new era in cervical cancer prevention.
What’s Next?
With FDA approval on the horizon and growing momentum from its latest funding, Teal Health will reshape how cervical cancer screenings are approached.
The startup’s innovative solutions could mark a turning point in women’s healthcare.
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