Anya

LatchAid, which has been rebranded as Anya, operates in the Femtech and Health Tech sectors, providing a mobile application designed to support women through breastfeeding and the first 1,001 days of parenthood. The company was founded in Bristol, UK, in 2018 by Dr. Chen Mao Davies. Dr. Davies, a specialist in computer graphics and animation with experience on Oscar-winning films like 'Gravity' and 'Blade Runner 2049', was inspired to create the app after her own personal struggles with breastfeeding.

The Anya app leverages 3D interactive animations, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence to provide 24/7 support and guidance. Key features include a 3D tool to learn breastfeeding techniques, an AI-powered virtual companion for personalized support, one-on-one chats with lactation consultants, and virtual peer-support groups. The platform aims to improve maternal health, reduce feelings of isolation, and increase breastfeeding success rates by providing accessible, evidence-based information and empathetic support.

The company utilizes a dual business model. For consumers (B2C), it operates on a freemium subscription basis. For businesses and organizations (B2B), Anya partners with healthcare providers like the UK's National Health Service (NHS) as a licensed prescription app, and also offers its services to corporate employee benefit programs and insurance companies. The app has been piloted with multiple NHS trusts and is available in over 90 countries on both iOS and Android platforms. LatchAid has secured over £1 million in funding through a combination of grants from bodies like Innovate UK, equity investment from angel investors, and innovation loans.

Keywords: Femtech, Health Tech, parenting app, breastfeeding support, maternal health, artificial intelligence, virtual support, digital health, mobile application, infant feeding, postpartum support, AR technology, 3D animation, NHS partner, women's health, early parenthood, lactation consultant, peer support