Ida Tin, born on May 28, 1979 (46 years old) in Copenhagen, Denmark, is the co-founder and former CEO of Clue, a company that developed a menstrual health app focused on tracking women’s cycles. The company has become widely popular following massive support from major firms, operating in more than 15 countries with over 15 million users. It runs on three operating systems and is available in more than 15 languages.
The Danish entrepreneur is also credited with coining the term “femtech”, a concept that encompasses various sectors but specifically refers to “technology addressing the needs of people with female biology,” as Tin explained. Several articles noted that Ida merged technology with the previously limited understanding of menstruation and the female reproductive cycle within the tech industry.
The company pioneered period-tracking technology and raised millions of dollars in funding after widespread backing from global investors. Clue also promoted scientific research centered on female biology, earning user trust for its data-driven and privacy-focused approach. Like many entrepreneurs, Tin’s motivation stemmed from her personal struggle to monitor her reproductive health, which led to the creation of Clue in 2012 by four founders, with the app launching a year later.
The importance of femtech for Ida Tin
Ida Tin embraced the term femtech because she recognized the lack of understanding and visibility surrounding women’s health and biology. In an interview, she emphasized that femtech enables women to make more informed decisions about their bodies. The concept also highlights broader issues such as gender inequality and disparities in access to healthcare, positioning femtech as far more than a digital tool for tracking menstrual cycles.
Tin conducted extensive scientific research on female biology and health needs to attract investors and media attention. More than 22 investors contributed nearly $50 million across nine funding rounds, with the most recent completed in 2021.
The Foundations of Clue
Clue operates under a business model that balances user accessibility with financial sustainability. The company prides itself on being “affordable but reliable,” ensuring its services are accessible to a wide audience without compromising quality or profitability. Sustainability and trust are central values, particularly regarding user data security and transparency.
The app’s ecosystem encourages users to share health data and personal experiences, contributing to a growing scientific understanding of women’s health. “There isn’t enough research on female health,” Tin has stated, underscoring the company’s mission to bridge that gap. Based in Germany, Clue adheres to European Union regulations and requires parental consent for users under 16, a rule Tin supports as part of her belief that “technology must be regulated.”
The collaboration with Apple: competition or partnership?
When asked about Apple’s delayed entry into menstrual tracking, Tin dryly remarked, “Maybe they forgot.” As a pioneer, Clue had no issue partnering with Apple, providing software support to help the tech giant develop its own health-tracking app. Although the collaboration could appear competitive, Clue remains the first mover in the field, maintaining millions of users worldwide.
In 2021, Clue became one of the first apps approved by a U.S. health authority to market its algorithm as a form of digital contraception. While Tin has stepped down as CEO, she continues to serve as chairwoman and member of the company’s strategic board. The Copenhagen-born innovator transformed global perspectives on female health, integrating science, technology, and advocacy to advance research and awareness of women’s reproductive well-being.