Quick Question
The new health startup Cofertility was inspired by CEO Lauren Maklers life-changing diagnosis.
Before she said yes, Makler wanted to explore all her options.
She found the egg donation industry very transactional and impersonal, and honestly icky for everyone involved.
For example, ads used language like, “Want to go to Paris this summer?
Donate your eggs every three months!
Ultimately, she took her sister up on the offer.
At the time, Makler was serving as Uber Healths head of strategy in San Francisco.
The following year, she co-foundedCofertilitywith Arielle Spiegel and Halle Tecco.
Donors and recipients can choose between disclosed or undisclosed matches (the majority grab the former).
Many opt to connect with each other over Zoom to see if they click and want to proceed.
Its also been accepted to the non-profitSociety for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy(SEEDS).
Below, Makler talks about startup life, parenting a toddler, and her hack for working productively.
What advice do you have for an aspiring entrepreneur whos still searching for that perfect idea?
So take your time.
Instead of looking for a big idea, fall in love with a problem.
Whats the problem you want to solve?
The right thing will come.
What surprised you most about startup life?
And when youre a founder, all of that falls on you.
Do you have any other tips for entrepreneurial life?
Its so important for people to lean on the people in their lives.
He was very helpful in figuring out Cofertilitys go-to-market strategy in our very early days.
Or sometimes, theres a slide I cant figure out how to design.
It gives you a lot to talk about with your partner, too.
What is the worst piece of career advice youve ever received?
To just stick it out when youre not happy.
After a long, busy, and stressful day, how do you turn your brain off?
I start my day really early so that I can spend time with my daughter as much as possible.
Then, I usually get back online for an hour or two.
What other advice do you have for 20-somethings?
We say start thinking about it in your 20s.
Dont be afraid to get started and to ask questions.
Its something you should feel empowered to do, and proud of yourself for doing.
This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
