ImpactAlpha, May 23 — Maternal morbidity describes short- or long-term health issues during and after pregnancy, labor and delivery. In the U.S., more than 60,000 women are affected by severe issues. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
Philadelphia-based Cayaba Care launched in 2020 to provide maternity care, mental health counseling, breastfeeding support and patient education for low-income mothers and mothers of color. “As a former emergency room doctor, a healthcare insurance executive and most importantly, as a father, I have seen the vast gaps in the system for maternity healthcare, particularly affecting communities of color,” said Cayaba’s Olan Soremenkun.
The company offers home-based care through local nonprofits, church groups and other community organizations.
Women’s health
Cayaba has served more than 1,000 mothers to date and opened an in-person clinic in less than a year, said Ulili Onovakpuri of Kapor Capital. Cayaba says its patients have seen a 35% reduction in emergency room visits as a result of its services.
Kapor led the Series A round with Seae Ventures, an early-stage venture fund targeting women, Black, Indigenous and health tech founders of color. Other investors include Wellington Partners, Citi Impact Fund, Rhia Ventures and SteelSky Ventures, a Black woman-led venture health fund.
