Cooling Down the Competition: Athana’s Innovative Approach to Menopause Relief Gains Traction
The experience of menopause, often marked by debilitating hot flashes, affects roughly one billion women globally. For too long, solutions have been limited, often relying on hormonal therapies or offering only temporary relief. Now, a French startup, Athana, is aiming to disrupt the market with a novel, non-pharmacological approach: a portable cooling device designed to alleviate the discomfort of hot flashes. Founded in 2022 after witnessing his mother’s struggles, Thadée Caron’s Athana has quickly gained attention, securing investment and attracting the interest of prominent figures in the business world. The company’s journey, from a personal quest to a potential market leader, highlights a growing demand for innovative solutions addressing women’s health concerns.
Caron’s inspiration stemmed from a simple observation: his mother’s reliance on frozen peas to find relief from hot flashes. Recognizing the inadequacy of existing options, he began exploring cryotherapy as a potential solution. “There wasn’t a satisfactory non-medicated solution on the market,” Caron explained, noting the widespread impact of hot flashes. This realization spurred the development of a device that delivers targeted cooling to areas of the body particularly sensitive to temperature changes, such as the neck and chest. The device, which diffuses cold at five degrees Celsius, has already begun to turn heads and attract funding.
From Kickstarter to Clinical Trials: Athana’s Growth Trajectory
Athana’s initial success can be attributed to a successful seed funding round in 2023, raising €1.2 million (approximately $1.3 million USD based on February 20, 2026 exchange rates) to establish two production lines in western France and build a core team. The company reported a revenue of €300,000 (approximately $325,000 USD) in 2025 and is projecting revenues of €1.5 million (approximately $1.62 million USD) for 2026. This growth has fueled ambitions to expand beyond direct-to-consumer sales and pursue medical device certification.
A pivotal moment for Athana came with an appearance on the French television present “Qui veut être mon associé?” (Who Wants to Be My Partner?). There, Caron secured a €100,000 (approximately $108,000 USD) investment from Alice Lhabouz for a 5% stake in the company. Notably, Lhabouz invested without negotiating terms, a testament to her belief in the product and Caron’s vision. The deal was facilitated with the support of Alain Toledano, a respected oncologist-radiotherapist, further lending credibility to the venture.
The investment is intended to support a planned €2.7 million (approximately $2.9 million USD) funding round aimed at financing a clinical study. Caron envisions Athana’s product ultimately becoming a registered medical device, opening doors to partnerships with clinics and hospitals. “Our objective is to address clinics and hospitals via B2B distribution channels,” he stated, outlining plans to recruit seven additional team members, including sales professionals.
Expanding Horizons: International Markets and Beyond
Athana’s ambitions extend beyond the French market. The company is preparing to launch a Kickstarter campaign in the United States in June 2026 to gauge interest and secure additional funding. Simultaneously, Athana is exploring opportunities in Asia, particularly South Korea, where there is a significant market for post-operative care. Caron believes the device could be particularly beneficial for women undergoing cosmetic surgery, providing relief and aiding recovery.
Beyond menopause, Athana is investigating the potential applications of its cooling technology in other areas, including musculoskeletal disorders. “We know that cold has benefits for sprains and sports recovery,” Caron noted, suggesting a broader range of potential uses for the technology. This diversification strategy is central to the company’s long-term growth plans, with projections reaching €6 million (approximately $6.5 million USD) in revenue by 2027.
The company’s innovative approach to addressing a common, yet often overlooked, health concern is resonating with investors and consumers alike. Athana’s success story underscores the growing recognition of the importance of investing in women’s health and the potential for technology to improve the quality of life for millions.
« Qui veut être mon associé ? » : Athana et son glaçon électronique ne refroidit pas Alice Lhabouz https://www.maddyness.com/2026/02/19/qui-veut-etre-mon-associe-athana-et-son-glacon-electronique-ne-refroidit-pas-alice-lhabouz/
As Athana prepares for its next phase of growth, including the crucial clinical trial and international expansion, the company remains focused on its core mission: providing effective, non-pharmacological relief for those experiencing the challenges of menopause and beyond. The results of the upcoming clinical study will be a key determinant in the company’s ability to secure medical device certification and unlock further growth opportunities. Investors and healthcare professionals will be closely watching Athana’s progress as it seeks to establish itself as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of women’s health technology.
Disclaimer: Exchange rates used are approximate as of February 20, 2026, and may fluctuate.
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