Metluma joins AFR Fast Starters 100 as perimenopause care makes its business case

With a CAGR of more than 140% and reported employer returns of $5 to $13 for every $1 invested, the Australian healthtech is putting perimenopause care on the productivity agenda.

SYDNEY, Australia, Friday 10th November 2026 – Australian women’s healthtech platform Metluma has been named today in the 2026 Australian Financial Review Fast Starters 100 as the only women’s health company following extraordinary growth over the last year.

The recognition puts a spotlight on a business addressing a persistent gap in women’s healthcare – awareness of perimenopause and menopause is growing, but finding and staying connected to appropriate care can still be difficult.

For co-founders Georgie Drury, GP Dr Nicole Avard and Jarrah Eddy, that gap also raises a question for employers investing in workforce productivity: what return could they achieve by helping experienced women feel well enough to do their jobs?

“Businesses are blindly investing heavily in AI to help their people work better. We want them to ask what they are investing in the health of the humans doing the work,” said Metluma co-founder and CEO Georgie Drury.

“A woman can have years of experience, lead a team and carry enormous responsibility, while privately wondering how she will get through another working day on broken sleep. Helping her access care deserves a place in the productivity conversation.”

Across five large employer programmes, Metluma reports independently assessed financial returns of $5 to $13 for every $1 invested, using the Wellcast ROI methodology.

For context, Microsoft-sponsored IDC research in 2025 reported an average estimated return of $2.80 for every $1 invested in generative AI. While the findings use different methodologies and are not directly comparable, they raise a timely question about where businesses look for productivity gains.

“Making the Fast 100 is an important milestone for Metluma, and it validates our challenge to what businesses consider a worthwhile investment,” Drury said.

“A menopause policy can open a conversation. An awareness session can help someone recognise their symptoms. But when she says, ‘I think this is happening to me. Who can help?’, there needs to be an answer.”

Metluma connects symptom assessment with clinician-led care, personalised treatment plans, education and ongoing tracking and review. Employers can fund access, giving staff a practical pathway to support.

Co-founder and Medical Director Dr Nicole Avard said recognising symptoms was often only the beginning.

“Women may finally have an explanation for why they are exhausted, sleeping badly or struggling to concentrate, yet still be unsure where to turn,” Dr Avard said.

“They need time to talk through what they are experiencing, an assessment of their individual needs and a plan that can be reviewed as things change. Knowing the name for what is happening does not mean they should have to work out the rest alone.”

In one energy and utilities employer cohort, Metluma reported that 76% of participants showed measurable improvement from baseline, while 70% said they were less likely to consider leaving their role because of health issues.

“For employers, those findings bring the conversation back to the people they want to keep,” Drury said.

“What does it cost when an experienced woman starts thinking about leaving because she cannot see a way to feel better and keep working? And what becomes possible when she gets the support she needs?”

Metluma’s next phase of growth includes its recent Clue Plus distribution arrangement, partnerships with Everlab and Bupa Mindplace, and acceptance into Finland’s Eir Women’s Health Accelerator.

-ENDS-

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MEDIA CONTACT

For any questions in relation to this release or to discuss interviews, please contact:

Nicole Papoutsis | nicole@walkthiswaymarketing.com.au | 0422 418 099

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ABOUT METLUMA

Metluma is on a mission to help more women press play on menopause, their way. We keep women moving forward.

Co-Founded by Georgie Drury, Dr Nicole Avard and Jarrah Eddy, Metluma provides a doctor-led collaborative care approach to perimenopause and menopause. Every element is grounded in evidence-based healthcare through ongoing collaborative research with some of Australia’s top Universities.

Metluma believes wellbeing is not a destination you arrive at, unpack your bag and stay at indefinitely. By walking alongside women in their ever-changing health journey the personalised programs ensure the best possible outcomes for each person.

Their personalised, practical and non-judgemental offering combines three proven elements –  expert information, health coaching and 24/7 access through their Smart Health Community app.

Visit www.metluma.com to learn more.