What Vella Bioscience does

Vella Bioscience is a US-based FemTech company founded in 2020 that develops and sells science-backed intimate care and sexual wellness products for women. Its product portfolio comprises four core SKUs: Pleasurewave (a CBD-based arousal serum using proprietary LPTv1™ liposomal technology, $55 MSRP), Ebbtide™ (vaginal inserts using CPTv1™ CBD/CBDA formulation for menstrual pain, $22–$42), Meltwater (a water-based vaginal emollient with hyaluronic acid and aloe, $28), and Everslide (a silicone-based personal lubricant with plant squalane, $24), supplemented by bundled kits (Menopause Sexcare Kit, Period Kit, Climax Set), digital and physical gift cards, and limited-edition branded merchandise. The company's primary customers are women across hormonal life stages—perimenopause, menopause, postpartum, and menstruating women—seeking non-hormonal, clinically validated solutions for arousal, orgasm, dryness, and menstrual discomfort.

The company's core technology is a proprietary nano-encapsulated liposomal delivery platform (trademarked as LPTv1™ and CPTv1™) designed to transport CBD and CBDA molecules through topical and vaginal mucosal tissue. The IP portfolio includes one granted US patent (US11717495B2, covering CBD for SSRI/SNRI-induced female sexual dysfunction), three pending US patent applications (US20220401381A1, US20220395547A1, US20230321017A1) covering liposomal cannabinoid formulations and acidic cannabinoid compositions for female sexual function, and two registered trademarks. Clinical development is anchored by Dr. Harin Padma-Nathan (CMO, lead investigator behind the Viagra and Cialis trials) and MIT-trained organic chemists in a Boston R&D lab, with reported clinical outcomes including 90% of Pleasurewave participants reporting improvement in at least one pleasure dimension, 44% overall pain reduction with Ebbtide, and 81% of Ebbtide users reducing or eliminating oral pain medications.

Vella operates a direct-to-consumer commerce model with one-time purchase and Subscribe & Save subscription pricing (typically 15% off), complemented by selective omnichannel distribution through Amazon, Lemon Laine, and Cos Bar. Revenue mechanics rely on premium unit pricing across a small SKU set plus subscription recurring revenue and bundled kit attach. The company has raised approximately $8.6 million across seed rounds since 2020 (including a $7M Seed II in May 2021 at a $50M+ post-money valuation), with Springboard Enterprises participating in 2025. Leadership includes CEO Carolyn Wheeler, President Joy Allen-Altimare (joined 2026), CMO Dr. Harin Padma-Nathan, and CPO Dr. Frid, alongside a Scientific Advisory Board of sexual medicine specialists.

Name

Vella Bioscience

Legal name

Vella Bioscience Inc.

Website

https://vellabio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Vella Bioscience is a US FemTech company that develops and sells clinically validated, CBD-based sexual wellness products—including arousal serum, vaginal inserts, and lubricants—for women across hormonal life stages, using a proprietary liposomal delivery platform and a direct-to-consumer subscription model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Women's Sexual Wellness Products

NAICS

Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Vaginal Moisturizers & Lubricants (CRABAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Women’s Health (OTC Gynecologic) (HLAIADAJ), Intimate & Personal Hygiene Washes (CRABAEAF)

Keywords

• Women's sexual wellness
• Arousal serum products
• Vaginal lubricant
• Menstrual pain relief
• Topical CBD skincare

Headquarters

HQ city

Worcester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales: Direct-to-consumer e-commerce sales of women's sexual wellness products including arousal serums, lubricants, vaginal inserts, and merchandise through the company's website. Products sold as one-time purchases or subscription (Subscribe & Save).
2. Retail Distribution: Wholesale/product sales to specialty retail partners including Lemon Laine, Cos Bar, and Amazon marketplace.
3. Gift Cards: Digital and physical gift cards sold in denominations from $25 to $200, providing flexible gifting options for customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Vella Bioscience develops and sells science-based women's intimate care and sexual wellness products, including a topical CBD arousal lotion (Pleasurewave), a water-based vaginal emollient (Meltwater), a silicone-based personal lubricant (Everslide), and vaginal inserts for menstrual pain relief (Ebbtide). All products use proprietary nano-encapsulated liposomal CBD/CBDA delivery technology (LPTv1 and CPTv1) developed in-house to enhance targeted absorption of active ingredients.

Product overview

Vella Bioscience is a FemTech company founded in 2020, offering a portfolio of science-based intimate care and sexual wellness products for women. The core product line centers on four main offerings: Pleasurewave (arousal serum using proprietary LPTv1™ liposomal CBD technology), Meltwater (water-based vaginal emollient with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera), Everslide (silicone-based lubricant with plant squalane), and Ebbtide™ (vaginal inserts using CPTv1™ CBD/CBDA technology for menstrual pain relief). The company leverages proprietary nano-encapsulated liposomal delivery technology to enhance absorption of active ingredients including CBD and CBDA. Products are developed with clinical research led by Dr. Harin Padma-Nathan (CMO and lead investigator for Viagra and Cialis clinical trials), and are marketed to women across hormonal stages including perimenopause, menopause, and postpartum. Additional offerings include bundled kits, gift cards, and branded merchandise.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Pleasurewave: Clinical-grade arousal serum using CBD isolate delivered through proprietary liposomal technology (LPTv1) for women, particularly those experiencing hormonal transitions.
• Ebbtide
• Meltwater
• Everslide

Products and services

• Pleasurewave A clinical-grade arousal lotion for women that uses CBD isolate delivered via proprietary LPTv1 (Liposomal Penetration Technology v1) for enhanced female sexual pleasure, climax, and orgasm support. Targeted at women experiencing hormonal transitions, including perimenopause and menopause.
• Ebbtide A targeted vaginal insert designed for relief from pelvic and period pain, using CPTv1 proprietary CBD/CBDA complex to deliver active ingredients directly to uterine tissue. Hormone-free alternative to oral NSAIDs for menstrual cramp management.
• Meltwater An ultra-lightweight water-based vaginal emollient formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort associated with perimenopause, menopause, postpartum, or hormonal changes.
• Everslide A silicone-based personal lubricant with plant squalane and sea buckthorn oil that provides long-lasting lubrication, moisturization, and enhanced sexual comfort. Designed for women seeking smoother, more pleasurable intimacy.
• Vella Digital Gift Card Digital gift card delivered instantly via email, available in $25, $50, $75, $100, $125, $150, and $200 denominations for purchasing Vella products.
• Menopause Sexcare Kit A bundled gift set that combines arousal and hydration essentials for women experiencing menopause-related sexual wellness concerns, packaged with a toiletry bag.
• The Period Kit A bundled kit containing Ebbtide vaginal inserts (CPTv1) and a branded bag charm for relief from pelvic and period pain on the go.
• Vella Silky Bandana A limited-edition 22"x22" silk bandana featuring original Vella artwork, produced in India as branded merchandise.
• Pink Orgasm Tee A limited-edition cropped graphic tee in Vella Pink made from 6.5oz 100% ring-spun cotton, celebrating pleasure through abstract yonic floral design; produced in Los Angeles.
• Black Orgasm Tee A limited-edition v-neck graphic tee in black featuring an abstract yonic floral design celebrating pleasure; produced as branded merchandise.
• The Orgasm Mug A limited-edition 10oz glass coffee mug featuring an abstract yonic floral design in Vella Pink and white; produced in the USA as branded merchandise.
• The Orgasm Tote A limited-edition 12oz canvas tote bag dyed in Vella Midnight navy color, produced in India as branded merchandise.
• The Orgasm Poster A limited-edition 11"x17" artist poster featuring an abstract yonic floral design in Vella Pink and white; produced in Los Angeles as branded merchandise.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of participants reported improvement in at least one aspect of sexual pleasure using Pleasurewave
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• PERIOD.flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 May 2026Vella Bioscience partnered with PERIOD., a global youth-fuelled nonprofit working to eradicate period poverty and stigma. The partnership includes a $15,000 cash donation and an ongoing giveback model where Vella donates a menstrual care kit to PERIOD. with every Ebbtide subscription purchase. This initiative supports Vella's mission to fight period poverty and expand access to menstrual care products.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Pjur: Pjur is a broad incumbent in premium intimate lubricants and silicone-based products with global distribution. Comparable in lubricant/silicone product categories and premium positioning, but at larger scale.
• Astroglide: Astroglide (Church & Dwight) is a broad incumbent in personal lubricants with established retail distribution across mass channels. Comparable as a lubricant product competitor, but lacks the science/clinical positioning Vella emphasizes.
• K-Y: K-Y (Reckitt) is a broad incumbent in personal lubricants with mass-market drugstore and grocery distribution. Comparable in lubricant product category, but operates at much larger scale and broader retail footprint.

Emerging players

• OhNut: OhNut is an emerging player in intimate wellness with clinically-positioned sexual health products sold via DTC and clinical channels. Comparable in science-led, clinician-recommended positioning for women's intimate health.

Direct peers

• Dame Products: Dame is a direct peer in women's sexual wellness, offering vibrators, arousal products, and lubricants through DTC and retail channels. Comparable in target customer, premium positioning, and science-forward branding.
• Maude: Maude is a direct peer in modern sexual wellness, offering lubricants, massage oils, vibrators, and intimacy products via DTC and retailers like Sephora. Comparable in minimalist design-led positioning and gender-inclusive marketing.
• Foria Wellness: Foria is a direct peer and the closest CBD-specific comparable, with CBD-based arousal and intimate care products (including topical arousal oils and suppositories). Directly overlaps with Vella's CBD liposomal arousal/insert technology.
• LELO: LELO is a global premium intimate products brand offering lubricants, arousal gels, and personal massagers. Comparable in premium pricing, science-driven branding, and broad DTC + retail distribution.
• Unbound: Unbound is a direct peer in sexual wellness targeting women and gender-diverse consumers with vibrators, lubricants, and arousal products via DTC. Comparable in mission-led branding and modern design aesthetic.
• Cake: Cake is a direct peer in sexual wellness offering lubricants, arousal products, and accessories for women through DTC. Comparable in customer demographic and positioning as a science-informed intimate care brand.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vella Bioscience