Cofertility’s radical model for women: Freeze your eggs for free by donating half of them

Tech Crunch - Apr 12th, 2025

Cofertility, a startup founded by Lauren Makler and Halle Tecco, has introduced an innovative solution for women looking to preserve their fertility without incurring the hefty costs associated with egg freezing. By allowing women to freeze their eggs for free in exchange for donating half to those unable to conceive, Cofertility addresses both financial barriers and donor shortages. Recently, the company secured $7.25 million in Series A funding, led by Next Ventures and Offline Ventures, bringing their total funding to $16 million. Cofertility's 'Split' program aims to provide a wide array of donor options, claiming to offer a larger pool than traditional clinics.

The initiative was inspired by Makler's personal health scare and the high costs associated with egg donation, which she described as akin to surge pricing. Cofertility's model not only makes egg freezing accessible but also reduces costs for intended parents by eliminating donor compensation fees. Makler's broader vision is to destigmatize egg donation and normalize diverse pathways to parenthood. This approach seeks to address a structural issue within the fertility industry by creating a scalable and inclusive egg-sharing network that benefits both donors and recipients.

Fertility Preservation Series A Funding Cofertility Lauren Makler Halle Tecco Egg Freezing Egg Donation

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant examination of the intersection between fertility preservation and entrepreneurship, focusing on Cofertility's innovative business model. It effectively highlights the challenges and solutions related to egg freezing costs, offering a clear and engaging narrative. However, the reliance on internal sources and the lack of diverse perspectives limit its balance and source quality. While the article is clear and readable, with significant public interest potential, its impact is somewhat constrained by the absence of broader ethical and societal discussions. Overall, the story offers valuable insights but could benefit from more comprehensive source variety and balanced viewpoint representation to enhance its credibility and depth.

Accuracy

The story accurately presents several key facts, such as the cost of egg freezing being between $10,000 to $15,000 per attempt, which aligns with industry standards. The description of Cofertility's business model, offering free egg freezing in exchange for egg donation, is consistent with known practices. However, some claims, like the scale of their donor pool and the specific educational background of donors, require further verification. The report of Cofertility's funding rounds, including the $7.25 million Series A, is precise, yet more detailed verification of investor specifics would enhance accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on Cofertility and its founders' perspectives, which may create an imbalance. While it effectively highlights the benefits of their egg donation model, it lacks input from external experts or critics who could provide alternative viewpoints on the ethical and practical implications of such a business model. Including perspectives from healthcare professionals or women who have used the service could offer a more balanced view.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language, making it easy to follow. It effectively explains the concept of egg freezing and Cofertility's business model. The narrative is logically organized, with a coherent flow from the problem of high egg freezing costs to the solution offered by Cofertility. The tone is neutral, avoiding sensationalism, which aids in comprehension.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on statements from Cofertility's founders, which may introduce bias, as they have a vested interest in promoting their company. There is a lack of diverse sources, such as independent experts or studies, to corroborate the claims made. The reliance on internal sources without external validation limits the credibility and reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article provides clear information about the founders' motivations and the company's funding, which adds to its transparency. However, it does not disclose potential conflicts of interest, such as the financial interests of the founders in the success of Cofertility. Additionally, the methodology behind the claims, such as the scale of donor availability, is not explained, which detracts from the article's transparency.