Muna Daud is the solo founder and CEO of FlowSense, the world’s first patented period detection product that empowers visually impaired women to independently manage their menstrual hygiene. Incorporated in January 2024, FlowSense combines non-invasive period detection, cycle tracking, and health education, designed to empower women with independence and dignity. Through disposable testing strips and accessible feedback mechanisms like vibrations and audio cues, FlowSense is the first of its kind.
Can you tell us a little about your background and your company?
In a world that often overlooks the needs of women, particularly those with visual impairments, FlowSense is breaking barriers with the world’s first patented period blood detection device. The device not only addresses the challenge of distinguishing between period blood and discharge—helping to reduce emotional distress—but also empowers those with visual impairments by providing them with greater independence and control over their health. Born out of a university project, FlowSense is a newly founded business supported by a small but dedicated team.
Originally, I didn’t envision becoming an entrepreneur, but the lack of accessible solutions for menstrual health, particularly for those with visual impairments, became impossible to ignore. It was this pressing need for a solution, rather than a desire to start a business, that ultimately became my driving force.
What inspired you to start your business?
FlowSense was born out of a project for my Master’s Degree – starting from learning about the struggles many visually impaired women face when managing their menstrual health. I knew this unmet need had to be addressed, and asking myself, ‘why not?’ I embarked on a journey of developing a solution for menstrual hygiene for those with visual impairments.
The original prototype was a modified sanitary pad that used a biodegradable polymer to make the pad tactile – reacting to the difference in pH levels between vaginal discharge (acidic) and menstrual blood (alkaline). We found during the user testing that this style of tactile pad didn’t feel intuitive or hygienic for some users, making me change direction from the tactile pad to a reusable device.
After leaving university, I knew I needed to continue FlowSense beyond a project and explore it as a venture. I could see the change that it could bring to so many women around the world, and the effect supporting and empowering visually impaired women could have on economies and society as a whole.
How did you create awareness for your brand?
I built awareness for FlowSense by leveraging strategic partnerships with community blind and nonprofit organizations and engaging with users. Finding all the channels, spaces where our users interact was the key for us, as it helped us ensure that we reach the women who were creating the solution for; this was important as blind women community groups didn’t seem as connected as we hoped them to be, but FlowSense seemed to have already created a community of women and spaces they’re able to express their common menstrual health journey and their concerns in a safe space where they’re been respected, heard and cared for. I also participated in industry events and conferences focused on accessibility and women’s health, ensuring our messaging resonated with both our target audience and key stakeholders.
What strategies helped you secure funding and scale your business?
Securing funding was achieved through a combination of non-dilutive grants, awards, and targeted friends-and-family crowdfunding. By demonstrating strong user validation through extensive prototype testing and a robust market opportunity, I was able to build a compelling case that resonated with funding bodies and investors. Moving forward we want to scale our business through funding that supports social impact as our solution is life changing to marginalised communities.
What have been your biggest successes so far?
My greatest achievements include developing and patenting the world’s first period detection device for visually impaired women, raising over £250K in non-dilutive funding within just a year of incorporating the company, and successfully engaging more than 200 users in our prototype testing phase. Recognition from awards such as the Mayor of London’s Entrepreneur Award and Innovate UK grants has also validated our mission and progress.
What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my journey is the importance of taking on board user feedback. In the beginning, I was so focused on my vision for the product that I underestimated the value of designing the product with the user, rather than just for them. I also realised that it’s crucial to remain open to change and not become too attached to a single idea, as early concepts are often bound to evolve. Initially, I was certain the product would take a specific form, but as we progressed, it naturally adapted and improved based on user input. Today, user feedback is at the core of everything we do.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I plan to scale FlowSense globally and expand our product offerings to include comprehensive health monitoring features. By forging deeper partnerships with healthcare organizations and charities, I aim to improve menstrual care for tens of thousands of women while driving significant social and environmental impact. FlowSense tracks with visually impaired individuals, but that’s not where we end, we want to build a future where every women, regardless of her ability, gets the menstrual care they deserve.
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs?
Trust your vision, embrace resilience, and never shy away from challenging conventional norms. Build a supportive network and view every setback as a valuable learning opportunity on your journey to creating meaningful change.
What are your top three tips for entrepreneurial success?
- Resilience: Embrace challenges and learn from setbacks.
- Networking: Build and nurture strong, supportive relationships.
- User-Centric Innovation: Always put the needs of your users at the heart of your work.
Who are five people who inspire you the most, and why?
- Melinda Gates: For her relentless dedication to global health and gender equality.
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg: For her unwavering commitment to justice and equality, which inspires me to push for positive change.
- Richard Branson: For his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social change, driving groundbreaking innovation.
- James Dyson: For his revolutionary approach to engineering and design, demonstrating that disruptive innovation can redefine industries.
- Steve Jobs: For his visionary leadership and unyielding drive for excellence, inspiring a paradigm shift in technology and design.
What are your favorite inspirational or motivational quotes?
- “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
- “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
- “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Where can our readers connect with you?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/munadaud
https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowsenses/https://www.instagram.com/flowsense.co/
