Brain health platform Prickly Pear Health secures investment from new VC fund Bayless Ventures

Prickly Pear Health is aimed at women during menopause

Photo by Bhautik Patel on Unsplash

A brain health platform that supports women through menopause has secured funding from new early-stage venture capital fund Bayless Ventures.

Prickly Pear Health, which was founded in 2024, is one of four initial investments from the new fund. The Prickly Pear platform uses behavioural science, psychology and AI to offer personalised insights and actionable tips to support brain health. It is particularly aimed at women during menopause, when hormonal fluctuations can impact cognitive function and mood.

Bayless Ventures has been founded by Valley healthcare entrepreneur Justin Bayless and is dedicated to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs and driving change in healthcare. It invests up to $250,000 in pre-seed and seed rounds.

Imen Maaroufi Clark, Founder and CEO of Prickly Pear said:

"Justin's investment in Prickly Pear represents more than just financial backing; it's a partnership rooted in a shared vision to improve healthcare outcomes, particularly in women's health with a focus on brain health. Justin always says that if we want to solve healthcare disparities, we need more representation from founders who are closest to the problem."

"With Bayless Ventures by our side, we're poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless women."

Bayless Ventures’ other investments include Piction Health (expert dermatology medical care) and Joiful Health (connecting low-income communities to preventative health and social services via text).

Justin Bayless, Managing Principal of Bayless Ventures said:

"For over 40 years, Bayless Integrated Healthcare disrupted the healthcare industry with innovative technology and patient-first services. Now, as Bayless Ventures, we're investing in the next generation of disruptors and innovators."

"Our goal is to guide these early-stage companies on their journey to success."