OhMyV – How One Founder Led A Mission To Transform Women’s Sexual Wellness Following a Personal Health Scare

Joan Abebe
13 hours ago
2 min read

Updated: 14 minutes ago

Founder spotlight with Katie Payne, Founder of OhMyV

Some businesses begin with a market gap. OhMyV began with something far more personal.

After experiencing a cervical cancer scare linked to HPV, Katie realised firsthand how limited existing sexual health products were, leaving many women unprotected despite vaccines, condoms, and routine screenings.

“It became clear that women’s sexual health had massive blind spots.” she says.“I wanted to build something scientifically robust that genuinely protects women.”

That insight became the foundation of OhMyV - a biotech innovation designed to help prevent STI transmission while supporting vaginal microbiome health. For Katie, it wasn’t just a product idea; it was a mission to put women’s wellbeing, pleasure, and safety at the centre of science.

From Vision to Reality: The Unseen Challenges of Pioneering Innovation

For Katie, the hardest part hasn’t been the science - it’s been the fundraising journey:

“Fundraising has been incredibly challenging. The rejection can really get to you,” she admits.”

As a first‑time founder building biotech in a taboo category, she often felt she was pushing uphill. But persistence and clarity kept her moving forward. One lesson she wishes she had learned earlier? Start investor conversations before you feel ready.

She initially held back, thinking everything needed to be perfect. “It doesn’t. Investors want to see the journey”.

Finding Her Momentum (And Success) Through Hive Founders

Katie joined the Hive Investment Readiness Accelerator at a pivotal moment - right before going out to raise.

"I needed structure. I needed to understand finances, investment mechanics, and how to approach investors with confidence,” she says. “Hive helped whip me into shape.”

The program gave her:

clear guidance on key documents and financials,
a deeper understanding of what investors look for,
a cohort of women who understood the emotional and practical challenges of building something alone.
and mentorship from Andrea Sommer that became an especially impactful source of insight and direction.

Following IRAP, OhMyV went on to receive investment from Womankind Ventures and a group of angel investors - momentum she credits in part to Hive.

What She Wants Other Female Founders to Know

Just do it: You will never feel fully ready, and that’s exactly what the program is for.
Protect your energy: Katie keeps a non-negotiable morning routine for exercise and grounding.
Find your community: Surrounding herself with founders, mentors, and advisors is what’s kept her resilient.
Fundraising is emotional: “The highs are high. But you’re not alone, even if it feels like it.”

Would She Recommend Hive? Absolutely!

“It’s not just about getting your business into shape, it’s about preparing yourself for the kinds of questions investors will ask, understanding what they’re really looking for, and building the confidence to go out there and fundraise. I wasn’t ready at the start, but by the end, I absolutely was - and that’s exactly what the program is designed to do.”