In this episode of I’m Listening with Dr Ariella, we hear from Leila Oliveira — investor, entrepreneur, and one of the first people to back Ovum.
Leila shares her dual perspective: as a woman navigating her own health journey (from painful periods to a decade on the pill without answers) and as a venture capitalist reshaping where capital flows. Her story exposes not only the gaps in women’s healthcare, but also the gaps in how women founders are funded.
Together, Leila and Ariella dive into:✨ Why femtech and AI represent one of the biggest untapped opportunities in venture capital✨ The reality of being dismissed by doctors — and the moment Leila realised ten years without a period wasn’t “normal”✨ What investors really look for in female founders — and how to own your “unfair advantage”✨ The bias female founders face when pitching, and how to turn data and resilience into power✨ Why respect matters more than being liked, and the importance of “taking up space”
Leila’s honesty, pragmatism, and passion make this episode both inspiring and practical — whether you’re a founder, an investor, or simply a woman who knows her body deserves better
