Unveiling the first U.S. Reckitt Catalyst cohort
A new generation of community-based entrepreneurs is shaping the future of health and hygiene via Reckitt Catalyst.
Reckitt Catalyst is a global social impact investment program that supports and scales health and hygiene ventures founded by women and underrepresented entrepreneurs. These founders are often closest to the challenges they are working to solve, yet they remain overlooked by traditional investors. In the U.S., Catalyst is focused on addressing one of the country’s most persistent challenges: the lack of access to basic healthcare services.
Supporting Innovators at Home
The inaugural U.S. cohort includes five ventures tackling healthcare challenges in underserved communities:
Attane Health – A food-as-medicine marketplace improving nutrition outcomes for low-income patients.
Ema – An AI-powered women’s health ecosystem connecting women with expert-informed resources and peer support.
Malama Health – A doula‑led, AI‑supported maternal care for families insured through Medicaid.
ThriveLink – Telephonic AI tools that help people with literacy, technology or access barriers navigate healthcare and social services.
ZóCALO Health – A culturally grounded primary care platform serving Latino communities through virtual and in-person care.
These start-ups represent the ingenuity, diversity and urgency of American entrepreneurship—and show why local solutions matter.
Explore their stories here and read the press release here.
Serena Williams as Entrepreneur-in-Residence
As Reckitt’s first Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Serena Williams brings her passion for equity and her experience as an entrepreneur and investor. She mentors U.S. founders, helping them unlock the resources and recognition needed to grow and sustain impact.
quote icon“It’s been a privilege to be part of choosing this first cohort and mentoring these founders has already been one of the most inspiring parts of my work with Reckitt Catalyst. Their ideas come directly from the challenges they see around them, and that authenticity is what drives real innovation. I’m excited to help open more doors for women and underrepresented entrepreneurs who deserve the chance to scale their ventures and make a meaningful impact."
Serena Williams Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Reckitt
Shifting the narrative in health innovation
In the U.S. and globally, women receive only a fraction of venture funding despite their strong track record in returns and impact. Reckitt Catalyst is dedicated to changing that—backing women and underrepresented entrepreneurs whose ideas can transform health and hygiene.
Together, we will build a cleaner, healthier world.
Apply to Reckitt Catalyst
Are you an entrepreneur who is ready to make a real impact in your community?
Apply now through Acumen AmericaUS applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.