How Anna Haotanto turned her fertility struggles into Zora Health, a game-changer in reproductive care

Anna’s journey into the world of reproductive health wasn’t just a career move—it was personal. After facing fertility challenges, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a potential early menopause diagnosis, she realised firsthand the gaps in fertility and menopause care, particularly in Asia.

Determined to create change, she founded Zora Health, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals with accessible, science-backed reproductive health solutions.

With 17 years of experience in finance, retail, and entrepreneurship, Anna has built and scaled companies, but nothing prepared her for the overwhelming response to her viral blog post on egg freezing. The post resonated with thousands, highlighting a critical need for reliable fertility resources and support.

What started as a deeply personal struggle soon became her mission—to break the stigma surrounding reproductive health and provide women with the knowledge and care they deserve. As part of our SG60 special, highlighting pioneering women driving Singapore’s future, we explore Anna’s remarkable journey—how she transformed her personal health challenges into a groundbreaking movement reshaping reproductive care.

What motivated you to start the platform?

My journey into women’s health started from personal experiences with fertility challenges, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a potential early menopause diagnosis. After undergoing multiple surgeries in 2022, I realised the significant gaps in fertility and menopause care, particularly in Asia. This inspired me to create Zora Health – a platform that empowers individuals with accessible, science-backed reproductive health solutions.

How did you get your start in the industry?

I have 17 years of experience in building and scaling companies, as well as executing mergers and acquisitions. Previously, I was the managing director of ABZD Capital and Gourmet Food Holdings, an F&B investment firm with nearly 20 restaurant outlets globally. Additionally, I founded The New Savvy, Asia’s leading financial, investment, and career platform for women, which has an engaged community of 80,000 subscribers across five countries. Before becoming a founder, I spent eight years in banking, specialising in wealth management.

However, my transition into digital health was deeply personal. My viral blog post on egg freezing – read by over 200,000 people – opened my eyes to the overwhelming lack of accessible fertility resources. The response was unexpected yet deeply humbling. I received over 200 messages in my inbox and spoke to more than 80 women, many of whom were strangers, who sought guidance on their fertility journeys. This underscored a critical gap: women needed reliable, science-backed information and a supportive community to navigate fertility decisions. And this realisation led to the birth of Zora Health.

What problems did you hope to solve with Zora Health?

Zora Health provides personalised care across all life stages – from family planning and hormonal health to menopause, parenting and men’s health.

We are committed to bridging the gaps in education, accessibility and affordability by offering expert-led content, telehealth solutions and corporate wellness programs. Our mission is to normalise conversations around reproductive health and empower individuals to make informed choices so they can live with options, not limitations.

What has been your proudest moment since starting Zora Health?

One of my proudest moments has been witnessing the tangible impact of Zora Health – both on individuals and within corporations. From empowering women to navigate fertility treatments, to helping women in menopause, to partnering with companies to integrate reproductive health benefits into employee wellness programs, we are driving meaningful change in a space that has long been underserved.

To date, we have supported over 300 women and countless couples on their fertility journeys, whether through egg freezing, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or reproductive health support. And soon, we will welcome our first Zora Baby – a testament to the life-changing impact of our work!

What challenges did you face in launching Zora Health?

The biggest challenge was breaking the stigma around fertility and menopause. Many decision-makers still view these topics as niche, despite their broad societal impact. Fundraising was another hurdle – investors often lacked familiarity with the market opportunity.

Are there any misconceptions that you would like to dispel?

That female-led businesses are only for women. Zora Health serves all genders and age groups because reproductive health affects everyone.

Another widespread misunderstanding is that fertility is solely a women’s issue – it’s not. 50% of fertility challenges stem from male factors, yet discussions around reproductive health overwhelmingly focus on women.

Lastly, fertility and menopause remain shrouded in stigma and shame, causing many to suffer in silence. But they don’t have to. By normalising these conversations, we can create a world where reproductive health is openly discussed, properly supported, and no longer a source of isolation or fear.

What advice would you give women who are looking to be a part of the women healthtech scene?

Trust yourself and take calculated risks. You don’t need all the answers to start – just the willingness to learn, iterate and push forward. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. Most importantly, build something that genuinely solves a problem because passion and impact will always drive long-term success.

Photography Lawrence Teo
Art direction and styling Adeline Eng
Hair Aung Apichai/Artistry Studios, using Kevin.Murphy
Makeup Lasalle Lee using Shiseido

To learn more about the 60 women who have shaped Singapore as we know it today, click here.