In this series, we sit down with our portfolio and program founders to get to know them better. What are they building? What motivates them? What do they love about New York City? This week, we're chatting with Noula CEO Noelle Acosta, a founder in our inaugural City Fellowship cohort. Noula is available in the App Store—download it today!

1. Describe what you’re building in 10 words or fewer.

Tailored virtual care based on your unique hormonal health data

2. Let’s assume your company achieves your current, fullest ambitions for it — what about your industry and the world do you hope changes as a result?

That caring for our total health is proactive, participatory and personalized to us. Our mission at Noula is to help people who menstruate live longer, healthier lives. Because when it comes to something that’s so personal and fundamental – our health – we deserve better. Today, both patients and physicians are working under a system that is barriered, designed as one-size-fits-all and treats diseases, not people. I can’t wait for a world in which the healthcare system truly centers patients - where healthcare is individualized, accessible, data-driven and preventative. At Noula, we’re proud to be pioneers in shaping this new standard of care. 

3. What’s your bagel order?

I’m a little boring with my bagel order and I rarely stray from this order –  an everything bagel toasted with plain cream cheese, even better if it’s from Russ & Daughters

4. What do you love about New York City, and what makes it a good place to launch a business?

The energy and ambition in New York City is unmatched. I see so much beauty in the differences and shared experiences among the people in New York that unites us in such a vibrant, invigorating ecosystem of innovation and camaraderie. I moved to NYC to build Noula with little to no network here but quickly built a foundation of fellow founders, friends, advocates and investors who are all dedicated to uplifting female and BIPOC entrepreneurs. It’s truly incredible!   

5. What’s your favorite ‘secret’ about New York?

You can stumble upon live music just about anywhere in the city!

6. What do you think is the single biggest innovation we'll see within our lifetimes?

AI and its role in healthcare (and everything in our lives) 

7. What’s your favorite movie or TV show that takes place in New York City?

Modern Love & Broad City

8. What motto do you live by?

The best bet you can make is a bet on yourself

9. What’s one app on your homescreen that you can’t live without?

Noula! I track how my body is feeling every day and feel empowered with insights about my health that I’ve never had before.