Founder Spotlight: Nonye Ekpe, Balm.ai

At FemImpact Africa, we believe in the power of visionary founders to shape the future of Africa. In this Founder Spotlight series, we celebrate African trailblazers, diasporans and innovators creating lasting impact in inclusive health, wealth and climate solutions across the continent and beyond.

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About

Nonye Ekpe is the founder of Balm, a healthtech startup founded in 2022, dedicated to democratizing global healthcare access. Balm focuses on preventing and reversing metabolic conditions like PCOS, obesity, and hormonal imbalances.

As a sociologist and technology entrepreneur, Nonye brings extensive experience supporting startups from her time as an operator in several technology hubs in Nigeria. She is a Civic Hive Fellow, a FourthWave alumna, and was selected for TechCrunch Disrupt’s Battlefield 200 in 2023. 

"I’ve observed how income, environment, lifestyle, and access consistently influence health outcomes—a universal challenge I’m committed to addressing."

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10 Questions with Nonye Ekpe

1/ What problem does Balm.ai solve specifically, and how?

Nonye: We tackle healthcare inequity by addressing disparities in access and outcomes. With PCOS Care, we empower women living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with tailored health solutions.

Balm Research uses social determinants of health (SDOH), like income and lifestyle, to identify and bridge gaps through data and AI. Balm Health supports mental and metabolic wellness, partnering with businesses for group preventative sessions. Our approach combines technology, data analytics, and human-centered design to make healthcare equitable.

2/ What inspired you to start the company?

Nonye: Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, and having traveled to several countries across Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and North America, I’ve observed how income, environment, lifestyle, and access consistently influence health outcomes - a universal challenge I’m committed to addressing.

My background in sociology, paired with my experience organizing startup accelerator programs, revealed technology’s ability to tackle social issues. This drove me to establish Balm Health, motivated by a personal mission to ensure healthcare is a universal right.

3/ What has been your biggest challenge?

Nonye: Our biggest challenge has been proving that technology can transform healthcare meaningfully.

Convincing stakeholders to trust AI and data, especially for sensitive areas like mental health and disparities, took time. We will overcome this by prioritizing transparency, privacy, and real results.

4/ What is your traction to date?

Nonye: We’ve made strides with PCOS Care supporting women, Balm Research mapping health gaps, and Balm Health delivering preventative sessions to businesses with over 250 employees impacted.

Our selection for Fourthwave and TechCrunch Disrupt Battlefield 200 in 2023 boosted our visibility, and we’re gaining momentum across North America and Africa, plus partnerships with forward-thinking companies and healthcare providers.

5/ What's the big vision for Balm.ai?

Nonye: My vision is a world free from healthcare disparities. We’re committed to delivering personalized, data-driven solutions worldwide - PCOS Care for every woman who needs it, Balm Research for every community, and Balm Health for every workplace.

From Lagos to California and beyond, we’re creating a future where access to health is not defined by birthplace or income.

6/ What's one piece of advice for other founders?

Nonye: Stay true to your purpose. Challenges like funding or setbacks will test you, but knowing your 'why' keeps you going. Build a team that shares your vision and let conviction guide you.

7/ What has been your fundraising or growth journey so far? Any key lessons or tips?

Nonye: We’ve driven our growth through bootstrapping, personal savings, grants, and early support from angel investors who trusted our vision, complemented by strategic partnerships.

I’m deeply grateful for our founding team, who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, and for the steadfast support of my family.

My key lesson: Authentic relationships matter more than pitches—build them early and genuinely. My advice: Conviction is everything. Stay true to your beliefs, and that steadfastness will carry you forward.

8/ What is exciting to you about the opportunity for innovation in Africa, or by Africans?

Africans' ability to transform challenges into breakthroughs is inspiring. Africans, like Nigerians creating global digital solutions with bold ingenuity, are hardworking, resilient, and determined, turning their pain into purpose.

With the continent’s vast population, there’s immense potential to drive strategic impact.

Africans and the diaspora are leveraging technology to address global issues like health inequity, financial inclusion, and digital transformation, building not just local businesses but solutions with worldwide impact."

9/ Which FemImpact Africa community members would you like to hear from?

Nonye: I’d love to connect with partners passionate about democratizing healthcare, including health professionals, investors, and skilled innovators. I’m happy to support corporate partners focused on enhancing employee wellness. Let’s work together to drive impact

10/ Anything else you'd like to share?

Nonye: As I wrap up, I want to leave you with this: we’re living in an amazing era where you can become anything you dream of. AI is a game-changer; tap into it to ignite fresh ideas, transform your vision into real products, and pursue your goals with courage. Take action, believe in God and in yourself, and see what incredible things unfold. As a Christian, my faith drives this mission, and I’m thankful for every milestone and challenge that’s brought us here, and I hope you’ll take quantum leaps, be bold and courageous, and embrace AI to shape your own path forward.

Nonye Ekpe is founder and CEO of Balm.ai. To get connected to Nonye, contact the FemImpact Africa team.

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