Work & Mother Gains Momentum with $3.5 Million Seed Round Led by Building Ventures
Work & Mother, an innovative full-service mother’s room amenity for commercial office buildings, has announced a significant milestone in securing a $3.5M Series Seed funding round. The investment, led by Building Ventures on the auspicious occasion of International Women’s Day, underscores the growing demand for such essential services in the workplace. Founder & CEO Abbey Donnell spearheaded the initiative in Houston, TX, in 2019, a period marked by global uncertainties. Despite these challenges, Work & Mother has flourished, recently launching its flagship New York market location in partnership with TIAA/Nuveen.
Building Ventures articulates its mission as investing in a better-built world, emphasizing sustainability and societal benefits provided by the built environment. Work & Mother aligns with this vision by addressing a crucial gap in workplace amenities for nursing mothers. The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped perceptions of the built environment, particularly concerning safety, support, and well-being in commercial office spaces. Work & Mother's offerings cater to these evolving demands by ensuring greater flexibility, health, and wellbeing in the workplace.
The suite of amenities provided by Work & Mother, including lactation suites and The Hub companion app, are designed to meet and exceed the needs of working mothers. These offerings have been embraced by leading commercial real estate owner groups, distinguishing their properties in a competitive market. The federal PUMP Act of December 2023 has further underscored the importance of such amenities, making them not just desirable but necessary for compliance and enhancing tenant ESG scores.
Abbey Donnell’s foresight and personal experience as a working mother have been pivotal in developing Work & Mother’s product offerings. Designed to operate similarly to a building gym, Work & Mother provides a communal solution that benefits tenants, landlords, and working mothers alike. This business model streamlines support for nursing mothers, offering everything needed for pumping during the workday within a supportive and private environment.
With the Series Seed funding, led by Building Ventures and joined by new investors such as Claritas Capital, Second Century Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and The Artemis Fund, Work & Mother is poised for national expansion. This funding will enable Work & Mother to broaden its impact, starting with the New York market and beyond. Building Ventures' participation, particularly with a board seat, signifies a strong commitment to supporting Work & Mother’s mission of making the workplace more inclusive and supportive for nursing mothers across the country.
