THE FLEX CO. NEWSROOM

Company milestones, our brands, & media inquiries

Our story

After silently suffering from chronic yeast infections for 15 years related to organic tampon use, I felt it was time to change the status-quo--not just for myself, but for menstruators everywhere. I set out to create period products that were truly innovative by solving real period problems, like cramping, bloating, odor and unnecessary waste.

In 2014, I began researching product alternatives and hosting focus group dinners to discuss periods and period products with consumers. Weekly dinner conversations turned into a movement that we call the Uterati, a community invested in improving the future of period products.

In 2016, I launched The Flex Co. after discovering the menstrual disc technology and innovating to improve its materials, comfort, and efficacy. Flex was created to give those who menstruate products that prioritize comfort, support an active lifestyle and are better for the environment.

Flex aims to transform the lives of people with periods and offer period freedom™.

Hear from Flex Founder & CEO Lauren Schulte Wang

Don’t blame your body. For generations, we’ve accepted that our period weeks should be uncomfortable. It’s time to change the status quo.

Lauren Schulte Wang Founder & CEO

Company milestones

August 2015 - Lauren Schulte Wang creates The Flex Co.™
2016
Lauren joins Y Combinator, the prestigious start-up accelerator for the most promising new companies.
The Flex Co. brand is established.
The Flex Co. acquires Softcup & immediately ramps up production to save the disc from being discontinued.
Lauren coins the term "menstrual disc" to help describe the different shape and benefits of the product vs. the menstrual cup.
The Flex Co. receives top tier media coverage for Flex Disc™ thanks to its innovative design that allows for period sex without the stained sheets.
Flex Disc™ ships to customers for the first time.
2017
Flex launches The Fornix magazine to educate and create discourse around menstruation, reproductive health, and sexual wellness.
Uterati community is founded on Facebook. Members are closely involved in Flex’s customer-led product innovation strategy.
Softdisc is available on Amazon US & Amazon Canada.
2018
The Flex Co. acquires Keela and launches Flex Cup™ alongside its co-founders Jane Adamé & Andy Miller.
Flex launches its first Youtube commercial that goes viral.
Softcup is rebranded to Softdisc and is now sold at all Target stores in the US.
Flex becomes the first
digitally- native period care brand to go omnichannel, forging the way for new startups to enter
the category.
2019
Flex Disc™, Flex Cup™, Softdisc®, & Softcup® are patented in the U.S. & abroad.
Flex Cup™ and Flex Disc™ are now sold at select Target stores.
CVS Health becomes a national retail partner of The Flex Co.
2020
The Flex Co. sells in 25,000 locations across the U.S., expanding into grocery and local retailers.
The Flex Co. surpasses 20-yr industry leader DivaCup as the #1 sustainable period
care brand.
2021
After three years of R&D, Softcup debuts at CVS.
Flex airs the first national TV campaign featuring a menstrual disc.
After 2+ years in R&D, Flex Reusable Disc™ launches with a patented notch designed for easy insertion.
2022
Flex adds the first and only plant-based menstrual disc, Plant+ Disc, to a lineup of eco-friendly products.
Walmart awards Flex full-chain distribution, increasing The Flex Co.'s retail footprint to nearly 30,000 doors. Now, over 95% of the U.S. population has access to a Flex product within five miles of their home.
The Flex Co. wins three prestigious Red Dot Awards for outstanding product design. Flex Plant+ Disc, awarded in Personal Care, Wellness and Beauty. Flex Reusable Disc, awarded in both the Innovative Products and Personal Care, Wellness and Beauty categories.
The Flex Co. expands into Canada in partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart, solidifying market leadership with international growth.