Cindy Eckert

Serial entrepreneur Cindy Eckert is widely recognized for her significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry. She co-founded and led Sprout Pharmaceuticals, a company best known for developing and launching "Addyi," the first FDA-approved drug aimed at enhancing female libido. In 2015, Eckert sold Sprout Pharmaceuticals for $1 billion, only to re-acquire it two years later to launch the drug on her own terms. Before Sprout Pharmaceuticals, Eckert established Slate Pharmaceuticals, a company that brought innovation to long-acting testosterone treatment.

In 2016, Eckert expanded her entrepreneurial endeavors by founding The Pink Ceiling, an investment firm that focuses on companies either founded by women or geared towards women. Through this platform, Eckert has invested in startups such as Undercover Colors, Lia Diagnostics, Intuitap, and Pursuit. The Pink Ceiling also runs the "Pinkubator," a Raleigh, North Carolina-based incubator that offers mentorship and investment opportunities to female-centric entrepreneurs. With over 24 years of experience in healthcare, Eckert has invested $15 million into female-led or female-focused companies through this initiative.

Cindy Eckert’s advocacy for women extends beyond her products and investments, emphasizing justice for women both in the bedroom and the boardroom. Her business acumen and passionate advocacy have led to her recognition as an influential figure in her industry. She has been a central figure in public discussions and debates concerning "Addyi," a product marketed as "female Viagra." In recognition of her work, North Carolina State University awarded her an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2021. That same year, she joined fellow judges Katie Couric, Andrea Brimmer, and Brandice Daniel on Ally Financial's "Daring to Disrupt" contest, a new program to elevate and advance women’s entrepreneurship. Her work and principles have been featured in major media outlets including The New York Times, Associated Press, Financial Times, Vanity Fair, Bloomberg, CNBC, CBS, Fox, Yahoo, and the cover feature of Entrepreneur Magazine. As a sought-after speaker, she has been featured at major events for Cosmopolitan, Next Gen Summit, GoDaddy, Fortune Magazine, Business Rockstars, and The Female Quotient.