Chapter 1: Understanding the Stigma in Sextech

The response might have varied had the speaker been a 60-year-old white man in a lab coat. It may have been simpler for the audience to justify their presence as part of a progressive, educated collective in the rapidly growing $30 billion sextech sector—an industry outpacing drones by 30% annually. "We are pioneers!" they declare.

Yet, when the striking Bryony Cole concluded her bold address on the future of sexual technology, the first remark she received was, "Your heels can seem a bit intimidating." What a misinterpretation that was!

Typically, when people hear "sextech," they imagine augmented reality, virtual reality, and robots—like having Scarlett Johansson available 24/7 to console a middle-aged man. Despite the film's sci-fi classification, this concept is more rooted in reality than fiction.

Innovative virtual assistants like Gatebox go beyond Amazon's Alexa, providing emotional text messages throughout the day. Users now have access to sex robots equipped with 12 distinct programmable personalities, capable of reciting poetry at a moment's notice.

However, the sextech sector encompasses much more than just AR and robotics. It includes any technology aimed at enhancing sexual experiences. Examples include Mend, a chatbot for heartbreak, and Dipsea, a platform for erotic storytelling aimed at women. It also features sexual health apps, assault reporting tools, and products like Ohnut that assist the 75% of women who experience painful sex at some point. Long-distance couples can even use connected pillows to transmit the sound of their partner's heartbeat.

Crucially, sextech also covers educational platforms and tools that foster empathy, such as VR headsets that allow individuals to experience life from the perspective of the opposite sex. For many, these educational tools mark the beginning of an overdue conversation. Historically, the sex industry has been dominated by male fantasies that dictate how sex should be, while female sexuality has often been viewed as shameful, largely represented in comedies like "Sex and the City."

However, the landscape is shifting. A growing number of female advocates and entrepreneurs are working to redefine the narrative and normalize discussions around female sexual pleasure.

Bryony Cole: A Trailblazer in Sextech

Bryony Cole is a pivotal figure in this movement. As a leading sextech expert, she launched the "Future of Sex" podcast and organizes global sextech hackathons recognized for their industry insights and innovations. Her expertise is sought after by tech giants, entertainment companies, governments, and other organizations looking for her authoritative perspective.

Like many entrepreneurs, Bryony's journey into sextech was driven by personal experiences shaped by societal conditioning. Women often hit puberty earlier than men—some as young as eight years old. This stage, while typically uneventful for boys, can be bewildering for girls, who suddenly find themselves the focus of attention from older men, often without the right education to navigate it. This can lead women to minimize their presence and avoid drawing attention.

Motivated by her own experiences, after a diverse career that included a stint in a tech startup, Bryony ventured into sextech to dedicate her talents to a meaningful cause: the future of sex and breaking the stigma surrounding female sexual pleasure.

Despite initial fears of never finding employment again, Bryony launched her "Future of Sex" podcast, hosting a range of guests from sex therapists to Cannasexual™ entrepreneurs exploring the intersection of CBD and sex, and astrosexologists investigating sex in space. As her consulting business flourished, so did the demand for her insights. She now shares her extensive knowledge and practical solutions with aspiring entrepreneurs through her Sextech School.

Navigating the Challenges of a Stigmatized Industry

Operating in an industry laden with stigma presents numerous challenges for entrepreneurs. These obstacles often begin with the basic task of opening a bank account, as financial institutions are hesitant to lend to businesses perceived as unreliable or lacking respectability. Even securing an account can be a struggle.

Advertising is another significant barrier. Bryony has faced bans from platforms like MailChimp, had her social media accounts disabled, and encountered censorship of her advertising for being deemed "adult content." Manufacturers, too, often shy away from association with these brands, fearing damage to their own reputations. The Sextech School aims to help these entrepreneurs navigate these turbulent waters.

At the core of these challenges is a systemic lack of trust. The ingrained social stigma often leads people to question whether there's a legitimate place for these businesses in the professional arena. Establishing a credible, authentic image is crucial.

From my conversation with Bryony, it's evident that much of the solution lies in (i) tone, (ii) language, and (iii) aesthetics.

Chapter 2: The Changing Landscape of Sextech

As societal views evolve, credible entrepreneurs like Bryony Cole are leading the charge in redefining the future of sextech.

In this engaging video, Bryony Cole discusses her insights on the future of sextech at the 2023 SXSW Studio, illuminating the industry's potential and societal implications.

Here, Bryony shares her vision for the future of sex at The Design Conference 2022, exploring the intersection of technology and sexuality.

The language, imagery, and dialogue surrounding sextech are shifting, paving the way for a future where female pleasure is recognized and celebrated. Are we finally catching up to the conversation? Stay connected to receive more insights directly in your inbox.