Sextech – what is it and what are its possibilities?

FemTech World assesses the outlook for sextech and the barriers to its progress.

Sextech is designed to enhance and innovate human sexuality and the human sexual experience.

The sextech industry was already worth US$30bn in 2021. However, analysts expect it to grow further to US$52.7bn by 2026.

There is still not a clear definition of what sextech is, spanning from virtual reality, digital platforms, remote-controlled sex toys to AI.

Many experts like Bryony Cole – creator of Sextech School and the media platform. Future of Sex – believe that any technology used in relation to sexuality and dating should be considered part of sextech. This includes dating apps like Tinder and communication apps like Skype, that can be considered as a long-distance relationship sextech platforms.

No matter where the term falls, sextech is breaking down taboos around sex. With sexual pleasure being one of the biggest taboos in society, the sextech industry opens new possibilities for exploring desire and sexuality. 

Biggest barriers for sextech companies

The sextech industry, however, still faces numerous barriers in relation to development of companies and startups.

For example, the industry is still considered as a taboo as the majority of people still consider sextech only in relation to sex toys and porn.

Advertising is one of the biggest barriers for this industry as sextech companies have an inability to advertise their products or services on social media.

Polly Rodriguez, CEO of Unbound, said: “Not being able to advertise on them is a big deal because, in addition to the policies being biased and gendered, it prevents those founders from being able to reach potential customers.”

What are the possibilities of sextech?

Firstly, the sextech industry can facilitate the discourse around sex and pleasure.

Secondly, some sextech companies have the power to reduce distance between people. For example, a sextech platform can play an important part in long-distance relationship, allowing couples to have safe digital intimacy.

In addition, sextech apps can help disabled people explore their sexualities.