Berlin-based startup clare&me has secured €3.7 million in funding to expand its AI-driven mental health coaching platform. The company, co-founded by Emilia Theye and Celina Messner, aims to provide accessible and cost-effective psychological support through its conversational bot, Clare. This new investment facilitates the scaling of operations and enhancement of their pioneering technology.
clare&me’s approach to mental health care is gaining traction, particularly given the global shortage of therapy services and long waiting times. In previous funding rounds, the startup also attracted investments from notable backers, showcasing consistent confidence in their mission. The evolution of their business model and technology reflects the increasing importance of digital solutions in mental health care.
In recent years, digital mental health platforms have seen a surge in both user adoption and investor interest, particularly spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar platforms have emerged, yet clare&me distinguishes itself with its focus on AI-driven personalized support and its robust research backing. The company’s unique clinical approach has set it apart from its competitors.
Backing and Vision
The latest funding round was led by Munich-based healthtech investor YZR, with participation from Kodori Ventures, Material Ventures, and existing investors including Antler. The startup also garnered grant funding from the Development Bank of Berlin, European funds, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Christoph Klink, Partner at Antler, expressed enthusiasm for the co-founders, stating,
“Emilia and Celina (co-founders of clare&me) really excited us as a founding team when we first invested and still do today. They are building world-class AI technology to address a major health and social challenge about which they care deeply. They are uniquely placed to build a product which is already helping to improve the lives of people across Europe and we are delighted to have supported them since day zero.”
Investment Utilization
clare&me plans to utilize the new funds to further develop the world’s first Clinical Large Language Model (CLLM), specifically trained by psychotherapists. This model aims to enhance the mental health support provided by Clare, the company’s AI-driven virtual mental health coach. The funds will also support technical development, team expansion, and partnerships with clinics in Germany.
Co-founder Theye stated,
“Over three years ago we had a vision that was critically questioned for a long time – it’s hard to believe that the same vision is now a no-brainer for so many and that we have received so much great support along the way.”
Messner added,
“I am proud of what we have achieved with our team. Reimagining technology in a field like mental health is not only fun but also hard work. The research funds are a seal of our technical quality and show how great our pioneering work is in the field.”
clare&me’s platform, Clare, offers users guidance for reflection, emotional processing, and support on their mental health journey. Designed to provide 24/7 personalised psychological care, Clare employs cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to assist those dealing with anxiety and other mental health issues. The initial results show that using Clare significantly reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
With approximately 374 million people affected by anxiety and 246 million by depression worldwide, clare&me’s mission is timely and vital. By leveraging AI technology and clinical expertise, the startup aims to make mental health support more accessible and reduce stigmas associated with seeking help. The company’s future developments hold promise for transforming the landscape of mental health care.
