Berlin-based healthtech startup clare&me recently secured €3.7 million in funding, marking a significant milestone in their mission to revolutionize mental health support. Led by Munich-based HealthTech investor YZR, the funding round also saw participation from new investors such as Kodori Ventures and Material Ventures, along with existing angels and Antler.
Founded in June 2021 by Celina Messner and Emilia Theye, clare&me aims to bridge the gap in therapeutic self-help using cutting-edge technology. Their vision predates the ChatGPT hype by 1.5 years, when the founders pondered the intricacies of conversational AI and the delicate balance between human and machine interaction. How human should an AI be when discussing mental health? And how can we build a clinically sound AI from a technological standpoint?
The answer lies in Clare, the Mental Health AI developed by clare&me. Clare provides digital psychotherapeutic support through voice-based conversations on smartphones, addressing topics like fear, stress, and panic. By doing so, clare&me tackles high entry barriers, long waiting times, and stigma associated with seeking help. Their approach emphasizes thought leadership, grounded in ethics and conscious decision-making.
Emilia Theye, CEO & co-founder of clare&me, reflects on their journey: “Three years ago, our vision faced skepticism. Now, it’s heartening to see widespread acceptance. With this funding, we’re committed to building clinical AI that aligns with the latest research and ethical standards, leaving a lasting psychological impact.”
Celina Messner, also CEO & co-founder, echoes the sentiment: “Our team’s work in reimagining mental health technology has been both rewarding and challenging. The research funds validate our technical prowess and underscore the significance of our pioneering efforts.”
The newly raised capital will fuel clare&me’s technological advancements. Their focus includes training an empathic Clinical Large Language Model (CLLM) and expanding a second product—an automated clinical anamnesis interview system. By collaborating with clinics, they aim to enhance user trust and accessibility.
Markus Feuerecker, Founding Partner at YZR Capital, praises the founders: “Emilia and Celina’s vision impressed us from day one. Amid dissenting voices, we believed in their mission. Their commitment to medical rigor and role modeling is inspiring.”
Christoph Klink, Partner at Antler, concurs: “Emilia and Celina continue to excite us. Their world-class AI technology addresses critical health and social challenges.”
In summary, clare&me’s journey exemplifies the fusion of technology and empathy. As they forge ahead, their commitment to ethical AI and mental health remains unwavering.
