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Real

Health Tech & Medtech · New York City, United States · Founded 2019

Real operates within the mental healthcare sector, offering a digital platform designed to make therapy more accessible and affordable. The company was founded in 2019 by Ariela Safira and came out of stealth in 2021. Safira's personal experiences with the mental healthcare system, including the challenges of finding a therapist and the high costs involved, directly informed the company's mission. She conceived of the idea while studying at Columbia University, driven by a friend's struggle to find adequate mental health support. The company's business model is centered on a subscription service, providing members with access to a variety of digital tools and group therapy sessions. Instead of traditional one-on-one therapy, Real focuses on a one-to-many approach through 'Paths,' which are on-demand, therapist-designed programs targeting specific mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges. This model aims to provide structured, accessible care at a lower price point than conventional therapy. Members can engage with these programs at their own pace and attend weekly online group sessions led by therapists, known as 'Roundtables.' Real targets individuals who may find traditional therapy to be prohibitively expensive or difficult to access. The platform's services include on-demand themed therapy sessions, progress tracking tools, and community events, all accessible through its mobile application. By focusing on group sessions and structured digital programs, Real aims to create a scalable and destigmatized mental wellness experience. The company initially raised a significant seed round of $10 million, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with participation from strategic investors like Megan Rapinoe and Eric Kendricks, to launch and develop its platform. Keywords: mental healthcare, digital therapy, subscription service, group therapy, mental wellness, on-demand therapy, teletherapy, mental health platform, behavioral health, accessible healthcare