Funding Deep Dive: Navigating Capital Options for Digital Mental Health Innovation

This comprehensive MHIN meetup focused on demystifying the funding landscape for digital mental health ventures at various stages of development. The session addressed the fundamental question of what key options and considerations exist when seeking and securing funding for digital mental health innovation, targeting early-stage companies from concept through to scaling phases.

The event featured expert presentations covering the full spectrum of funding categories. Dr Pooja Sikka from KHP Ventures provided insights into venture capital opportunities, while Julie Rubenstein from Better Society Capital explored innovative funding models. Tayla McCloud from Wellcome Foundation presented on innovation grants, including specific funding calls, and Hollie Andrews from Crowdcube shared strategies for crowdfunding success. Emily Wheeler from MQ Mental Health Research rounded out the presentations with guidance on academic grants and research funding.

The session continued with a dynamic panel discussion featuring all presenters alongside additional experts: Jo Pisani, an Angel Investor with Cambridge Angels, Bernhard Gilbey from Ligdol Consulting offering US investment expertise, and Ross O’Brien, former MD of Wysa, providing the startup perspective on funding challenges and strategies.

This event equipped attendees with practical knowledge about finding relevant funders, developing comprehensive funding strategies, and understanding how different funding sources impact business development and scaling opportunities, particularly within the UK market while considering international expansion possibilities.