Digital mental health startup HelloBetter has successfully raised over €6 million in cash and media-for-equity, bringing its total funding to €31 million. The company, which has pioneered digital therapeutics in mental health care, is now looking to expand its reach, with a significant focus on entering the French market in 2025.
A Leader in Digital Mental Health Solutions
Founded in 2015 by Prof. Dr. David Ebert, Dr. Hanne Horvath, and Dr. Elena Heber, HelloBetter has emerged as a key player in the digital mental health space. The company offers a suite of ten online therapy programs aimed at addressing both common mental health issues—such as depression, insomnia, and panic disorders—as well as underserved conditions like vaginismus and chronic pain.
Notably, six of HelloBetter’s programs have received approval from the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), integrating them into Germany’s healthcare system. These programs are available to all publicly insured adults in the country as prescription digital therapeutics (PDTx) or DiGA, offered free of charge. To date, 120,000 patients have benefited from these offerings.
International Growth and FDA Approval
In 2022, HelloBetter expanded internationally with the launch of HelloGina in the United States. This specialized program supports individuals with vaginismus, a sexual wellness condition. The following year, the company received approval from the FDA for its digital therapeutics aimed at treating panic disorders, reinforcing its commitment to delivering scientifically validated solutions on a global scale.
Scientific Excellence and Clinical Validation
HelloBetter’s products are supported by robust scientific research, having conducted 30 randomized controlled trials on its offerings. The majority of these studies have been published in respected peer-reviewed journals, highlighting the effectiveness and credibility of their digital therapy programs.
New Funding and Plans for the French Market
The latest round of funding was led by Mutuelles Impact, managed by XAnge, with participation from MMV, HealthCap, Expon, and DVH Ventures. This infusion of capital is expected to fuel HelloBetter’s continued growth, enabling the company to further enhance its presence in Germany and broaden its international reach, especially in France.
With a focus on France, HelloBetter aims to leverage its strategic connection with Mutuelles Impact—a €95 million fund focused on social and environmental impact. The fund is supported by 65 French Mutuelles (supplementary health insurance providers) and is committed to bridging the gap between healthcare access and digital therapeutics. HelloBetter intends to use this partnership to launch pilot programs and forge long-term collaborations as it enters its first market outside the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).
To support its French expansion, HelloBetter will pursue regulatory approval with HAS (Haute Autorité de Santé), the French health authority, with the ultimate goal of securing nationwide reimbursement for its programs in France.
A Bright Future for Digital Mental Health
Hannes Klöpper, CEO and co-founder of HelloBetter, expressed the significance of this funding:
“This funding will enable us to do three things: become a household name for mental health in Germany, launch new, innovative products, and, with the support of XAnge and its 65 Mutuelles partners, bring our proven digital mental health solutions to the French market.”
Nadja Bresous Mehigan, Partner at XAnge Impact, highlighted the promising future of digital mental health companies in France, noting that the regulatory framework is still new, but carries strong potential for companies like HelloBetter, which have already proven the effectiveness of their products through clinical studies. She emphasized that HelloBetter has already demonstrated its ability to generate prescription activations and associated revenues in Germany, positioning it for success across the broader European market.
Conclusion
HelloBetter is rapidly becoming a leader in the field of digital therapeutics for mental health, with its evidence-based approach and a growing footprint across multiple regions. The company’s expansion into the French market is an exciting step forward, and its commitment to providing accessible mental health solutions, backed by solid research and partnerships, promises to have a lasting impact on global mental wellness.
