Sonar Mental Health, an AI-driven youth mental health startup, has raised $2.4 million in pre-seed funding. The funding round was led by Nina Capital, with additional participation from GSR Ventures, J4 Ventures, and the Stanford University Social Impact Founder Fellowship.
The Sacramento, California-based company plans to use the funds to advance research and development, enhance app development, and scale its platform. Sonar partners with school districts to leverage public funding, allowing students to access its AI-powered Wellbeing Companion, Sonny. Sonny, trained in traditional psychological techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy, offers students support while ensuring that trained human supporters are involved in every conversation, particularly in high-risk situations.
Little Otter Secures $9.5 Million for Child Mental Health Platform
In related news, Little Otter, a digital family mental health startup, has raised $9.5 million in a strategic funding round. This brings the total raised to $36.35 million. The latest round was backed by Pivotal Ventures, Torch Capital, Springbank, CRV, Next Legacy, G9, Gratitude Railroad, and Fiore Ventures.
Little Otter plans to use the funding to expand its reach, particularly to patients covered by Medicaid and commercial health plans. The company helps families match with providers, offering an initial consultation, care plan, assessment results, and progress reports. Services include therapy, psychiatry, and parent coaching, with an AI-powered approach to scaling assessments and improving mental healthcare accessibility.
“Today’s young people face unprecedented challenges that demand a fresh perspective on mental healthcare,” said Erin Harkless Moore, Director of Investments at Pivotal Ventures. “Little Otter stands out with its clinical excellence and commitment to both young patients and their families.”
Millie Raises $12 Million for Maternal Mental Health Support
In maternal health, Millie, a company offering mental health support for pregnancy and postpartum care, has raised $12 million in Series A funding. The round was led by TMV and Foreground Capital, with participation from Pivotal Ventures and the March of Dimes Innovation Fund.
Millie provides individual and couples therapy sessions, offering a more comprehensive and proactive approach to maternity care. Founder Anu Sharma, inspired by her own near-miss experience during childbirth, aims to transform the maternity system to better meet the needs of women and families.
TownHome Health Secures $500,000 for Urgent Behavioral Health Care
TownHome Health, a tech-backed provider offering 24/7 peer counseling services, has raised $500,000 in new funding, according to SEC filings. The company provides an alternative to traditional hospital care by offering private rooms and social spaces for individuals in crisis or distress. TownHome Health also provides alumni care services to support individuals after crisis treatment and collaborates with hospitals and payers to deliver its services.
These funding rounds reflect the growing recognition of the importance of mental health services for various demographics, with a particular focus on young people and families.
