PRAGUE, Czech Republic — Elin.ai, a Czech startup focused on improving mental health through artificial intelligence, has successfully closed a €1M Pre-Seed funding round. The round was led by JSK Investments, with €420,000 invested by the venture firm, which is headed by entrepreneur and investor Simona Kijonkova. JSK Investments will also assist Elin.ai in establishing key international partnerships to facilitate its global expansion.
The latest funding round also saw backing from other investors, including VC firms Presto Ventures and BD Partners, who previously supported the startup earlier in 2024.
Innovative App for Mental Health Support
Elin.ai has developed a mobile app designed to address the mental health challenges faced by Generation Z, with a focus on providing personalized support to manage emotions, stress, and anxiety. The app analyzes screenshots from users’ devices and offers tailored advice and tools to cope with triggers that might lead to negative thoughts, stress, or emotional distress.
In collaboration with psychiatrists, Elin.ai utilizes AI-driven models that simulate the expertise of mental health professionals, offering 24/7 personalized assistance through a chat interface. The app targets a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, loneliness, and eating disorders.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
The mental health of young people has become a growing concern, with studies showing that up to 40% of European teenagers are affected by depression or anxiety, often linked to the impact of social media. This troubling trend is exacerbated by limited access to mental health services in many countries, including the Czech Republic.
Simona Kijonkova, who led the investment round, emphasized the urgency of addressing mental health challenges among young people. “For the first time in history, suicide rates are higher among young people than middle-aged adults, underscoring the need for immediate action,” Kijonkova stated. “Elin.ai offers an accessible solution by leveraging AI to provide personalized support, prevention, and long-term care, which are critical in tackling this crisis.”
Expansion Plans and New AI Models
With the new funding, Elin.ai plans to expand its services into international markets and further develop its AI models to target specific mental health issues, including eating disorders, anxiety, and the psychological effects of conspiracy theories. The startup aims to enhance its platform to better serve the diverse mental health needs of Gen Z in the digital age.
Jan Romportl, CEO and co-founder of Elin.ai, highlighted the significance of the investment: “This funding will enable us to scale the app globally and improve our AI models to tackle a broader range of mental health challenges faced by young people today. Our mission is to help Gen Z navigate stress and promote long-term mental wellbeing in an increasingly digital world.”
As Elin.ai continues to grow, its innovative approach to mental health support offers a much-needed solution for young people, providing a lifeline to those in need and contributing to the broader conversation on mental health care.
