Berlin-based AI therapy startup clare&me has recently raised €3.7 million in a funding round led by Munich-based HealthTech investor YZR. The startup aims to revolutionize mental health care by developing an empathic AI chatbot designed for use in clinical settings.
clare&me’s Vision: Reducing Stigma and Waiting Times
Co-founders Emilia Theye and Celina Messner have been working on their vision for over three years, initially facing skepticism from the industry. However, with the increasing acceptance of AI in mental health care, their once-questioned idea has become a “no-brainer” for many.
The AI therapy startup plans to use the funds to further develop its technology, focusing on fine-tuning its “empathic” large language model (LLM). Additionally, clare&me aims to expand a second product that automates clinical anamnesis interviews, fostering collaboration with clinics and increasing end-user trust.
Promising Study Results from Charité Berlin
The effectiveness of clare&me’s model will be showcased in studies conducted in collaboration with the prestigious Charité Berlin. Preliminary results indicate that patients who regularly interacted with Clare, a pure voice-bot, over an 8-week period experienced significant improvements in stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
The study also suggests that the AI chatbot is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with psychological barriers such as shame or stigma. Moreover, the results provide initial evidence of the establishment of a therapeutic relationship between patients and the AI.
Additional Funding and Research Grants
In addition to the €3.7 million raised from investors, including Kodori Ventures, Material Ventures, and existing angels and Antler, clare&me has also secured grant funding from various sources. The Development Bank of Berlin (IBB), European funds, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research have provided grants to support the startup’s ongoing technical research and the development of the world’s first Clinical Large Language Model (CLLM), which will be trained by psychotherapists.
A Pioneering Effort in Mental Health Technology
Celina Messner, CEO and co-founder of clare&me, expressed pride in the team’s achievements, stating, “Reimagining technology in a field like mental health is not only fun but also hard work. The research funds are a seal of our technical quality and show how great our pioneering work is in the field.”
As the AI therapy startup clare&me continues to innovate and push boundaries in mental health care, their empathic chatbot holds the promise of reducing waiting times, overcoming stigma, and providing accessible support to those in need.
Author:
Sarah Wilson – Author and Content Writer at AiBlock Insider
