Voda: The LGBTQIA+ Mental Health App

Background

Overview

Voda is a London-based mental well-being application specifically designed for the LGBTQIA+ community. The app offers self-guided therapy programs, mindfulness exercises, and cognitive journaling tools, all tailored to address the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Developed in collaboration with accredited LGBTQIA+ psychotherapists, Voda aims to provide accessible and affirming mental health support.

Mission and Vision

Voda's mission is to deliver inclusive, therapist-developed mental health support to LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide. The vision is to create a safe, private space where users can access culturally competent mental health resources without the need to explain or hide their identities.

Primary Area of Focus

The app focuses on addressing mental health issues prevalent within the LGBTQIA+ community, such as anxiety, depression, gender dysphoria, internalized shame, and coping with societal stigma. By offering specialized resources, Voda aims to bridge the gap in mental health support tailored for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Industry Significance

Voda holds a significant position in the mental health tech industry by providing a platform that combines clinical expertise with AI-driven personalization, specifically catering to the LGBTQIA+ community. Its unique approach has garnered recognition, including being featured by Google Play's Pride Campaign and winning "Inclusive Tech Innovation of the Year" from PinkNews.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Accessibility: Ensure that mental health resources are easily accessible to LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those in underserved or rural areas.

Affordability: Provide cost-effective solutions to mental health support, reducing financial barriers for users.

Inclusivity: Offer culturally competent and affirming resources that resonate with the diverse experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Therapeutic Programs: Develop self-guided therapy programs based on evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Mindfulness and Meditation: Provide mindfulness exercises and meditations voiced by LGBTQIA+ creators to promote mental well-being.

Journaling Tools: Offer AI-powered journaling tools with guided prompts to help users reflect and gain self-awareness.

Key Technologies Utilized

AI Integration: Employ artificial intelligence to personalize user experiences, such as tailoring daily practices and journaling prompts.

Mobile Application Development: Utilize cross-platform development to ensure the app is available on both iOS and Android devices.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Geographical Markets: Focus on global outreach, with a particular emphasis on the UK and the United States.

Target Conditions: Address mental health challenges specific to the LGBTQIA+ community, including anxiety, depression, gender dysphoria, and internalized shame.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Pre-Seed Funding: In June 2024, Voda raised £270,000 in pre-seed funding led by Freiraum Ventures, with participation from Lightbulb Trust and ULTRA VC.

Additional Funding: In January 2025, the company secured an additional £650,000 in funding to scale its services globally.

Total Funds Raised

As of January 2025, Voda has raised a total of £920,000 in funding.

Notable Investors

Freiraum Ventures: Led the pre-seed funding round in June 2024.

Lightbulb Trust: Participated in the pre-seed funding round.

ULTRA VC: Participated in the pre-seed funding round.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are allocated to scale Voda's reach, develop new therapeutic content with LGBTQIA+ clinicians, and introduce community-led features that support everyday well-being.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Trans Library: Launched in September 2024, this is the world's largest free mental health resource for the trans community, featuring 52 self-led digital wellness programs.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

Product Development: Ongoing development of new therapeutic programs and features based on user feedback and emerging mental health research.

Target Conditions

Gender Dysphoria: Addressing mental health challenges related to gender identity.

Internalized Shame: Providing resources to help users overcome feelings of shame related to their identities.

Coping with Stigma: Offering support for dealing with societal discrimination and stigma.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Ongoing: Continuous addition of new programs and features to the app.

September 2024: Launch of the Trans Library.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

AI-Powered Personalization: Utilizing artificial intelligence to tailor user experiences, including daily practices and journaling prompts.

Secure Data Encryption: Ensuring user data privacy and security through industry-standard encryption methods.

Significant Scientific Methods

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Incorporated into self-guided therapy programs to help users identify and change negative thought patterns.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Used to assist users in accepting their thoughts and feelings while committing to personal values.

AI-Driven Capabilities

Personalized Daily Practices: AI algorithms analyze user interactions to provide customized daily exercises.

Adaptive Journaling Prompts: AI generates journaling prompts based on user behavior and preferences to enhance self-reflection.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Jaron Soh (he/him): Co-founder and CEO. With over 10 years in product and growth, Jaron has founded multiple startups and co-leads Series Q, the UK's largest LGBTQ+ founder network.

Kris Jack (he/him): Co-founder and CTO. Kris holds a PhD in AI and was previously the Chief Data Scientist at Mendeley, leading to a £40 million exit.

Chris Sheridan MBACP (Accred), FRSA (they/them): Lead Therapist. One of the UK's top LGBTQIA+ psychotherapists, Chris serves on the Inclusivity Board for Soho House.

Leadership Changes

Recent Appointments

June 2024: Appointment of Chris Sheridan as Lead Therapist, bringing extensive experience in LGBTQIA+ psychotherapy.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The LGBTQIA+ mental health app market is experiencing growth, with increasing recognition of the unique mental health challenges faced by this community. Voda's focus on inclusivity and culturally competent resources positions it favorably in this expanding market.

Competitor Analysis

Lumi Nova: A UK-based app offering mental health support for children aged 7-12, integrating CBT with gaming elements.

Shoorah Mental Health & Wellbeing: Provides a comprehensive digital solution with AI-backed tools, including meditation, therapy pods, and lifestyle assessments.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

AspenOUT Partnership: In January 2025, Voda partnered with AspenOUT to improve mental health access for LGBTQIA+ individuals in rural communities across the United States.

Operational Insights

Voda differentiates itself by offering a platform specifically designed for the LGBTQIA+ community, addressing issues such as gender dysphoria, internalized shame, and coping with societal stigma. Its AI-driven personalization and secure data practices enhance user engagement and trust.