Health-tech AI Startup Orli Secures £60,000 from Bethnal Green Ventures
Orli, a health-tech startup, has received £60,000 in funding from Bethnal Green Ventures’ Tech for Good Programme. The innovative AI-powered platform aims to enhance mental health support for children and their families.
Founded by Dr. Mark Cox, an NHS A&E Doctor, Orli addresses a critical need, particularly as over a quarter of a million children in England face lengthy waiting periods for mental health support.
The funding will boost Orli’s development team, refine user experience, grow its online parent community, and expedite clinical validation through collaborations with UK healthcare providers.
“This funding is a pivotal milestone in Orli’s growth, and we are delighted to have the recognition and support of Bethnal Green Ventures,” said Mark Cox, Founder & CEO of Orli. “It’s obvious to anyone working in the NHS that more needs to be done to support the mental health of children in the UK. Working in A&E services in recent years I have seen the devastating effects of neglecting children’s mental health, and I wanted to do something to change that.”
Innovative Approach to Mental Wellness
Orli’s platform employs gamification and AI, offering an interactive experience where children interact with “Orli”, an AI companion. This digital companion mirrors and externalizes the child’s emotional journey, aiding in the development of emotional awareness and self-regulation via game-like exercises and challenges. The technology integrates proven behavioral science, sensory tools like haptics and breathing techniques, and progressive reward loops to maintain user engagement. The company also plans to incorporate wearable technology to precisely track user responsiveness and assess service effectiveness.
A companion app provides real-time insights into a child’s progress and offers techniques for parents to support their children’s mental health at home.
“We’re excited to support Orli as part of BGV’s Spring 2025 Tech for Good programme, as they align with our investment focus – using technology to address pressing social problems with the potential to help millions of people,” commented Paul Miller, CEO at Bethnal Green Ventures. “Mark has built a promising team and product around this mission to reduce the inequalities present in children’s mental health services, and we look forward to working with the team as they scale.”
