Investing in New Frontiers of Mental Health (Live at SXSW)
May 7, 2024
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At a live panel at SXSW, experts discuss investing in mental health tech, including AI tools, enerceuticals, psychedelics, and gut health. They explore the hype vs reality of psychedelics, innovative mental health financing, and delivery methods. The podcast delves into opportunities for investing in mental health and neuroscience technologies.
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Quick takeaways
Mental health innovations are expanding to include 'enerceuticals' that stimulate brain systems with energy stimuli for long-term retraining.
Partnerships with pharma and device companies are essential for startups in mental health to de-risk, validate platforms, and access patients efficiently.
Deep dives
Future of Mental Health and Innovations
The shift towards exploring the electrical side of the body in addition to the chemical side is a central theme in mental health discussions. Discoveries in neuroscience are driven by new hardware and software, including brain-computer interfaces that enable thoughts to control machines. Insights from MIT neuroscientist Ed Boyden suggest a shift towards more predictable biological understanding with advancements in tools and technologies.
Innovative Treatment Approaches
Companies are exploring 'inner-sudicals,' stimulating brain systems with energy stimuli like electrical, light, or magnetic stimulation for long-term brain retraining. This approach, between drugs and therapy, aims to reshape brain networks for sustained effects. For instance, transcranial focused ultrasound is being researched for treating disorders like PTSD with some similarities to meditative states.
Business Model Innovation in Mental Health
Startups in mental health are considering partnerships and business model innovation to de-risk and validate their platforms efficiently. Collaborations with pharma and device companies for validation, commercial partnerships, and access to patients are crucial for success. Non-dilutive funding and precision psychiatry offer new revenue models and avenues for growth in the mental health space.
AI in Mental Health and Treatment Enhancements
AI, particularly in biomarker analysis using voice modulation or other data, is revolutionizing mental health diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Applications like analyzing voice tones for signs of depression or anxiety and integrating AI into mental health therapies through chatbots or continuous follow-up care during therapist downtime are enhancing treatment effectiveness and accessibility.
Software, hardware, and biotechnology are playing an increasingly transformative role in our mental health and wellness. Join us as we discuss what investors look for in these new companies and how they separate what’s real — and what’s near-term — from what’s hype. We’ll explore AI-powered tools for mental health, the new area of “enerceuticals” (energy replacing the “pharma”), psychedelics, and why what’s in your gut is so important to your mental state. Hear from investors who have a wide view of this growing startup landscape and better understand which new ventures are likely to succeed.
This is a live panel from South by South West 2024 with panelists Matias Serebrinsky of PsyMed Ventures and Business Trip and Amy Kruse of Satori Capital, moderated by Christie Nicholson of Studio For Communicating Complexity and Dan Blumberg of Modern Product Minds and the CRAFTED. podcast.
For more on CRAFTED., Dan's Webby-honored podcast featuring founders and leaders discussing what it really takes to build incredible products and companies, listen here:crafted.fm