The story

19% of the adult UK population, around 10 million people, show symptoms of depression or anxiety. Enter Tomo. Tomo is an app that helps users manage their mental health. It uses behavioural activation (BA) — a well-established therapy for treating depression and other mental health disorders — to build healthy habits and behaviours that improve wellbeing and productivity.

Tomo uses a machine learning approach to activity suggestion. It asks users to complete activities and submit evidence once they are done. Proof can be as simple as a photo, which is then assessed by other users – peers who are going through the same struggle. Tomo is designed to increase resilience, speed up recovery, and prevent relapse.

Tomo is currently in development and, as part of this process, the company is building partnerships with major healthcare institutions and corporations in the UK. The company has already established partnerships with three private healthcare clinics, a leading healthcare insurer, and a London university.

The company is currently running trials to make sure the App knows how best to help users. While this is happening, the app is available for free.

The lead investor

Activate Capital is a partnership of experienced tech professionals who run a digital startup studio and development company in London. The lead partner, Greg Rice, has a track record of successful investments in a wide range of sectors over the last 20 years. He has run Activate Media since 1992.

When deciding to invest in a company, Activate is concerned with the team behind the venture; that the technology-led opportunity they are pursuing aspires to have both commercial and social impact; that they understand the market they are hoping to change; and that they are passionate about their idea. Activate invested £50,000 this round.