Maternal mental health start-up bags US$10.9m in series A funding

The US start-up Seven Starling has secured US$10.9m in series A funding to address unmet needs in women’s mental health.

More than 90 per cent of women do not seek help for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders due to high barriers including a shortage of therapists, limited in-network coverage and mental health stigma.

These conditions affect one in five women during the motherhood journey, yet only 20 per cent are screened for mental health issues, and 75 per cent of those who need treatment do not receive it.

Seven Starling aims to address these challenges by making its services accessible through its in-network coverage, integrated group therapy model, and partnerships with referring providers to make the process of getting started easier for patients.

The investment round, led by RH Capital, is hoped to expand access to essential mental health services for women going through critical periods, such as infertility, miscarriage and loss, pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood.

“We are thrilled to have successfully raised this round of funding, which will allow us to expand our reach and help more women who need support during critical life transitions,” said Tina Beilinson Keshani, co-founder and CEO of Seven Starling.

“This investment is a testament to the demand for a dedicated women’s mental health solution and our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality care. With the new funding, we will continue to successfully reduce the stigma around women’s mental health and ensure that every woman has access to the care she needs, when she needs it.”

The capital raised from this round, Keshani said, would be used to “fuel” national expansion, partnering with Medicaid plans, and developing innovative technology to further integrate with healthcare partners.

Alice Zheng, principal at RH Capital, said: “We are proud to partner with Seven Starling in this new chapter to expand access to maternal mental healthcare, an area of significant need.

“We are excited by the comprehensive and scalable offerings, including group therapy to expand access. As a recent mum of two myself, I have been shocked by the lack of perinatal mental health support available relative to need and am thankful to see Seven Starling filling that gap.”

Mar Hershenson, founder of Pear VC, added: “Seven Starling is addressing a huge problem not just around motherhood but the entire female lifespace from adolescence to menopause.

“Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression or an anxiety disorder in their lifetime, but lack a tailored solution designed to meet their unique needs. Pear has partnered with Seven Starling since day one and we are excited to double down on them.”

Kelly Ernst, March of Dimes SVP, chief impact officer, said mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are among the most common complications for women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

“However, many do not receive treatment they desperately need, which can lead to long lasting clinical, social, and economic consequences,” she explained.

“When these conditions are effectively treated and managed, everyone benefits. We’re proud to be investors in Seven Starling and look forward to seeing how their innovative and comprehensive approach improves the mental healthcare needs of women across the country.”