Calm, the widely popular mental wellness app, is making a significant move to deepen its presence in the virtual care market through the acquisition of Ripple Health Group, a San Francisco-based health technology company focused on supporting older adults and their caregivers. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Calm Virtual Care Expansion, as it broadens the company’s capabilities beyond mental wellness to include a more comprehensive suite of health services targeting mental, physical, and social well-being.
The deal highlights Calm’s ambition to evolve into a full-spectrum virtual care provider, addressing a growing demand for integrated health solutions that cater to aging populations and the families who care for them. By incorporating Ripple’s unique technology and services, Calm aims to enhance its offerings and strengthen its leadership in the virtual health space.
Leadership Changes To Fuel Calm Virtual Care Expansion
An important part of this acquisition involves a shift in Calm’s leadership structure designed to support the company’s accelerated growth and strategic vision. David Ko, Ripple’s CEO and Co-Founder, will join Calm as co-CEO, working alongside Calm Co-Founder Michael Acton Smith. This partnership is expected to bring a powerful combination of operational expertise and innovative vision to Calm Virtual Care Expansion.
Smith praised Ko’s “business acumen, operational excellence, and proven record scaling healthcare companies,” noting these qualities will be invaluable as Calm embarks on new ventures to shape the future of virtual care. Meanwhile, Alex Tew, who had been Calm’s co-CEO, will transition to the role of executive chairman, focusing on strategic initiatives and governance. This leadership transition aims to maintain continuity while bringing fresh perspectives and experience to the company.
Ripple’s Services Amplify Calm Virtual Care Expansion
Founded in 2019, Ripple Health Group has developed a range of services designed to meet the complex health needs of older adults and their caregivers. The company focuses on three pillars of well-being: mental, physical, and social. Ripple’s two flagship products, LikePaper and CareMemo, are instrumental in this approach.
LikePaper helps users track medications, organize health documents, and manage important medical information in one place. This digital assistant simplifies the often complicated and fragmented healthcare journey for older adults. CareMemo connects users with care teams, enabling effective communication and coordination of health services. It also helps caregivers stay informed and engaged in their loved ones’ care plans and wellness goals.
By integrating Ripple’s solutions, Calm Virtual Care Expansion will enable the company to offer more holistic support — combining mental wellness tools with physical health management and social engagement. This comprehensive approach reflects a growing understanding that health is multidimensional, especially for seniors and their families.
Calm Health: The Next Step In Calm Virtual Care Expansion
Alongside the Ripple acquisition, Calm announced it will replace its employer wellness program, Calm for Business, with a new service called Calm Health. Calm for Business currently partners with over 2,000 employers and serves more than 20 million users. Its offerings focus on improving sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, and cultivating mindfulness — all delivered through an accessible app.
Calm Health represents a major evolution in Calm Virtual Care Expansion, aiming to deliver enhanced mental health support tailored to the modern workforce. As employers increasingly recognize the importance of employee well-being, Calm Health’s broader capabilities will help organizations address complex mental health challenges while improving productivity and engagement.
Calm’s Mission Drives Calm Virtual Care Expansion
Founded in 2012, Calm has rapidly grown into a global leader in the mental wellness space. It achieved unicorn status in 2019 when its valuation surpassed $1 billion. To date, Calm has raised around $218 million, underscoring investor confidence in its growth and mission.
David Ko, who has served as an advisor to Calm since 2019, emphasized the natural fit between the two companies, stating, “I can’t think of a better fit for Ripple’s team and technology.” Michael Acton Smith echoed this enthusiasm in a CNBC interview: “Could we put these two amazing businesses, Calm and Ripple, together to change the world, to bend the health care curve and get close to solving the global mental health crisis.”
The combination of Calm’s trusted mental wellness brand and Ripple’s healthcare technology sets the stage for transformative innovation in virtual care — a central focus of Calm Virtual Care Expansion.
Virtual Health M&A Trends Support Calm Virtual Care Expansion
Calm’s acquisition of Ripple Health Group fits into a broader surge in mergers and acquisitions activity within the virtual healthcare sector. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated the adoption of virtual care, driving providers to innovate and scale their digital services rapidly.
According to CB Insights, 574 M&A deals involving virtual health providers were recorded in 2021, representing a 44% increase over the previous year. These deals spanned telemedicine, digital mental health, remote patient monitoring, and other virtual care technologies.
By acquiring Ripple, Calm Virtual Care Expansion positions the company at the forefront of this rapidly evolving landscape, equipping it to compete effectively and deliver more integrated, accessible care solutions.
Looking Forward: The Impact Of Calm Virtual Care Expansion
The integration of Ripple’s technology and team into Calm’s ecosystem signals exciting possibilities for users and employers alike. Older adults and caregivers will benefit from coordinated care management tools that complement Calm’s existing mental wellness offerings. This holistic approach is central to Calm Virtual Care Expansion’s goal of addressing the interconnected aspects of health.
For employers, Calm Health promises to enhance workplace wellness programs by offering more comprehensive mental health resources that reflect the changing needs of the workforce in today’s hybrid and remote work environments.
Ultimately, Calm Virtual Care Expansion exemplifies how strategic partnerships and innovative technology can reshape digital health, improving outcomes and quality of life for diverse populations.
