Real Collaborative Inc., a New York City-based therapy provider, announced Tuesday that it has successfully closed an oversubscribed $37 million Series B funding round. This substantial capital infusion will fuel Real’s ongoing mission to make mental health care accessible, affordable, and a consistent part of everyday life through its innovative subscription-based, self-guided digital mental wellness platform.
Since its founding in 2019, Real Collaborative — often simply known as Real — has developed a unique approach to mental wellness by offering monthly subscription access to therapist-designed app-based programs and tools. The company aims to “help members access clinically-effective tools and resources” that support making mental health care a continuous daily practice, accessible anytime and anywhere.
Transforming Mental Health Into a Daily Practice
Ariela Safira, CEO and founder of Real Collaborative, expressed the company’s vision in a recent news release:
“The last few years have put a spotlight on mental health and Real’s mission is to make mental wellness an essential part of well-being. In order to do this, Real is transforming mental wellness into a continuous, everyday experience integrated into people’s day-to-day lives.”
This vision drives the core design of Real’s digital mental wellness platform. Unlike traditional therapy that relies heavily on scheduled, in-person appointments, Real’s self-guided programs are designed to fit seamlessly into busy schedules, empowering users to build a consistent mental wellness routine. The app helps users create daily habits that nurture their well-being, moving beyond crisis-driven care toward ongoing prevention and self-management.
Expanding Access Through Therapist-Designed Content
Real Collaborative’s offering includes the “Pathways” program — a suite of focused content areas developed by licensed therapists. These pathways address common mental health concerns such as body image, depression, relationships, anxiety, career stress, and general stress management. By delivering high-quality, evidence-based content in a self-guided format, Real extends the reach of therapeutic tools far beyond what is possible with traditional 1-on-1 therapy.
This model not only helps remove barriers like cost, stigma, and limited therapist availability, but also empowers users to engage with their mental health on their own terms and schedules. It democratizes access to mental wellness by providing scalable solutions without sacrificing clinical rigor.
Leveraging Data for Clinical Outcomes and Innovation
One of Real Collaborative’s standout features is its ability to collect and analyze clinical outcomes data generated through app use. This data-driven approach allows users to track their progress, offering tangible feedback on their mental health journey. More importantly, it provides Real’s clinical and research teams with insights needed to refine and improve their programs continuously.
The company plans to reinvest the Series B funding to accelerate health research and product innovation. By building the most effective and innovative care model, Real aims to meet the needs of modern consumers who demand accessible, personalized, and evidence-based mental wellness solutions through their digital mental wellness platform.
Strong Backing From High-Profile Investors and Advocates
Real Collaborative’s growth trajectory has been fueled by substantial investor confidence. In its Series A funding round last year, the company raised $10 million with notable backing from celebrities and athletes including actress Gwyneth Paltrow, U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe, and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks. This round was led by Owl Ventures and featured participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Female Founders Fund, Forerunner Ventures, and BBG Ventures.
Key healthcare leaders such as Cityblock’s founding CEO Iyah Romm and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sylvia Romm also invested, underscoring the company’s credibility and potential in the behavioral health space.
Nicole Quinn, partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners and a board member at Real, highlighted the company’s unique approach:
“As an early believer in Ariela and Real’s success, we’re proud to expand our investment in Real’s Series B fundraise. Real is one of the few companies in this space building their foundation on clinical research and using that to inform building a truly innovative care model.”
Why Real Collaborative’s Model Matters Today
The global pandemic and evolving social challenges have put unprecedented pressure on mental health care systems, highlighting the urgent need for scalable and accessible solutions. Traditional therapy models often face bottlenecks such as long wait times, high costs, and limited availability, leaving many without timely support.
Real Collaborative’s subscription-based, self-guided app addresses these challenges head-on by providing clinically sound tools accessible 24/7. The convenience of the app, combined with evidence-backed content and outcome tracking, enables users to proactively manage their mental health rather than waiting for crises.
Moreover, by integrating mental wellness into daily routines, Real helps reduce stigma and normalizes mental health care as a vital component of overall well-being — all made possible through their digital mental wellness platform.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Impact and Innovation
With $37 million raised in its Series B round, Real Collaborative is poised to deepen its research capabilities, enhance its digital offerings, and broaden its user base. The funding will support the company’s goal of building a care model that is not only innovative but also grounded in measurable clinical outcomes.
As more consumers turn to digital health tools for mental wellness, Real Collaborative stands out for its commitment to blending technology, clinical expertise, and data-driven insights to create a sustainable and scalable approach to mental health care through their digital mental wellness platform.
Conclusion
Real Collaborative is redefining mental wellness by making it an essential, accessible, and everyday experience. With strong investor backing and a clinical foundation driving innovation, the company is set to expand its impact and lead the future of digital mental health care with its digital mental wellness platform.
