Anna Health Inc., an autism therapy startup based in Sudbury, Massachusetts, has secured $9.26 million in funding as part of a $9.41 million round, according to public filings. The company, founded in 2023, provides naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs), parent coaching, and insurance support. The name ANNA stands for the Allied Network for Neurodevelopmental Advancement, reflecting the company’s mission to support neurodivergent individuals through innovative and compassionate care.
The recent funding round saw participation from venture capital firms virtue., GreyMatter Capital, re:Mind Capital, and Watershed Ventures. This substantial investment underscores growing interest in alternative approaches to autism therapy that extend beyond traditional applied behavior analysis (ABA) models. CEO Aimun Malik shared that the company plans to broaden its service offerings to include neuropsychological evaluations, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. These services will be integrated within the NDBI framework and aligned with Anna Health’s neuroaffirming values, ensuring a comprehensive and personalized approach to naturalistic autism therapy.
Malik describes Anna Health’s approach as “naturalistic, play-based, and child-led,” emphasizing a strengths-based teaching model that empowers autistic individuals and their families. NDBIs are designed as a purposeful integration of developmental science principles and naturalistic teaching strategies derived from ABA, but with a more flexible and child-centric approach. By prioritizing engagement, responsiveness, and a natural learning environment, Anna Health aims to set itself apart in the naturalistic autism therapy landscape.
Anna Health was co-founded by Malik and three clinicians who now serve in key leadership positions: Ellie Harrington (chief clinical officer), Helena Costa (chief operating officer), and Yael Stern (chief research officer). Malik, who previously worked at the healthcare incubator firm Triple Aim Partners, has a strong background in launching innovative healthcare ventures. His prior experience includes involvement with intensive mental health care provider Guidelight Health, SMI-focused provider firsthand, and a forthcoming medication-assisted treatment company. Guidelight Health has also received funding from GV, further highlighting the growing investor interest in naturalistic autism therapy solutions.
The influx of venture capital into autism therapy marks a significant shift in behavioral health investment trends. Historically, private equity has been the dominant force in autism therapy dealmaking, but venture capital firms are increasingly recognizing the high-risk, high-reward nature of innovative behavioral health models. Many investments in this space have centered around telehealth and digital-first care, but Anna Health’s success in securing funding suggests a broader interest in in-person, developmentally informed interventions that align with emerging value-based care models and naturalistic autism therapy.
As the autism therapy sector becomes increasingly competitive, companies are seeking to differentiate themselves by offering services that go beyond traditional ABA. More providers are integrating multi-disciplinary support, such as speech and occupational therapy, within their treatment models to create a more holistic approach. Anna Health’s focus on naturalistic autism therapy and strength-based interventions positions it as a leader in this evolving landscape.
With its recent funding round, Anna Health is poised for significant growth, allowing it to expand its services, refine its approach, and further its mission of providing comprehensive, neuroaffirming care. By prioritizing individualized and evidence-based strategies, Anna Health is not only addressing gaps in autism therapy but also setting a new standard for naturalistic autism therapy in the industry.
