Equip Health Inc., a San Diego-based startup dedicated to improving how eating disorders are treated, recently closed a $58 million Series B funding round. This significant investment brings the company’s total funding to $75 million and will accelerate its mission to expand digital eating disorder treatment nationwide. Equip Health aims to make effective, accessible care available to more people who struggle with eating disorders, a group historically underserved by traditional healthcare systems.
Founded in 2019 by CEO Kristina Saffran and clinical psychologist Dr. Erin Parks, Equip Health officially launched in 2020 with a vision to transform eating disorder treatment by delivering it through a digital-first model. This approach not only breaks down geographic and logistical barriers but also leverages evidence-based family-centered therapy to provide comprehensive support for patients and their loved ones. Since its launch, Equip Health has expanded its reach to over 40 states and partnered with major commercial insurance plans as well as Medicaid payers such as Partnership HealthPlan, enabling broader access to digital eating disorder treatment.
Significant Funding from Leading Investors and High-Profile Supporters
The $58 million Series B round was led by The Chernin Group, a Los Angeles-based investment firm known for backing innovative media and healthcare startups. Joining the round are new investors Tiger Global Management from New York and General Catalyst from Cambridge, Massachusetts. These firms bring extensive experience in supporting technology-driven healthcare companies, signaling strong confidence in Equip Health’s digital eating disorder treatment model.
In addition to institutional investors, the round saw participation from high-profile individuals such as Katie Couric, the celebrated American journalist and writer, through Katie Couric Media. Couric’s investment is particularly meaningful given her personal connection to eating disorders—she has publicly shared her past struggle with bulimia and her experience supporting a child through anorexia. Couric will also serve as an advisor to Equip Health, lending her voice and insight to raise awareness about eating disorders and support the company’s growth. Soccer champion Alex Morgan also joined as an investor, underscoring the broad appeal and importance of accessible digital eating disorder treatment.
Tackling the Inequities of Eating Disorder Treatment
Kristina Saffran, Equip Health’s CEO, has been vocal about the inequities in eating disorder treatment availability. “Treatment for eating disorders is grossly inequitable,” she said. “Equip’s mission is to ensure that every single person has access to treatment that works. That starts with shifting the conversation around what eating disorders are and who they impact.”
Eating disorders affect individuals of all genders, ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, traditional treatment programs often face limitations such as high costs, geographic constraints, and insurance barriers, which leave many without adequate care. Equip Health’s digital eating disorder treatment model seeks to overcome these challenges by offering family-based therapy via telehealth, which is both accessible and effective regardless of a patient’s location.
This family-based approach, rooted in extensive clinical research, views eating disorders as brain disorders requiring a coordinated care effort involving patients and their families. This perspective informs Equip Health’s digital eating disorder treatment programs, which focus not only on symptom reduction but also on improving overall mood and empowering families to support lasting recovery.
Clinical Outcomes and Patient Impact
Equip Health shares encouraging data about the outcomes of its digital eating disorder treatment. After eight weeks of therapy, 71% of patients report a reduction in symptoms related to their eating disorder. Furthermore, approximately two-thirds of patients note mood improvements, reflecting the holistic nature of the care provided.
Equally important, 96% of parents and caregivers participating in the programs report feeling more confident and equipped to support their child’s recovery process. This is a critical factor in long-term success, as family involvement is a proven element in effective eating disorder treatment. Equip Health’s model empowers families through education and support, delivered remotely to accommodate diverse needs and schedules.
The Pandemic’s Role in Exacerbating Eating Disorders
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly worsened the eating disorder crisis in the U.S. Yale Medicine reports that calls to eating disorder helplines increased by 70% since the pandemic began, underscoring the urgent need for accessible treatment solutions. Isolation, stress, and disruption of routines have contributed to the rise in new and worsening cases, putting additional strain on existing healthcare resources.
Equip Health’s digital eating disorder treatment is uniquely positioned to address these challenges by providing scalable, remote care that eliminates many of the traditional barriers patients face. The company’s telehealth-based approach enables patients to begin treatment quickly, receive consistent support, and maintain progress even amid social distancing requirements.
Strengthening Leadership and Advisory Teams
To support its rapid growth, Equip Health has expanded its leadership and advisory teams. Jesse Jacobs, co-founder and partner at The Chernin Group, will join the company’s board of directors. Jacobs expressed strong belief in Equip Health’s potential, stating that the company is at the forefront of democratizing accessible and effective eating disorder care through digital solutions.
Mary Ann Tocio, a board member of One Medical and former president and COO of Bright Horizons, has also joined Equip Health’s board. Her extensive experience in healthcare leadership will help guide the company as it scales its digital eating disorder treatment offerings and broadens its insurance network.
Existing investors such as F-Prime Capital, Optum Ventures, and .406 Ventures continue to back the company, reinforcing confidence in its mission and business model.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Access and Innovations in 2022 and Beyond
With the infusion of new capital, Equip Health plans to expand its digital eating disorder treatment offerings with several new product launches scheduled for 2022. These innovations aim to improve patient engagement, enhance clinical outcomes, and provide additional tools for families supporting their loved ones.
A key priority for Equip Health is broadening insurance coverage to include more Medicaid payers, ensuring that vulnerable populations gain access to digital eating disorder treatment. This expansion is vital for addressing longstanding disparities in mental health care access.
By leveraging technology alongside clinical expertise, Equip Health is working to build a more equitable future where effective eating disorder treatment is accessible to all—regardless of geographic location or financial status.
Conclusion
Equip Health’s $58 million Series B funding round marks a critical milestone in the effort to transform eating disorder treatment through digital innovation. Supported by a strong network of investors, advisors, and advocates, the company is well-positioned to expand its reach nationwide and offer scalable, family-based digital eating disorder treatment to patients and families in need.
As the prevalence of eating disorders continues to rise, exacerbated by the global pandemic, Equip Health’s accessible digital approach provides much-needed hope and healing. Through its comprehensive care model, insurance partnerships, and commitment to equity, Equip Health is leading the way toward a future where every person affected by an eating disorder can access the treatment they deserve.
