In a major win for digital behavioral health innovation, Woebot Health has secured $9.5 million in new funding from Leaps by Bayer, the investment division of global pharmaceutical leader Bayer AG. This strategic investment not only underscores the growing interest in AI Mental Health Support but also marks Leaps by Bayer’s first-ever commitment to a mental health company—a significant milestone for both organizations and the industry at large.
Founded in 2017 in San Francisco, Woebot Health has emerged as a pioneer in AI Mental Health Support through its development of a mobile-based app featuring a friendly and emotionally intelligent chatbot known as Woebot. This digital agent engages users in therapeutic conversations, providing real-time cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based tools and emotional support that is accessible, scalable, and backed by clinical research.
Therapeutic Bonds Through AI Mental Health Support
What makes Woebot truly unique is its ability to form meaningful therapeutic relationships with users—quickly and reliably. Unlike generic chatbots, Woebot operates as a relational agent, creating trust and emotional safety through personalized interactions. Research has demonstrated that these bonds remain stable over time, reinforcing the potential of AI Mental Health Support to bridge the gap in behavioral health care access and effectiveness.
With the new funding from Leaps by Bayer, Woebot Health brings its total capital raised to $123.3 million, including a $90 million Series B round in July 2021, according to Crunchbase. These investments reflect growing confidence in AI-powered platforms that provide digital therapeutic interventions in mental health and substance use recovery.
“We’re honored to join forces with a company that is committed to innovative, evidence-based approaches to conquering such significant challenges,” said Woebot Health CEO Michael Evers. “Great mental health outcomes depend on supportive relationships.”
Strategic Collaboration to Advance Integrated Care
This investment also kicks off a collaboration between Woebot Health and Bayer’s pharmaceutical division, aimed at developing integrated care solutions that combine Bayer’s pharmaceutical expertise with Woebot’s proven digital tools. This signals a forward-thinking approach to delivering AI Mental Health Support at scale, improving patient outcomes while relieving pressure on traditional mental health infrastructure.
According to Dr. Jürgen Eckhardt, head of Leaps by Bayer, the decision to invest in Woebot was rooted in its clinical credibility and innovative use of AI:
“With its deep focus on clinical evidence and unique AI-based platform and products, Woebot Health is forging a new frontier in behavioral health at a critical time in our world. We’re excited to support endeavors that will make tech-supported continuous care a reality for all.”
Addressing the Global Mental Health Crisis
This collaboration arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry. The global mental health crisis has intensified in recent years, and many people—especially in underserved communities—face barriers to accessing timely, affordable care. AI Mental Health Support offers a scalable, 24/7 solution that can be deployed across diverse populations, empowering users to take control of their mental well-being without needing to wait for appointments or navigate high out-of-pocket costs.
Woebot Health is also making strides in the realm of substance use disorder treatment. Studies have shown that its AI tools can provide meaningful support for individuals navigating recovery, reinforcing the company’s broader mission to offer comprehensive and adaptable behavioral health solutions. This makes Woebot one of the few platforms to bridge general mental health and addiction recovery under a single AI Mental Health Support framework.
A Significant Investment in Digital Therapeutics
The involvement of Leaps by Bayer is especially noteworthy given the group’s track record. Since its inception in 2015, Leaps has invested approximately $1.5 billion in innovations across health and agriculture, focusing on transformative technologies that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Its decision to invest in AI Mental Health Support with Woebot Health reflects an emerging consensus that the future of behavioral health care must involve tech-enabled, evidence-based tools that meet people where they are.
As demand for mental health services continues to outpace supply, Woebot Health’s platform may serve as a model for what responsible, compassionate, and effective digital care looks like. Rather than replacing human clinicians, the platform enhances traditional care by offering AI Mental Health Support between sessions or for those who are not yet connected to a provider.
In essence, Woebot Health is charting a new course for mental health care—one that’s accessible, continuous, and rooted in both emotional intelligence and clinical rigor. This latest round of funding and the partnership with Bayer could pave the way for broader adoption of AI Mental Health Support across healthcare systems, employers, insurers, and public health initiatives.
