What You Should Know:
– Meet Fello: The innovative peer support platform for the loneliness epidemic which connects anyone seeking connection and guidance to people who can help them because they have gone through the same exact struggle.
– Led by former Uber Eats executive Alyssa Pollack, who co-founded and co-led Uber Eats on its path from zero to $15B in revenue, Fello announced it has raised $10.4M to-date, including a seed investment from Glen Tullman’s 62Ventures, The Fellowship Fund of Capital Factory, Katalyst Capital and Offline Ventures, amongst others. Fello’s mission is to give everyone access to peer support – regardless of what they’re going through.
Fello: Revolutionizing Peer Support for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery
Amid rising challenges of loneliness, anxiety, and addiction, Fello is transforming how individuals access support by offering a peer-driven, virtual marketplace that pairs lived experiences with evidence-based practices. With millions of Americans unable to afford traditional therapy, Fello provides an affordable, scalable alternative to bridge the widening gap in mental health care access.
The Fello Model: Accessible, Affordable, and Impactful
Fello’s platform connects “Finders” seeking support with “Fellos,” individuals trained to share their lived experiences alongside active listening techniques. Fellos undergo rigorous vetting, including background checks, reference verification, training modules, and assessments, ensuring high-quality support.
- Affordable Support: 30-minute virtual check-ins with a Fello cost $40, compared to the significantly higher expense of traditional therapy.
- Flexibility and Reach: Accessible from anywhere in the U.S., sessions are designed to fit diverse schedules.
- Fello Earnings: Fellos can earn up to $56 per hour while turning their personal journeys into a source of empowerment and guidance for others.
A Clinically Guided Approach
Developed under the expertise of Clinical Psychologist Dr. Thekla Ross and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adam Glasofer, Fello’s training program ensures the integration of peer wisdom with professional insights. This hybrid model modernizes peer support by leveraging technology to scale its impact while maintaining clinical rigor.
A Proven Concept in Peer-Supported Healthcare
Peer-supported care has been a cornerstone of successful outcomes in mental health, addiction recovery, and general well-being for over 40 years. Evidence shows that peer support reduces hospitalization rates, increases engagement with outpatient services, and improves overall health and quality of life. Fello builds on this legacy, making peer support more accessible, affordable, and personalized.
Leadership Driving Innovation
Fello’s founding team brings a wealth of experience from industries like healthcare, technology, and philanthropy:
- Co-Founder Pete Kadens: A philanthropist and seasoned entrepreneur, Kadens drew from his own recovery journey to conceptualize Fello alongside co-founder Jeff Werring.
- CEO Alyssa Pollack: Former Uber Eats executive, Pollack drives Fello’s growth with expertise in scaling technology-driven solutions.
- Chief Marketing Officer Meg Donovan (MasterClass, Uber), Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adam Glasofer (Amazon, Virtua Health), and others bring diverse expertise to Fello’s leadership.
A Mission to Modernize Peer Support
By blending the proven effectiveness of peer-supported healthcare with the technology and operational insights of the gig economy, Fello aims to make support universally accessible. Whether addressing challenges like parenting stress, relationship issues, or addiction recovery, Fello provides a compassionate, community-driven solution.
As CEO Alyssa Pollack notes:
“Telling those struggling with loneliness that traditional therapy is their only option is like sending everyone with a stubbed toe to the emergency room. Fello bridges the gap, offering an alternative that connects people with others who’ve successfully navigated similar challenges.”
With its innovative approach, Fello is poised to redefine mental healthcare, ensuring that no one has to face their challenges alone