Closing Equity Gaps: AmFam Institute Firm & Portfolio News – November 2023

News From Our VC Firm Investing in Closing Equity Gaps

Newsletter Highlights: Notes on investing in healthy youth development, a new video on a digital health startup, exciting portfolio news, and upcoming events. Dive into the full newsletter for all the details and opportunities to connect!

?? Opening Note: Investing in Our Future

For us, health goes beyond mere physical well-being—it encompasses mental and emotional resilience, giving people the tools to navigate life's challenges.

One only needs to open a news website or turn on the television to know that mental health is front and center in many of today’s stories. It is no longer enough to refer to these as unprecedented times–there was a mental health crisis prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that only worsened in the intervening years. In 2022, the U.S. hit an all-time record high in the number of suicide deaths, recording nearly 50,000 lives lost to suicide.

While many facets of life have returned to some sense of normalcy, our collective mental health has not–with young people remaining at alarmingly high risk. Earlier this fall, the last seven U.S. surgeon generals met to discuss this crisis, noting that it is so massive that it could undermine the foundation of our democracy. Tech platforms are taking notice, with YouTube just this month announcing that it would start limiting recommendations to videos that focus on body weight and social aggression. Parental mental health is simultaneously suffering, with many feeling alone and unsure of how to best support their children through these crises.

As various systems are working to address these challenges, equitable access to quality care remains out of reach for many individuals and communities.

There has been justified critique of our now ubiquitous social and tech platforms and the roles they play in the well-being of our youth. What brings us together can also wedge us apart, particularly as generative AI has made its way into the mainstream. In spite of these challenges, we believe there is an important role for tech, AI, and digital health to play in solving the crises facing our youth–particularly when conducted responsibly, ethically, and inclusively, which means centering the voices of youth in the development of solutions.

With this vision in mind, we proudly introduce the seven companies that have captured our attention and investment in the healthy youth development space.

Read more on our blog.

?? Portfolio Company Spotlight: Manatee

Manatee delivers digital mental health services to children and their families, emphasizing the importance of family well-being. With a team of parent coaches, they empower caregivers to nurture their child's development effectively.

?? AmFam Institute Portfolio News

Bark in TIME Magazine - Best Inventions of 2023: A Safer Smartphone

Paladin in Legal Insider - Paladin Partners with the Department of Justice to expand its pro bono technology to all DOJ attorneys

Kai XR in Bham Now - This innovative program is bringing VR + more to Birmingham schools

?? Events amp; Opportunities to Connect

Behavioral Health Tech Conference |?Nov 15-17 – Dr. Joy Ippolito is headed to Phoenix, Arizona to meet with founders and investors in the space.

VC Day | Dec 7 – The Institute team will be in Atlanta, Georgia for a team offsite and attending VC Day hosted by Valor Ventures to meet with investors, founders, and CEOs engaging the early-stage innovation boom in the South.

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The information contained in this presentation has been prepared solely for informational purposes and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase an interest in any entity managed by the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact (the “Institute”). This document does not constitute an offer, solicitation or recommendation to sell or an offer to buy any securities, investment products or investment advisory services. Any offer or solicitation will be made only pursuant to the partnership agreement, commitment documents, or other similar materials and will be subject to the terms and conditions contained in such materials. The information published and the opinions expressed herein are provided for informational purposes only. This document has been prepared solely for the information of the intended recipient and may not be reproduced, distributed or used for any other purpose. Reproduction and distribution of these materials may constitute a violation of federal or state securities laws.