A health-tech startup named Orli has secured £60,000 in funding from Bethnal Green Ventures’ Tech for Good Programme, marking a significant step forward in its mission to transform mental health support for children. Founded by Mark Cox, an NHS A&E doctor, Orli leverages artificial intelligence and game mechanics through its interactive platform to make mental health services more accessible for children and their families across the UK.

The need for innovative solutions is stark, with over 250,000 children in England currently on waiting lists for mental health support, according to NHS data. Orli’s digital-first approach aims to bridge this gap by offering immediate, engaging tools that address the stigma often associated with seeking help. The equity investment from Bethnal Green Ventures signals strong confidence in Orli’s potential to reshape how young people access mental health care.

At the heart of Orli’s platform is an AI-powered companion, also called “Orli,” which children interact with through the app. This virtual guide mirrors users’ emotional journeys, helping them externalise their feelings. Through game-like exercises and challenges, children develop emotional awareness and self-regulation skills. The app empowers them to take ownership of their mental health in a playful, approachable way. A synced parent-facing app provides guardians with real-time insights into their child’s progress, tracks improvements, and offers at-home techniques to support their development.

Mark Cox, Orli’s Founder and CEO, reflected on the milestone. “This funding is a pivotal moment in Orli’s growth, and we are delighted to have the recognition and support of Bethnal Green Ventures,” he said. “It’s obvious to anyone working in the NHS that more needs to be done to support the mental health of children in the UK. Working in A&E services in recent years, I have seen the devastating effects of neglecting children’s mental health, and I wanted to do something to change that. For children who are struggling, Orli is an easy-to-access and engaging way to experience mental health support. With this VC backing, we are one step closer to helping children across the country without them having to join a waiting list.”

Paul Miller, CEO of Bethnal Green Ventures, praised Orli’s alignment with their mission. “We’re excited to support Orli as part of BGV’s Spring 2025 Tech for Good programme, as they align with our investment focus—using technology to address pressing social problems with the potential to help millions of people,” he said. “Mark has built a promising team and product around this mission to reduce inequalities in children’s mental health services. We look forward to working with the team as they scale.”

Orli integrates proven behavioural science with sensory tools, such as haptics and breathing techniques, alongside progressive reward loops to maintain user engagement. The startup has ambitious plans to incorporate wearable technology, enhancing its ability to track responsiveness and measure the effectiveness of its interventions.

The £60,000 investment will fuel Orli’s next steps. The funding will support several key initiatives:

• Expanding the development team to refine and enhance the platform
• Improving user experience to ensure the app remains intuitive and engaging
• Growing an online parent community to foster peer support and shared learning
• Accelerating clinical validation through collaborations with UK healthcare partners

Additionally, Orli is partnering with schools nationwide, offering workshops and pilot programmes to integrate its tools into classroom settings. These efforts aim to embed mental health support within everyday environments, reaching children who might otherwise go without.

Bethnal Green Ventures, a leading European venture capital firm focused on “tech for good,” has backed 197 ventures since 2012, collectively improving over 21 million lives globally. Orli’s inclusion in its Spring 2025 cohort underscores its potential to deliver scalable, impactful solutions. With this funding, Orli is poised to expand its reach, blending clinical rigour with innovative design to make mental health support immediate, affordable, and stigma-free for children across the UK.