New York, NY - May 1, 2024 - Headstream, an innovation program by SecondMuse, that works to improve the mental well-being of adolescents within systematically excluded communities, today announced the launch and members of its 2024 Headstream Accelerator. The program is supported by Pivotal Ventures, the innovation and incubation company created by Melinda Gates. The Headstream Accelerator is a four-month program that began in April to create a space for 15 start-ups, their entrepreneurs, CEOs, and founders to co-create digital health products with youth and utilize alternative funding options.
Each participant will receive a $30,000 stipend, participate in events curated online and in-person, and have access to Headstream’s community of over five hundred potential investors and customers. The goal of the Headstream Accelerator is to lead a digital evolution that increases access and resources while prioritizing equity-driven digital health and edtech products that support the mental well-being of young people growing up in the US today. The Accelerator creates opportunities for innovators from all backgrounds to collectively scale these inclusive technologies. The 14 start-ups in this cohort will work to deconstruct the unjust system that exists for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and multi-hyphenate individuals, through the creation of affordable and accessible mental well-being solutions.
Meet a few of the Accelerator participants below:
- Roy Scott is the CEO of Atlanta-based Healthy Hip Hop, a company that combines the power of hip-hop with technology and education to enhance student learning environments. The company has integrated with 300 schools and 11,000 students, teachers, and parents to create a healthier experience with music for youth, and to promote positive experiences and values.
- Artin Perse, Co-Founder & CEO of Levl, brings a unique blend of lived experience with ADHD, design expertise, and research experience serving as Principal Investigator on the company's NIH-funded projects. This dual perspective drives his passion for leading an evidence-based, design-forward approach at Levl, a digital health tool to help Gen Z manage their mental health medications more effectively. Developed with significant funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Levl prioritizes youth's self-efficacy and health literacy around mental health medications.
- Gael Aitor and Kayla Suarez are the Co-Founders of Los Angeles-based Astro Studios, a digital media company leveraging podcasts and in-person discussion groups to support youth mental well-being, and drive the creation of third places (i.e. social settings apart from home or work environments). The duo began their podcast network at the age of 15 and have so far gained more than a million followers, and have hosted well-known leaders such as Prince Harry, Megan Markle, and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Murthy.
“The Accelerator is a key building block in our efforts to realize a better future for adolescents and their mental well-being,” said David Ball, Sr. Director, Health and Human Well-being Economy at SecondMuse .“By identifying and supporting new leaders in the digital mental health field, we are ensuring that a system that is not currently meeting the needs of young people is injected with new ideas and new individuals carrying the wealth of their lived experiences. We’re confident that by providing this cohort of innovators with access to resources and new opportunities, we are ultimately creating a more robust and comprehensive system of support for people of all age groups.”
By 2026, Headstream strives to support the mental well-being of 20 million young people, integrate digital mental health products into over 150 school districts, and support 100+ entrepreneurs to generate over $200 million in revenue. If you are interested in partnering or collaborating with Headstream to scale these innovations, please contact us at hello@headstreaminnovation.com
About Headstream
Headstream, an innovation program by SecondMuse, exists to improve the mental well-being of adolescents, with a focus on systemically excluded communities including BIPOC, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Headstream reshapes how the health, education, and social tech systems prioritize youth mental health. Learn more about our programs at: https://www.headstreaminnovation.com/
About SecondMuse
SecondMuse is a global impact and innovation company that works with communities focused on climate, equity, and tech to build resilient economies that benefit people and protect the planet. Our impact-driven methodology prioritizes collaboration and relational infrastructures with key stakeholders to develop market-driven solutions that transform our current systems. Over the last 15 years, we have designed, developed, and implemented a mix of innovation programming and investing capital that has reached over 160 countries and territories. Learn more about us: www.secondmuse.com
