Building an inner foundation for an outer world worth living in
The global inner health crisis is immense, yet the response falls short, especially for nearly 2 billion emerging adults (aged 18-29) navigating an era of uncertainty.
As an impact investor, grant-maker, and ecosystem builder, we are here to respond to this crisis. How? By turning hope into action.
Through a dynamic mix of equity, grants, fund partnerships, and strategic collaborations, we scale solutions that strengthen inner health and advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in society.
Because investing in changemakers changes the world.
The cost of doing nothing is too high.
We’re happy you’re here.
Inner health is…
..mental health, mental well-being, brain health, and a basic human right.
Guided by the World Health Organization, we define inner health as the foundation for navigating life’s challenges, realizing your full potential, and contributing meaningfully to society.
Once considered soft skills, these are the hardcore ones today.
Essential — not just to survive, but to thrive.

We are building this foundation based on our own real experiences
This is personal. Our work. The hours, days, weeks, months, and years we devote to inner health.
In 2022, we launched The Inner Foundation, committing to invest €100m over the next ten years. We continue to do everything in our power to drive positive change in inner health and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. How? By investing in the changemakers who make it happen.
Hugely hopeful and colossally curious, we believe that the solutions are out there. And we have the drive, know-how, and network to accelerate the change to take us there.
Building an inner foundation for an outer world worth living in.
That’s what drives us.
Our guiding principles
We want change. And pair that longing with a systemic approach, guided by the following principles:
The transformative power of entrepreneurship
There’s no one-size-fits-all model for change. We believe in the power of entrepreneurship in all its forms — because tackling inner health’s complexity requires diverse innovators filling critical gaps where they matter most.
Collaboration drives change
Systemic change demands collective effort. We seed into an ecosystem of change — connecting, co-funding, and accelerating progress together.
Hyper-focused
We stay laser-focused on our mission — to champion inner health and advance equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging in society — taking bold yet calculated risks to spur catalytic, lasting impact.
Execution is key
We’re strong believers in the art of execution and obsessed with real-world impact.
In it for the long haul
Transforming inner health takes time. We balance patience with progress and stay dedicated to the changemaker’s journey.
We support…
..these incredible changemakers.
Their work in the world is making real inroads in the world of inner health. We are invested in their urgent missions.
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Read more: RELEASEU
Shattering stigma and expanding access to care, RELEASEU strengthens campus-based and digital support systems so emerging adult men can seek help, connect, and truly thrive.
Type of investment
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Read more: BLING Capital
Venture fund backing underrepresented founders—combining strong commercial potential with inclusive innovation to unlock overlooked talent through grassroots ecosystem experience.
Type of investment
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“There are a lot of funds you meet that discuss the importance of making an impact in the mental health space – there are few that mean it in the way the Inner Foundation does.”
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Matthew Stefanko
Co-founder, MANUAL
Read more: RELEASEUShattering stigma and expanding access to care, RELEASEU strengthens campus-based and digital support systems so emerging adult men can seek help, connect, and truly thrive.
Type of investment
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“Building an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem takes long-term commitment—and collective effort. Our partnership with The Inner Foundation is a testament of that shared vision.”
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Deqa Abukar
Co-founder
Read more: BLING CapitalVenture fund backing underrepresented founders—combining strong commercial potential with inclusive innovation to unlock overlooked talent through grassroots ecosystem experience.
Type of investment
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“Partnering with The Inner Foundation strengthens our mission to provide holistic care for women, expanding reach and deepening long-term impact on emotional and physical well-being.”
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Lydia Graflund
CEO, EsterCare
Read more: EsterCareDelivering integrated women’s healthcare through digital, in-person, and preventive services—supporting well-being with accessible, high-quality care tailored to women’s daily needs.
Type of investment
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“The Inner Foundation team has been there for me in every moment, high and low, with compassion, expertise, and infinite support. They have become much more than just LPs, and I am deeply grateful”
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Maya Horgan Famodu
Partner & Founder
Read more: Ingressive CapitalEarly-stage venture fund investing in African tech startups—providing capital, mentorship, and global networks to help diverse founders scale market-relevant businesses.
Type of investment
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“The Inner Foundation’s commitment to creating positive impact aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are confident that their partnership will significantly enhance our vision.”
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Helene Lassem Nørlem
Co-CEO & Co-founder
Read more: TiimoAdaptive, neuroinclusive planning platform with visual scheduling and focus tools—supporting executive function and reducing daily stress for neurodivergent individuals.
Type of investment
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“Through The Inner Foundation, we have found an investor who shares the same belief system as us, and who continues to push us forward when we most need it.”
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Hermine Bonde Jahren
Co-founder & CEO
Read more: BraiveAI-driven platform delivering personalized mental health care by combining advanced technology with proven methods tailored to each person’s unique symptoms, context, and needs.
Type of investment
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“The Inner Foundation’s support has meant a lot to us, as we feel that we are part of a larger ecosystem and have access to an international network of people who want to do social good.”
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Cem Celepli Atci
Co-founder & CEO
Read more: AllbryA digital platform transforming student health care by offering secure communication, data-driven insights, and accessible counseling services tailored to students’ needs.
Type of investment
We always co-invest.
The need is vast. No single investor can bridge it alone. By co-investing with like-minded partners, we channel capital into solutions that drive real impact at scale.
Join us in closing the funding gap.
Our collaborators
Alone we move stones. Together we move mountains.
Inner health requires a holistic system working together. That’s why we actively collaborate with changemakers, investors, grant-givers, academics, public officials, and community builders — working together to create lasting impact.
By seeding into an ecosystem of change, we go farther and faster than we would alone.

We know you’re out there
Real change requires many solutions. And many changemakers. That’s where you come in.
Work as a social entrepreneur, intrapreneur, impact startup, for-profit, not-for-profit, or hybrid organization? Great.
Are you at an early stage with a roadmap to scale, or far along your change-making journey and ready to make an even greater impact? Wonderful.
However you support real change for inner health, we’re here to support you. Explore our criteria for funding and tap into our inner foundation.

Equity
Ongoing, rolling application process. We’re looking for solutions that:
- Solve real problems
- Drive growth with deep social impact
- Integrate an impact lens in the core business strategy
- Leverage tech and partnerships to scale solutions that work
- Measure success as financial growth + positive impact

Grant
Open call process taking place once a year. We’re looking for solutions that:
- Solve real problems
- Drive lasting social change
- Measure growth by the depth and breadth of social impact
- Focus on community, trust, and sustainable solutions
- Measure success as financial sustainability + positive impact
In the limelight
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Our Open Call in Eastern Europe – The grantees
Read more: Our Open Call in Eastern Europe – The granteesBacking four organizations transforming mental health for emerging adults.
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Our support of The Social Incubator
Read more: Our support of The Social IncubatorIntegrated support for youth transitioning out of care.
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The Inner Foundation invests in EsterCare
Read more: The Inner Foundation invests in EsterCareAdvancing integrated women’s health and mental health



















































