SPOKE

SPOKE is a UK-based mental wellness company operating in the digital health market, specifically targeting the unmet needs of Gen Z and young men. The firm was co-founded by Ariana Alexander-Sefre and Michael Maher, who serve as co-CEOs. Alexander-Sefre, a mental health activist, previously founded Sweat & Sound, an events company that merged fitness with live music. Her interest in mental wellness deepened after people close to her lost loved ones to suicide, prompting her to research the wellness gap for young men. This journey led her to pursue a Master's in Social Innovation at Cambridge, focusing on youth mental health and the role of cultural leaders in creating social change. Maher is a serial entrepreneur who previously founded the app publisher Zolmo.

The company's core offering is a mobile application that provides personalized, music-led audio sessions designed to improve mental wellbeing. SPOKE's business model is subscription-based; the app is available for a free trial, after which users pay a monthly fee for continued access. The product resulted from 18 months of research and development. It combines principles from therapeutic practices like mindfulness, CBT, and positive psychology with music and lyricism. To create its content, SPOKE collaborates with over 25 UK-based producers and emerging artists, including notable names like Jordy, V.I.C., and Jamilah Barry. These artists are trained by a team of clinical psychologists, therapists, and neuroscientists to ensure that every element—from lyrics to beats—is crafted to help users manage issues such as sleep, stress, confidence, and relationships.

The app personalizes its content by guiding users through questions about their life areas and emotional state, delivering tailored audio sessions in genres like Lo-fi, hip-hop, and neo-soul. By making mental wellness practices culturally relevant and accessible, SPOKE aims to serve a demographic often underserved by traditional wellness offerings. The company has secured pre-seed funding to support its growth, with a £1.1 million round led by Ada Ventures and participation from Bethnal Green Ventures and several angel investors. This investment is directed towards team expansion, product development, and training more artists.

Keywords: mental wellness app, music therapy, Gen Z mental health, digital therapeutics, mindfulness app, personalized audio, subscription model, youth wellbeing, anxiety support, stress reduction, sleep improvement, confidence building, artist collaboration, neuroscience-based audio, preventative mental health, venture capital, angel investment, UK startup, health-tech, emotional wellbeing