London HR tech startup crowdfunds over £300k to drive global growth

A London-headquartered HRTech start-up has raised £385k in its first crowdfunding campaign, in a bid to drive global growth

Cognomie, the Mental Fitness start-up, overfunded at 110 per cent of its original £320k target, with a 5.90 per cent equity stake in a pre-raise £6m valuation. It is expected that a Series A funding round will be announced this autumn.

Launched in 2019, Cognomie is on a mission to deliver Mental Fitness for everyone. Two years into the pandemic, the tech-enabled coaching platform has become a key resource for future-focused organisations seeking to shape long-term employee wellbeing strategies and performance. Cognomie clients include Deloitte, Ford, LVMH, Kraft Heinz and the NHS.

Kate Hesk, CPO and co-founder, Cognomie said: “The crowdfunding campaign shows us how much our community believes in our purpose: to make Mental Fitness available to everyone. It’s been a huge endorsement.

“Ultimately, we attracted two investor-types – investors who want to be part of the Mental Fitness movement and those drawn to the exciting commercial opportunity within the $120bn wellbeing market. This investment means we can bring both these pieces together, as we take Cognomie into global growth in 2022.

“We’re hugely excited to grow the team with the expertise we need as a fast-growth start-up. The raise means we can focus back on leading the business, with a great team delivering to the highest standards that our clients and community have come to expect.

“This crowdfund does more than validate what we’re doing; it speaks to the urgent need for Mental Fitness as an essential global movement. We’re incredibly grateful for each and every investment that has helped make this happen.”

Extending Cognomie’s young people and family offer was a key driver for the fundraise. With many children experiencing a mental health disorder, this is a key area of focus for the start-up, with grassroots pilots already in place.

Additional investment will also be directed towards brand building with a brand refresh planned to generate reach and awareness across new geographical makets. Kate, together with her co-founders, John Young, CEO, and Tim Kneen, CCO, will grow the Cognomie team to include dedicated business development and community support managers, as well as its global coaching community.