Mental health, long overlooked in the professional world, has now become a central concern for companies. The numbers speak for themselves: according to a March 2023 OPINION WAY study, 44%* of employees reported experiencing psychological distress, and 28%* were in burnout. Mental health is estimated to cost an average of €3,000 per year per employee for companies.

In this context, the startup TEALE was born in 2021, the result of a full year of research and development orchestrated by Julia Néel Biz, Geoffroy Verzat, Nicolas Merlaud, and Gilles Rasigade. Recognizing the growing importance of mental health in the workplace, they combined their skills to create the first holistic platform dedicated to employees.

Combining Technology and Cognitive Sciences

By combining technology, cognitive, and behavioral sciences, the platform positions itself as a solution to engage and individually support employees while transforming the company culture. The provided support is both individual and collective, addressing a variety of needs and challenges specific to each organization. It offers assistance to company employees while helping its managers and leaders become aware of and address the well-being issues that may exist within their teams. Of course, the confidentiality of employee records is maintained at all required levels, and the company only has access to macro indicators, but ones that are nevertheless relevant for better understanding the situation.

Sustained Development, Winning Over Big Names in CAC 40

In just two and a half years, TEALE has experienced significant growth. From an initial team of four founders, the startup now employs 25 collaborators, a number expected to triple in the near future. Furthermore, over 100 mental health specialists support TEALE in its mission, and more than 500,000 employees can now use their services if they wish. Among TEALE’s early clients are companies like Sanofi, SNCF, Carrefour, Bearing Point, EY, Cartier, and BETC.

A successful first round of funding is followed by a second round of €10 million.

TEALE’s launch in 2021 was marked by a €2 million funding round that attracted renowned investors such as ISAI, Kima Venture, Evolem, as well as Business Angels from notable entrepreneurial successes, including the founders of eFounders, Teads, Chauffeur Privé, and Meero.

To accelerate its development, the startup has successfully raised a second round of €10 million from Alter Equity (Fanny Picard), Bpifrance’s Digital Venture fund (Véronique Jacq), followed by ISAI and Evolem, historical funds. This funding round is an important signal in Europe, where mental health sector financing lags far behind that of Anglo-Saxon countries and the 7 unicorns in the United States.