By Riley Kaminer
If you’re a founder, chances are that the intensity inherent to your work has led you on a mental health journey. Now imagine experiencing similar social pressures – but as a teenager.
It’s a difficult state of affairs these days for the next generation, with the WHO estimating that one in seven teenagers will experience a mental disorder, while the CDC reports that three in five teen girls reported feeling sadness every day for at least two weeks.
In this gloomy state of affairs, BeMe Health provides a beam of light. The Miami startup is on a mission to transform teenage mental health support. And now, there is a bit more wind at BeMe’s backs, thanks to a just-announced infusion of $12.5 million from Hesperia Capital.
The BeMe Health team has positioned this fundraise as the required fuel necessary to propel the company toward an upcoming Series A. Past BeMe Health investors include lead investors Flare Capital and Polaris Partners alongside additional participants Fiore Ventures, BCBS of Kansas, and the California Health Care Foundation. In November 2023, Refresh Miami reported that BeMe received a $1.5 million investment from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from our investors and their belief in our mission,” Dr. Nicoletta Tessler, BeMe Health’s co-founder CEO shared in a statement. “These investments allow us to provide the best possible support for teens struggling with mental health issues. We are committed to making a positive impact and transforming the landscape of youth behavioral healthcare.”
“Our mission is simple: we combine engaging technology and human touch to help all teens become the best versions of themselves,” Tessler [pictured above] has previously told Refresh Miami.
With this new funding, BeMe plans to expand its reach and continue innovating in the field of youth behavioral healthcare, addressing the growing mental health challenges faced by today’s youth.
“This funding will help us evolve our company built to transform how young people access and engage in mental health support,” Tessler said. “We feel compelled to help youth bolster their inner capacities to not just endure in life, but to live with a greater sense of possibility!”
Founded to address the critical gap in mental health services for teens, BeMe Health has positioned itself as a leader in the digital behavioral health space. The company’s platform is designed to offer teens a comprehensive suite of mental health tools, including 24/7 accessibility, interactive mood and skill-building activities, and personalized support tailored to the unique needs of young people. This holistic approach ensures that teens can access the right resources at the right time, whether they need routine mental wellness support or urgent crisis intervention.
Michael Papile, Co-Founder of Hesperia Capital, emphasized the importance of backing companies that deliver both scalable business models and meaningful social impact.
“Our investment in BeMe highlights our commitment to back mission-driven companies with scalable business models that make a lasting societal impact,” Papile, commented. “BeMe takes a different approach to the mental health issues faced during this formative stage of life and is laying the groundwork for healthier futures. My Partner Rhett Hunter and I, together with our operating partners who bring deep expertise in behavioral health and third-party reimbursement, are committed to actively supporting the company’s ongoing success.”
READ MORE IN REFRESH MIAMI:
- BeMe Health clinches $1.5M in funding, partners with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas to improve teen mental health
- Opción Yo sees growth as it ushers in a new era of its mental health platform
- Keeping your mental wellbeing in check is no easy feat, but these founders have some tips
- Clayful raises $7M to grow its on-demand mental health support for students
- Entrepreneurs turn to Quoka for help keeping their mental health in check
- WellStack acquires DeLorean AI, plans to grow platform and South Florida footprint - September 3, 2026
- Inside OpenSeed’s plan to bring calm back to work, 12 minutes at a time - September 3, 2026
- Flamingo flies forward with $4.5M and plans to grow in Miami - September 2, 2026