Egyptian healthcare startup O7 Therapy recently raised US$2.1 million in a seed round, according to a release issued Monday (April 4).  With the proceeds, the startup plans to support mental health and expand in the MENA while developing new features and innovative products. 

O7 Therapy is an online platform and network of hand-picked Arabic-speaking psychiatrists and psychotherapists. It is also a referral network of specialized clinics and hospitals that take care of people with mental health issues in the MENA region. The platform provides online psychotherapy in a friendly environment using reliable encryption and data storage protocols. In doing so, O7 Therapy revolutionized online health support and provides collaborative mental health services to Arabic-speaking people around the world. 

It was founded in 2019 by Egyptian serial entrepreneur Ashraf Bacheet (photo) in partnership with assistant professor of psychiatry Dr. Ashraf Adel and software entrepreneur Nader Iskander. Ashraf Bacheet studied at various institutions such as the German School of Cairo, Cairo University, the University of Maryland, and the UK Chartered Institute of Marketing.

“Our Investment in mental wellbeing improves the lives of individuals in all areas of life; their student life, work, homes, family, friends, and even physical health. This in turn improves the performance of entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporate and government employees, positively affecting countries economically, ” says Nader Iskander.

According to an official release, their “Employee Wellness Programs for organizations are provided through a unique B2B2E model, prioritizing the impact of mental health challenges in the workplace, focusing on raising awareness and understanding, creating safe and supportive spaces, and implementing strategies that promote mental wellbeing.”

With several degrees and certificates in pharmaceutical sciences, tech entrepreneurship, and marketing and communication,  Ashraf Bacheet runs a family business operating in the pharmaceutical industry. He also offers consultancy and mentorship services to startups. 

In 2011, he started developing his passion for social entrepreneurship by joining a “global NGO as their Middle East Director.”

Ruben Tchounyabe