Fello, a peer support platform, announced Tuesday that it has raised $10.4 million to date. The funding will help further build out its product that supports people struggling with loneliness.

The Chicago-based company offers an app that connects people to Fellos, or those who have lived experience with challenges like alcohol use, drug use, parenting or relationships. These Fellos undergo an application and background check process, as well as training and an assessment. When consumers download the app, they can fill out a profile that details what they’re looking for and then get matched with a Fello or browse a list of Fellos. Consumers can then book a 15-minute to an hour-long video session with their Fello (one 30-minute session costs $40).

“They get on the call, and then the Fello is trained in guiding the conversation, active listening, bringing empathy to the table, helping the customer get to a solid understanding of the challenge that they’re going through, and some next steps that can be actioned in between their check-in now and the next check-in,” said Alyssa Pollack, co-founder and CEO of the company, in an interview. “Some folks might just want to come for one conversation, and some want to get on kind of a recurring weekly checkpoint with their Fello.”

The $10.4 million raise includes a seed investment from Glen Tullman’s 62Ventures, The Capital Factory Fellowship Fund, Katalyst Capital and Offline Ventures.

The financing will help Fello expand into other areas, such as grief, caregiving, burnout and career transitions, Pollack said. The company will also work on building additional offerings beyond one-on-one check-ins, like group sessions. In addition, while Fello currently has a direct-to-consumer business model, it is exploring working with employers and universities in the future. Pollack added that Fello will use the funding to build out its team, as well as market its product. 

The idea for Fello was first created by co-founders Jeff Werring and Pete Kadens, who both struggled finding help for addiction. They later approached Pollack to join as CEO and co-founder. All three are also Fellos themselves: Werring and Kadens are Fellos for those struggling with alcohol use, while Pollack is a Fello for young adults with cancer.

The company’s funding comes as about 30% of adults report that they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the last year, and 10% report feeling lonely every day, according to a recent poll from the American Psychiatric Association. Fello sees itself “augmenting” traditional therapy services in order to combat this issue, Pollack said. It can help a variety of people, such as those who aren’t ready to see a therapist or can’t afford it, as well as those who need support between therapy sessions. In addition, it can be an off-ramp for those who feel they are in good shape but still want someone to connect with. 

“Loneliness in young adults has been increasing every year since 1976 … and it doesn’t have to be this way,” she said. “People don’t have to navigate tough challenges in life alone. Humanity has so much to offer one another, and we’re excited to put technology to work to make those connections for people.”

Fello isn’t the only startup addressing the loneliness epidemic. Another is Peppermint, which is an online clubhouse community for adults aged 55 and older that allows them to connect through online clubs, workshops and collaboration.

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