Breaking Barriers

"Hopelab strives to help create a world in which young people, in particular BIPOC and LGBTQ+ teens and young adults, are thriving, free from barriers to their mental health and well-being. 

As an impact investor at Hopelab Ventures, the majority of my time is spent thinking about how underserved youth mental health and well-being can be improved with scalable tech solutions, and who is best positioned to do so. The best part (and bulk) of my job is talking to and helping inspiring founders with moving lived experiences who are trying to make the world a better, more nurturing place where young people can thrive. As an Asian-American and member of the LGBTQ+ community who struggled with his intersectional identities growing up, I am proud that 100% of our portfolio founders to date come from a historically under-invested background including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and women. From increasing clinician cultural competency with Violet, to closing the Gen Z women care gap with Caraway, to exploring identity and expression with Idoru, to celebrating movement for queer mental health with Movement Genius and beyond: finding and supporting these entrepreneurs is what makes me have faith in our collective future and the future of the next generations.

Please reach out to externalinvestments@hopelab.org if you’re working on an innovative solution to improve the mental health and well-being of teens and young adults!"