Two Startups Secure Funding to Transform Heart Health Through Social Innovation
Two Startups Secure Funding to Transform Heart Health Through Social Innovation
Two Startups Secure Funding to Transform Heart Health Through Social Innovation
Two health-focused startups, Mammha and ThriveLink, have received backing from the American Heart Association's Social Impact Funds. The initiative supports businesses tackling key social factors that influence heart health. Both companies were also part of the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator, a programme offering mentorship and funding to entrepreneurs.
Mammha, based in Miami, helps new mothers access mental health support through a text- and web-based platform. Founded by Maureen Fura, the company simplifies screening, referrals, and treatment for maternal mental health challenges. The service aims to reduce stress, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
ThriveLink, led by CEO Kwamane Liddell, uses AI-driven voice technology to connect families with vital services. The St. Louis-based firm assists with enrolment in programmes like Medicaid, food assistance, and utility aid. These resources address financial and social pressures that can impact long-term health.
Both startups benefited from the American Heart Association's Impact with Heart programme. This initiative provides investment capital, coaching, and strategic advice to local entrepreneurs. The broader Social Impact Funds support organisations—both for-profit and nonprofit—that work on social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare, transport, and nutritious food.
The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator complements this with philanthropic grants and an MBA-style curriculum. Liddell, an alumnus of the programme, has used its resources to scale ThriveLink's reach. The accelerator's goal is to turn innovative ideas into sustainable solutions for community health.
The American Heart Association highlights that better cardiovascular outcomes depend on more than medical care. Secure housing, reliable transport, healthy food, and stress management all play a role. By funding startups like Mammha and ThriveLink, the organisation aims to create measurable improvements in these areas for vulnerable groups.