New platform launches to combat the loneliness epidemic with peer support

The US-based company called Fello has recently secured $10.4M for its platform that connects anyone seeking connection and guidance to people who can help them.

And sure, there are cultural differences between people from the West, where Felio operates, and the Middle East and North Africa. Nonetheless, there is money to be made in this market, targeting parents of busy professionals, people living outside of their countries, and so on.

How does Fello work?

Led by former Uber Eats executive Alyssa Pollack, Fello connects so-called "Finders" seeking support with "Fellos" — individuals trained to share their lived experiences alongside active listening techniques. Fellos undergo rigorous vetting, including background checks, reference verification, training modules, and assessments, ensuring high-quality support.

Here are the highlights:

• Affordable Support: 30-minute virtual check-ins with a Fello cost $40, compared to the significantly higher expense of traditional therapy.
• Flexibility and Reach: Accessible from anywhere in the U.S., sessions are designed to fit diverse schedules.
• Fello Earnings: Fellos can earn up to $56 per hour while turning their personal journeys into a source of empowerment and guidance for others.

Developed under the expertise of Clinical Psychologist Dr. Thekla Ross and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adam Glasofer, Fello's training program ensures the integration of peer wisdom with professional insights. This hybrid model modernizes peer support by leveraging technology to scale its impact while maintaining clinical rigor.

The context

Peer-supported care has been a cornerstone of successful outcomes in mental health, addiction recovery, and general well-being for over 40 years. Evidence shows that peer support reduces hospitalization rates, increases engagement with outpatient services, and improves overall health and quality of life. Fello builds on this legacy, making peer support more accessible, affordable, and personalized.

Now combine the proven effectiveness of peer-supported healthcare with the gig economy, and you get a service that has the potential to make support universally accessible.

Now, does this sound like something you could bring to the GCC and MENA?