Community spotlight: Cognito Health

The Victoria Tech Community Awards showcase the community of 1,000 companies and 17,000 workers who push innovation forward, and drive the city’s $4 billion tech economy. Our spotlight series highlights award finalists and winners so you can get to know them a little bit better. Read about other community members here.

Today, we’re featuring Armon Arani, co-founder and head of growth, Cognito Health.

Describe your company:

Cognito Health is an all-in-one virtual solution to mental health that provides clinical programs designed to yield better patient outcomes. We treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, and ADHD for all residents of British Columbia.

What problem is your company solving and how is it solving it?

We're on a mission to make mental health care more affordable, accessible, collaborative, and effective. We're tackling these complex problems through deep collaboration with psychiatrists, doctors, pharmacists, counsellors, and coaches. Our platform offers primary care, medication, therapy, and courses virtually for an affordable monthly cost.

What’s a recent milestone or breakthrough your company is proud of?

We just launched a study with Olav Krigolson from UVic’s Theoretical and Applied Neuroscience Laboratory - early results are showing 90% of our clients show statistically significant reductions in their anxiety & depression symptoms after 12 weeks on the platform.

What makes Victoria a great place to build a technology business?

We have the best tech community in the world. The most supportive peers all rooting for us. We're proud to be a part of this community and hope to spread the word to bring more amazing and talented people to this great city.

What is Victoria tech’s biggest hidden secret?

How small it feels yet how big it actually is! You can be out for a walk and see 2 or 3 investors or founders in the span of a couple blocks. Great community with global networks.

What is your number one Victoria tech prediction for 2023?

I think we're going to see some massive funding rounds in 2023. There are 40 funds in Canada sitting on a pile of dry powder and Victoria has an insane pool of talent building Canada's next unicorn.

What local tech company or product excites you the most right now?

I'm really inspired by the pace and scale of Certn right now. Can't wait to see what they'll do next - especially on the M&A side.