Slingshot AI

Here’s a concise, professionally oriented summary of Slingshot AI: Slingshot AI is a mental‑health technology company developing **Ash**, the first AI foundation model specifically designed for therapy. It offers a consumer app delivering personalized, clinically grounded support across multiple therapeutic modalities ([startuphub.ai](https://www.startuphub.ai/ai-news/startup-news/2025/slingshot-ai-secures-93m-for-ash-ai-therapy-launch/?utm_source=openai)). Headquartered in **New York City**, with operations also in London, the company was **founded in 2022** by CEO Daniel Cahn and President Neil Parikh ([thesaasnews.com](https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/slingshot-ai-raises-30-million-in-seed-round?utm_source=openai)). It remains a **private, early‑stage** venture. While exact employee counts aren’t publicly disclosed, its substantial capital backing suggests a scaling operation ([vcinvest.com](https://vcinvest.com/company/slingshot-ai?utm_source=openai)). Funding includes a **$30 million seed round** in August 2024 led by a16z (Andreessen Horowitz), with participation from Felicis, BoxGroup, and others ([thesaasnews.com](https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/slingshot-ai-raises-30-million-in-seed-round?utm_source=openai)). In **Series A**, it raised **$40 million** in January 2025 led by a16z ([fundz.net](https://www.fundz.net/fundings/slingshot-ai-funding-round-series-a-2cbe3e?utm_source=openai)), followed by an extension in **July 2025** that raised a total of **$93 million**, co‑led by Radical Ventures and Forerunner Ventures, bringing total funding to approximately **$93 million** ([startupnewswire.com](https://startupnewswire.com/slingshot-ai-raises-53m-therapy-chatbot/?utm_source=openai)). Investors include **tier‑1 VCs** such as Andreessen Horowitz, Felicis, Menlo, Radical Ventures, and Forerunner Ventures ([a16z.com](https://a16z.com/announcement/investing-in-slingshot-ai/?utm_source=openai)). Operating within the **AI-powered mental health/health tech** sector, Slingshot AI stands out for using clinical advisory input (including figures like Dr. Thomas Insel) and training models across diverse therapeutic frameworks ([hlth.com](https://hlth.com/insights/news/slingshot-ai-launches-ash-first-ai-designed-specifically-for-therapy-with-93m-funding-2025-07-25?utm_source=openai)). The public launch of Ash and its coverage in outlets like STAT News and HLTH signal strong brand recognition and relevance ([statnews.com](https://www.statnews.com/2025/07/22/slingshot-new-investors-generative-ai-mental-health-therapy-chatbot-called-ash/?utm_source=openai)). Founders and leadership have pedigree in AI and startup success: Neil Parikh previously co‑founded and scaled Casper to $500 million+ revenue and an IPO; Daniel Cahn has recognized AI research credentials in mental health ([a16z.com](https://a16z.com/announcement/investing-in-slingshot-ai/?utm_source=openai)). While employee background flows aren’t detailed, the leadership’s track records suggest a team drawing from high‑impact consumer tech and health research circles. Word count: ~195.