January 22, 2025
Social Innovation House,
Promenade 57, Davos, Switzerland
Mental Health Day in Davos
Be at the heart of the mental and brain health movement during the World Economic Forum as we gather global stakeholders to elevate the mental health movement from awareness into action. From neurotech, to psychedelics, to community-based interventions, this day-long event promises to set the stage for mental health conversations throughout the year.
Note: General entry is for access to the networking space only. To apply to attend the panel sessions, please see below.
Presented by:
Meet the Team
Shawn Lesser
Founder
THE REAL Mental Health Foundation
Daniel Koppelkamm
Co-founder & Managing Partner
Convergence Partners
Heather Kelly
Executive Director
THE REAL Mental Health Foundation
Pascal Joncour
Partner
Convergence Partners
Justine Mana
Head of Ops at THE REAL Mental Health Foundation
Fractional CMO at Convergence Partners
Nicolas Kiep
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Investment Associate
Convergence Partners
Convergence Partners is a Swiss Venture Capital firm whose ethos sits in tackling large unmet needs with a focus on Brain and Mental Health.
THE REAL Mental Health Foundation focuses on improving men's mental health through evidence-based peer-to-peer models.
THE REAL THE REAL Fund of Funds (in formation) is on a mission to catalyze the global mental health ecosystem via a $200 million fund. [Announcement in Davos]
IMPORTANT Registration Note:
Some of our exciting panels are still under final development. Stay tuned as we release the full agenda by the second week of January.
Also, kindly note that as a result of limited seating capacity, registering for the event does not guarantee an immediate confirmation. If a seat is available, a confirmation email will come from our team.
Thank you for your patience and we are excited to build the global mental health ecosystem with you!
Key Mental Health Sponsors
In his keynote address, Shawn Lesser will outline THE REAL’s plan to bring new family offices, new foundations, and new institutional investors into the mental health space. With 30 years of experience in finance and as an impact investing pioneer who co-founded the first impact investment bank, Shawn will draw on his past successes and knowledge to present THE REAL’s approach to building out the global mental health ecosystem and attracting new capital sources of size.
Shawn Lesser
Founder of THE REAL, Co-Founder of Big Path Capital, Founder of Sustainable World Capital, Former International Equity at Morgan Keegan & Deutsche Bank
Former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy is co-author of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and co-founder of The Kennedy Forum, a nonprofit that helps ensure mental health as essential health. Kennedy co-authored the New York Times Bestseller, “A Common Struggle” and “Profiles in Mental Health Courage,” which details compelling experiences of people navigating mental health conditions and substance use disorders (MH/SUDs). Kennedy led the 2023 launch of Alignment for Progress, a national movement to achieve a bold vision: By 2033, 90% of the population is screened for MH/SUD, 90% of those who need it receive evidence-based treatment, and 90% of individuals treated manage symptoms and achieve recovery.
Shawn Lesser, Founder of The REAL shares about his personal journey. The pioneer in impact investing experienced a mental health crisis in 2023, finding himself in the psych ward. He's made an incredible recovery & has turned pain into purpose founding The REAL Mental Health Foundation, The REAL Summits & The REAL Fund of Funds. The Foundation is focused on supporting men's mental health globally through community & peer support models & The Summits & Fund of Funds is dedicated to expanding the global mental health ecosystem by driving more private sector investment towards mental health innovation.
Elisha London
Moderator, Founder & CEO
Prospira Global
Patrick J. Kennedy
Former US Congressman
Co-founder of The Kennedy Forum
Shawn Lesser
Founder
THE REAL Mental Health Foundation
Founders will take us on a journey on how their technology and solutions have changed the game in their respective sectors. With a focus on neurodegenerative diseases and digital therapeutics, these founders provide unique and critical insight to a rapidly growing global unmet prevention, management, and treatment need. Join industry leaders, experts, and investors as we discuss these scalable, evidence-based solutions and the next steps in bringing these solutions to the patient population offering hope and improved quality of life.
Daniel Koppelkamm
Pitch Session Host
Managing Partner, Convergence Partners
Guillaume Blivet
Co-founder & CIO
REGEnLIFE
Laura Johnson
Co-founder & CEO
BrainScape
Dr. Chris Rehse
Founder & CEO
neotiv
Matthias Gutknecht
Co-founder & Managing Partner
SwissDTx
Discover how innovative neurotechnologies are transforming mental health care by personalizing treatment, enhancing brain function, and addressing conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. This session will delve into evidence-based approaches such as neuromodulation, digital therapeutics & digital & AI advances in global crisis support, showcasing their potential to revolutionize mental health outcomes. Join us to learn how neurotech advancements are shaping a new era of targeted, effective, and accessible mental health solutions.
Pascal Joncour
Partner
Convergence Partners
Margaret Meagher
CIO
Crisis Text Line
Erwin Bottinger
CEO
Wyss Center
Adam Hanina
Founder & CEO
Dandelion Science
This session explores the powerful link between brain health, psychedelics, and purposeful living in driving human flourishing and economic growth. Dive into the concept of Brain Capital, which highlights the role of mental health, cognitive performance, and emotional resilience in fostering innovation and productivity. Learn how investing in brain health and psychedelic therapies enhances well-being, unlocks creativity, and promotes equity. Join thought leaders as they discuss strategies to build Brain Capital and create a more prosperous, purposeful future for all.
Frederic Destrebecq
Moderator, Executive Director
European Brain Council
Geoff Moore
Founder & CEO
Impactᴬᴺᴰ
Dr. Harris Eyre
Co-lead
Brain Capital Alliance
Tadeusz Hawrot
Founder & Executive Director
PAREA Science
This session shines a spotlight on the transformative mental health approaches emerging from the Global South and Indigenous cultures—innovations rooted in community, resilience, and cultural wisdom. These cost-effective, evidence-based models offer valuable lessons for the Global North, addressing mental health challenges with sustainable solutions that prioritize accessibility and equity. Join us to explore how traditional practices, community-driven interventions, and holistic care models are redefining mental health globally, and discover how these approaches can inspire systemic change across diverse contexts.
Jennifer Wu-Schwab
Host of The Founder Spirit Podcast & Entrepreneur
The Founder Spirit Podcast
Samhita Kumar, MPH
Senior Associate Director
The Carter Center Mental Health Program
Mindahi Bastida
Founder & Convenor
The Earth Elders
Anastasiya Kulygin
CEO & Co-founder
AguilaCondor Foundation & INME Wellness
Join us to explore the most innovative ways youth mental health is being approached today. Grounded in the voices of young people, it highlights fresh approaches to effectively addressing youth mental health care, including enhanced support within schools, peer-driven support models, and the success of dedicated youth crisis lines. Participants will gain insights into how these initiatives are reshaping global youth mental health care landscapes worldwide, fostering resilience, accessibility, and equity. By centering youth perspectives, the session underscores the importance of co-creating solutions that empower young minds and build a healthier, more supportive next generation of society.
Vooha Vellanki
Moderator, Chief of Staff
Mantra Health
Sabrina Gracias
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Founder
Ortus Foundation
Todd Khozein
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Founder & CEO
SecondMuse
Katherine Hay
CEO
Kids Help Phone
Dive into the cutting edge of consciousness as we explore how psychedelics and emerging “technodelic” tools can enhance brain function, creativity, and well-being. This session blends scientific insights and hands-on demonstrations, culminating in a connected musical experience that harmonizes mind, body, and collective energy. Discover the next frontier in mental performance and holistic wellness—where innovation meets the power of sound and expanded awareness.
Daniel Koppelkamm
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Convergence Partners
Anastasiya Kulygin
Founder
INME Wellness
Lia Mix
Founder & CEO
DELPHI
Tadeusz Hawrot
Founder & Executive Director
PAREA
Leor Roseman, PhD
Founder & Senior Lecturer
RIPPLES & University of Exeter
Daniel Schotsborg
Co-Founder & CEO
Elusis