Inspiring founders: Wysa’s Jo Aggarwal

Wysa provides mental health support with a unique blend of AI-guided listening and professional support. We spoke to the app’s founder & CEO, Jo Aggarwal, about her personal journey and other inspirational women in tech.

Jo Aggarwal: I launched Wysa in 2016 after my own struggle with depression. I realized how hard it is to open up to those closest to you. Bots are easier to talk to, but I couldn’t find any that actually helped. I also discovered the power of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and how it is a skill that can be learned. I wanted to build something that listened and guided you to reframe negative thoughts. Five years and 700 iterations later, Wysa has helped over 4 million people.

I am truly inspired by Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble. Bumble redefined a major category for women in the workplace by building her business, rather than just criticizing how it currently worked. She was able to showcase through her company how powerful women can be by just doing it right.