Charles Finnie
Managing Partner
Veteran investor in enterprise software and AI. Led early bets in C3.ai, Ask Jeeves, Kana, and Macromedia. Brings deep pattern recognition across platform technology cycles to the brain health category.
LinkedInAwareness Capital
Advancing the Next Generation of Brain & Mental Health Companies
We invest in scalable, AI-enabled companies translating breakthrough science into diagnostics, therapeutics, and care delivery.
Mission
Brain and mental health shapes how people live, learn, work, and connect.
Awareness Capital backs serious founders translating credible science into practical care, better diagnostics, and stronger support systems. We care about long-horizon outcomes, but we start with what can make life better now.
Brain Health McKinsey estimates brain health represents a $1 trillion+ addressable market—larger than cardiovascular or oncology—yet it receives a fraction of the R&D investment.
The scale of the problem still outweighs the flow of capital.
Brain and mental health has long been underfunded relative to its global impact. That dynamic is now changing. Advances in AI, data science, biomarkers, and precision medicine are enabling new approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and care delivery—creating a period of accelerated innovation.
1 in 3+ People affected
by brain & mental health conditions across the lifespan
$6T Projected annual
cost by 2030
<2% VC firms active
in brain & mental health
Approach
We focus where strong science, early traction, and disciplined execution meet.
Our investment thesis is centered on scalable, AI-enabled companies in brain and mental health—where clinical validation and commercial readiness intersect.
Mid-Stage Focus
We invest in companies with early traction and validated models—reducing early-stage risk while preserving exposure to high-growth outcomes.
AI-Enabled & Science-Led
We back companies applying AI, data, and advanced science across therapeutics, diagnostics, and care delivery—unlocking new approaches to brain and mental health.
Ecosystem-Driven Platform
Our network across science, healthcare systems, and mission-aligned organizations enables differentiated access, rigorous diligence, and accelerated company scaling.
Diligence
Direct, evidence-led, and partner-driven.
We move from early signal to real conviction through a small number of clear decision points—combining scientific rigor with commercial judgment.
1
Signal Sourcing
Scientific advisors, operators, and ecosystem signals surface the most credible leads.
2
Scientific Vetting
We pressure-test mechanisms, clinical relevance, and feasibility before conviction deepens.
3
Operational Audit
Partners review traction, regulatory posture, and the realities of scaling execution.
4
Decision & Support
When we move, we pair capital with practical help that can unlock the next stage of growth.
Why Us
A Differentiated, Global Platform
Awareness Capital operates at the intersection of science, care delivery, and venture capital—supported by a network of leading researchers, clinicians, and mission-aligned organizations.
Ecosystem Deal Flow
Access to opportunities emerging from relationships across academia, non-profits, and operators—including organizations such as One Mind.
Scientific & Clinical Depth
Investment decisions informed by domain experts, advisors, and ongoing engagement with the research community.
Pathways to Adoption
Connections to healthcare systems, providers, and commercialization channels that support early traction and scale.
Global Reach
Bridging UK and European innovation with U.S. capital, regulatory pathways, and market access.
Aligned Ecosystem Model
A portion of GP carry is committed to supporting mission-aligned non-profit organizations—reinforcing the ecosystem that drives innovation, talent, and company formation.
Team
Operators, scientists, and investors working from the same thesis.
We combine venture experience, translational judgment, and a long-term commitment to better brain and mental health outcomes.
Team
Garen Staglin
General Partner
Philanthropist-investor who co-founded ONE MIND and served as a partner in Awareness Fund I. Has spent decades advancing mental-health research, reducing stigma, and building the infrastructure for brain-health innovation.
LinkedIn
Gwill York
General Partner
Co-founder of Cambridge Associates and a long-time advocate for neurodiversity and brain-health innovation. Brings institutional investment perspective and a deep network across philanthropy, research, and venture.
LinkedIn
Kathy Guerry
CFO
Seasoned financial executive with 30+ years supporting entrepreneurial companies and investment funds. Brings hands-on CFO leadership across venture capital fund accounting, investor relations, and financial operations.
LinkedIn
Dr Joshua Chauvin
Venture Partner
Senior Consultant, MedAccess; Board, Kokoro; Formerly Chief of Staff & SVP Strategy, Koa Health. Honorary Senior Research Associate, UCL; Visiting Scientist, Harvard Medical School; PhD and MSc University of Oxford.
Advisors & Network
Kunal Ghosh
Founder & CEO
Husseini Manji
Neuroscience Leader
Steven Hyman
Director, Stanley Center
Aahuti Rai
Strategic Advisor
Dr Michelle Tempest
SME & Pipeline Advisor
Resonance Health Europe
Advisor Network Partner
Contact
A focused conversation beats a sprawling funnel.
Partnerships, press, or general inquiries are all welcome. We review every message, but we are not accepting unsolicited pitch decks at this time.