Marcus Richards
We are an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers and psychologists. We provide patients with comprehensive solutions fully tailored to oncology.
Our applications are created by combining world-leading expertise in medicine and technology. We use the latest developments in artificial intelligence and new opportunities offered by mobile technology.
We aim to help patients manage unpleasant situations, create healthy habits, and support them through their recovery process.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m an entrepreneur and a campaigner for mental health. I’m working in oncology and believe that all cancer patients deserve immediate mental health support.
I’ve worked for and with health care providers and through that work, I witnessed many shortcomings of the system. I am convinced that there isn’t a single healthcare system in the world that is fully equipped to support cancer patients.
This is why I co-started Prosoma and why I have spent five years building a team and building a project that will provide cancer patients with a toolbox to cater for their emotional needs. I am proud that now we can provide a solution that can really make a difference.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Don’t give up and be patient. Trying to change the system takes time but it is well worth it.
What problem does your business solve?
Our first application, Living Well, is here to support the mental health of cancer patients post-diagnosis. It’s designed to alleviate cancer-related anxiety and depression and help patients regain control over their wellbeing.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
Our business was originally inspired by a support group for cancer patients that my fellow founder, Marek Ostrowski, who is also a psychologist was working with.
It also comes from my work with the NHS and now hearing about Covid related backlogs and over 6-9 month waiting times for talking therapies. That is simply unacceptable.
What is your magic sauce?
Our product is a comprehensive 3-month programme that was designed by an international team of psycho-oncologists.
It’s unique in the fact that it provides the patient with a toolbox that will help them manage stress, emotional health and build healthy habits.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
We want to ensure that every cancer patient has access to scalable mental health care, and we want to get as close to that goal as possible.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
Digital therapeutics are rising in popularity, however, they’re still new when it comes to implementation pathways.
It’s quite a hurdle to overcome, when you’re trying to get your app integrated into the hospital system.
How do people get involved/buy into your vision?
We are now looking for insurance and Pharma partners for business development opportunities and clinical partners to run local pilots.
