Alex Vitchenko of Calmerry

March 5, 2025 thetechtribune

**An exclusive Tech Tribune Q&A with Alex Vitchenko (founder and CEO) of Calmerry, which was honored in our:**

Tell us the origin story of Calmerry – what problem were you trying to solve and why?

Calmerry was launched in October 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to address the growing need for accessible mental health support during a time of isolation and uncertainty. As a tech entrepreneur with over two decades of experience, I saw firsthand how difficult it was for people, especially those in rural areas, to access quality therapy without long wait times or geographical restrictions.

With Calmerry, we aimed to bridge that gap by leveraging technology to provide immediate, affordable, and high-quality mental health care. The platform democratizes access to licensed therapists, eliminating logistical barriers while maintaining a personalized approach to therapy.

As a recognized investor and startup expert with successful exits in companies like Mobify (Jeapie), FriendlyData, Preply, Attendify, SOC Prime, and Rallyware, I applied my expertise in marketplaces, venture financing, and technology to scale Calmerry rapidly. Since our launch, we’ve connected over 100,000 clients with more than 1,000 licensed therapists, making mental wellness support widely accessible.

What was the biggest hurdle you encountered in your journey?

The online therapy space is competitive, and we never wanted to be just another platform. Our goal has always been to provide a highly personalized experience and prioritize the quality of care while growing at scale.

As we expand our services, test new hypotheses, and introduce additional revenue streams, maintaining our commitment to quality is an ongoing challenge. We work closely with partners to ensure we’re not just a vendor but a long-term collaborator. This requires extra effort, but it’s the foundation of our success.

Balancing rapid growth with high-quality care is a challenge every healthcare startup faces, and we’ve always put our users first. The best way to stand out in a crowded market is not just through innovation, but by providing meaningful, effective care that makes a real impact on people’s lives.

What does the future hold for Calmerry?

In early 2024, we made a strategic shift to focus on B2B, which resulted in tripling our B2B revenue. While we continue to support our direct-to-consumer (D2C) segment, we are also expanding into the Soft Addiction market and enhancing our product to better serve end users.

Additionally, we see strong potential in partnerships with other providers, consultants, brokers, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Our white-label solution is gaining traction as companies recognize the need for a seamless, single-brand experience for their users. Looking ahead to 2025, we have a strong pipeline with exciting partnerships in development, further solidifying our place in the digital mental health landscape.

What are your thoughts on the local tech startup scene in Wyoming?

As we consider raising investment in the near future, we’re impressed by the growing interest in rural areas among investors. Wyoming, with its breathtaking nature, business-friendly policies, and valuable tax incentives, has the potential to become a thriving hub for startups.

The cost of doing business matters to every entrepreneur. Many companies are looking for ways to optimize expenses while maintaining operational efficiency, and Wyoming provides a favorable environment for small and mid-sized businesses to scale. With the right support and infrastructure, I believe the state could play a significant role in shaping the future of tech innovation.

What’s your best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

The best advice I can give is what I always tell my team: Nothing is impossible – the only limits are the ones we create in our minds.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start. Try, fail, and try again. The reality is, you’ll never have everything figured out before launching a business. You learn the most from mistakes, and while the journey is tough, the rewards are absolutely worth it.

Look at some of the most successful entrepreneurs – Steve Jobs was fired from Apple before returning to turn it into a global powerhouse. Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, faced countless rejections before launching a billion-dollar brand. Even Walt Disney was told he “lacked imagination” before building his empire.

Every failure is a stepping stone to success. The key is persistence. Keep pushing forward, adapt, and trust the process.