Mental Health startup HeyyPal raises funding from Abu Dhabi-based VC

HeyyPal, an India-based real-time experts-led conversation platform, has secured investment from Abu Dhabi-based venture capitalist Umesh Bhatt at a valuation of Rs 20 crore, The Times of India reported on April 20, 2026. The size of the deal was not disclosed. HeyyPal connects users with verified psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and trained listeners through per-minute consultations and a privacy-first model designed to reduce barriers of cost, stigma and accessibility in mental healthcare.

“Mental health is one of the most pressing challenges of our time,” said Umesh Bhatt, who is based in Abu Dhabi and serves as Cluster Director of IT at hospitality major Rotana. “HeyyPal’s ability to combine technology with human empathy to deliver instant, accessible support makes it both impactful and scalable. I’m excited to be part of this journey.”

Deal details and investor background

The investment, reported by the TOI Tech Desk, marks an infusion of external capital for HeyyPal at a valuation of Rs 20 crore. The exact quantum of Bhatt’s investment was not disclosed. Bhatt is described in the report as bringing global technology and enterprise expertise to the table, reflecting his professional role at Rotana and his positioning as an Abu Dhabi-based venture capitalist backing scalable, tech-enabled mental health solutions.

Platform, service model and company vision

Founded by Vishwalok Nath, HeyyPal operates an on-demand conversation platform that enables immediate access to mental health support. The service pairs users with licensed and trained professionals and listeners for short, real-time sessions billed on a per-minute basis. HeyyPal emphasizes confidentiality and a privacy-first approach as central to its service delivery.

• Connects users with verified psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and trained listeners
• Per-minute consultations aimed at lowering cost barriers
• Privacy-first design to protect user confidentiality
• Focus on reducing stigma and improving accessibility to mental healthcare

“This investment comes at a time when conversations around mental health are becoming more open, yet access remains limited,” said Vishwalok Nath, Founder, HeyyPal. “Our goal is simple, if someone needs to talk, support should be instantly available. With Umesh’s global perspective, we are well-positioned to scale faster and build a meaningful impact.”

Outlook

With Bhatt’s backing, HeyyPal aims to accelerate its growth and expand the reach of its on-demand conversation model across India. The investor’s enterprise and technology experience — paired with HeyyPal’s per-minute, privacy-focused approach — signals an attempt to marry scalable tech infrastructure with human-led care. While the exact funding amount was not disclosed, the Rs 20 crore valuation establishes a benchmark for the company as it seeks to scale its product, user acquisition and service delivery in a market where access to mental health support remains uneven.