Cogs AI Recognised in 2025 Startups 100 Index

Mental health support app for the neurodivergent community, Cogs AI, which was co-founded by alumnus Felix de Grey (Dutton’s 2010) has been recognised in the prestigious 2025 Startups 100 index, which showcases trailblazing companies that have all been founded in or after 2019. 

Cogs AI is an app for the neuro-atypical; to help them build lasting self-care habits and manage overwhelming emotions. 

Felix and his business partner Zareen Ali were driven to create Cogs AI by their own personal experiences of neurodiversity and the sobering fact that neurodivergent people are twice as likely to experience poor mental health than neurotypical people.  

Felix said:

“It is estimated there are over one billion neurodivergent people in the world, with global awareness and diagnoses rapidly increasing. And yet, in almost every measurable way, the neurodivergent community still has worse life outcomes. The issues they face are broad.” 

By addressing the limitations of traditional therapies for those with conditions such as ASD, ADHD, and Dyslexia, Cogs AI empowers users to create wellbeing habits that stick. 

Despite Cogs being relatively young, it is already making a difference. In November 2023, it partnered with an NHS Trust to make Cogs available to 15,000 people awaiting ADHD and autism assessments. 

Felix said:

“NHS waiting lists for assessments are at an all-time high and people can be left waiting years for a diagnosis without any support in the meantime. We knew our app could fill that gap, but we didn’t know just how much it was needed. Watching thousands of people sign up within the first few days wasn’t just a real buzz, but also validation of everything we’ve been working towards.” 

Cogs AI’s NHS contract has been renewed after demonstrating a 30% improvement in mental health outcomes for users in just two weeks. Other achievements include securing £650k in early-stage funding from Innovate UK, Bethnal Green Ventures, and The Francis Crick Institute. 

Congratulations, Felix and Zareen! 

Find out more about Cogs in the Winter 2023 edition of the Edward Alleyn Club Magazine.