By Rohan Arora, PGP 2013
Caption: Cofounders of Evolve app, Rohan Arora (Left) and Anshul Kamath (right) at the Apple Office
Evolve is driven by a mission to uplift the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide. Evolve’s decision to prioritize the LGBTQ+ community stems from a profound recognition of their unique mental health challenges and the urgent need for tailored support. It’s driven by my own struggles of growing up as a gay man in India. I came out to myself only at the age of 20 and to others at 28, which made me realize the importance of being authentic in my life. I wanted to share this with others from the community too, as I knew the impact it can have on people’s mental health. Research shows that the members of the LGBTQ+ spectrum are nearly four times as likely to grapple with serious mental illness compared to the general population. This alarming disparity is exacerbated by deep-seated stigmas, prejudices, bullying, and discrimination pervasive in society.
Founder Journeys
Anshul, my co-founder, started a passion project in 2017 to understand what makes people better versions of themselves. Over the next 3 years, he collaborated with some leading psychologists, life coaches and meditation and wellness experts and with them, facilitated workshops for 100’s of individuals and corporates on mindfulness, stress management and personal growth. From college students to CEO’s, there was one common problem – no one seemed to know how to manage their emotions, particularly stress and anxiety and this was a big blockage to being able to grow as individuals and leaders. We realized there was a need for a simple and accessible product, and that’s how the idea of Evolve was born.
Caption: Evolve team celebrating 1 million users of the Evolve app
Anshul and my paths crossed at a networking event in Mumbai, where fate seemed to align our shared passion for mental health advocacy. Anshul had a nascent vision for Evolve, and I immediately found resonance with his mission and drive. Bonding over our mutual enthusiasm for improving mental well-being, we embarked on a journey of mutual exploration and understanding. Over the course of a year, we delved deep into each other’s core values, working styles, and aspirations. This period of collaboration and alignment laid the foundation for a strong partnership, culminating in the launch of Evolve in 2020.
Evolve’s mission
Caption: How the Evolve app looks
Recognizing the disparity between the specific mental health needs of the community and the available solutions, Evolve is committed to closing this gap. We aim to provide tailored support and resources that empower individuals to flourish. Acknowledging the scarcity of queer-affirmative therapists and heteronormative digital mental health platforms, Evolve serves as a virtual safe space where users can navigate their mental health journey with autonomy and confidence. Users benefit from an environment free from judgment or stigma, something lacking in the real world, where they can explore their challenges and triumphs at their own pace. The app’s look, feel, design and overall vibe is to create a safe and welcoming space for the user and while the app is LGBTQ+ first, it is inclusive without being exclusive to any other group of individuals. Everyone can find value from the app and it was an intentional choice to ensure nobody feels like they cannot use this app or that the app isn’t for them.
One of the hallmarks of Evolve is our unwavering commitment to user privacy and experience. With meticulous attention to detail from its design and product teams, Evolve has crafted a standardized experience that transcends geographical boundaries. Whether in India, Brazil, or the USA, users can expect consistent levels of safety and support, fostering a sense of belonging and reliability. With a steadfast dedication to empowering LGBTQ+ individuals to reclaim control over their mental well-being, Evolve offers a sanctuary of support, understanding, and empowerment.
The journey of Evolve has been marked by heartening feedback and exponential growth. With over 1 million installs and an impressive user rating of 4.7 on Google Play, the app has garnered praise from members of the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Users appreciate the safe space provided by Evolve, where they can engage in introspection and self-improvement without fear of judgment. With a global reach facilitated by Google Play, Evolve continues to expand its user base, with India and North America emerging as its largest markets. Each month, users from over 100 countries join the Evolve community, reaffirming our impact on mental health advocacy and support worldwide. Solving for this problem was a personal mission and responsibility and I am grateful everyday for the love & support I have received from the community and it feels rewarding to be able to give back and help those in need.
Evolve’s roadmap includes pivotal initiatives aimed at fostering collective safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide, facilitating mutual support and solidarity within the community. This involves creating platforms within Evolve where members can come together to share experiences, seek guidance, and offer support, nurturing a sense of belonging and community cohesion. A supportive community is something I did not have access to growing up, and I feel that if others can find this sense of belonging early, it can truly help them thrive and change the way they view the world.
Moreover, Evolve is committed to leveraging its platform to drive societal change and promote inclusivity on a broader scale. This entails forging partnerships with researchers and organizations dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and creating a more inclusive world. By collaborating with stakeholders at the forefront of societal transformation, Evolve seeks to amplify its impact and contribute to meaningful progress in building a more equitable and accepting society for all.
One of the key highlights for me through this journey of Evolve has been speaking to various people who are part of the community, understanding the challenges they face and realizing that I am not alone, but I have others within my social circles and around the world, ready to empower me and allow me to be my authentic self. Only a few days ago, I got to meet and interact with a hero of mine, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, who is out and proud. These moments and milestones give me the belief to continue evolving and being on this path of personal growth, while empowering others to be their authentic and true self, which will make them their best self.
Rohan Arora is the co-founder at Evolve and is based in Delhi. He can be reached at rohan@evolveinc.io
