Titan VCT portfolio company story: Pelago (formerly Quit Genius)
A digital clinic partnering with employers, health plans, pharmacy benefit managers and individuals to help conquer substance addiction.
What is Pelago?
Pelago partners with employers, health plans, pharmacy benefit managers and individuals to help conquer substance addictions through behavioural therapy treatments and approved medications.
Substance abuse has been a consistent and growing problem for decades – addiction is estimated to impact nearly 21 million Americans, where only 10% receive treatment 1. It’s a similar story throughout the world, far too many people are dying from addictions that are treatable.
Why we like it
Research shows that a personalised approach is far more effective at changing behaviours and saving lives. Created by a diverse team of doctors, technologists and designers, Pelago is the world’s first digital clinic delivering comprehensive Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for multiple addictions, 100% virtually, with coaches providing emotional support and education. Pelago’s method demonstrates a five times greater likelihood of users quitting over the course of a year compared with other programs. We’re enormously excited about the potential of a personalised digital approach to such an important global health issue, and to continue striving to become the number one health investor in Europe.
What our fund managers say
“We’re really interested in building global businesses in the healthcare space and are super excited about the potential of Pelago. When it comes to addiction, far too many people are still dying from deaths that are potentially avoidable if the necessary help is accessible. That’s why this personalised digital approach is so exciting, as it is far more effective at changing behaviours, and it’s easily accessible which will ultimately save lives.”
-Will Gibbs, Octopus Ventures
Key risks to remember
Please remember that the value of an investment in Octopus Titan VCT, and any income from it, can fall as well as rise. Investors may not get back the full amount they invest.
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances end may change in the future. Tax reliefs depend on the VCT maintaining its qualifying status.
VCT shares could fall or rise in value more than other shares listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. They may also be harder to sell.
Investors should only subscribe for shares on the basis of information contained in the prospectus, supplementary prospectus, AIFMD supplement and Key Information Document (KID), available on the Titan VCT product page. Company examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered an investment recommendation.
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¹ Statistics on addiction in America, Addiction Centre, September 2021