Meet Jaron Soh, Co-founder and CEO of Voda, the award-winning mental health app designed by leading LGBTQIA+ psychologists. Voda offers blends clinical expertise with lived experience insights, offering discreet, evidence-based support for LGBTQIA+ challenges such as coming out, gender dysphoria, hate speech and stigma.

Since its launch, Voda has supported over 36,000 users globally, was named “App of the Day” in 35+ countries, and was recognised as a “Rising Star” at the UK National Startup Awards in 2024.

Jaron grew up in Singapore, where same-sex activity between men were criminalised up until 2 years ago. His personal journey to overcoming shame fuels Voda’s mission to make affirming mental health support accessible to LGBTQIA+ people everywhere. Under his leadership, the startup has raised over £900k from impact-driven investors and built a globally recognised platform that is both purpose-led and commercially smart.

Attending Jaron’s session is a chance to hear how mission-driven startups can thrive in competitive markets. Founders will come away with tangible insights on building community-first tech, securing values-aligned funding, navigating stigma in brand storytelling, and scaling with authenticity. Jaron’s story is not only inspiring—it’s a blueprint for building with impact.

  • Reaching 39k+ users
  • Being featured as App of the Day in 35+ countries
  • Spotlighted by the Apple App Store this Pride Month

Voda has just closed their (oversubscribed!) funding round, and Jaron will share how we raised from a diverse, values-aligned group of VCs and angels – and why that alignment really matters.

This is our new monthly event series in partnership with Maslow’s. This intimate and inspiring gathering is designed for creative founders who are shaping industries, challenging norms, and redefining success.

Each month, we’ll bring together visionary founders for candid fireside chats and in-depth interviews, uncovering the real stories behind their journeys – the highs, the hard lessons, and the game-changing insights they wish they knew from the start. Expect honest conversations covering everything from securing funding to hiring your first employee, navigating failure, and what truly happens when you reach success.

Beyond inspiration, you’ll leave with practical advice and actionable takeaways to help you grow, adapt, and thrive in your own entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re a startup founder, creative entrepreneur, or future leader, this series is your opportunity to connect, learn, and level up alongside a dynamic community.

About Us

Founders500 is the place for creative founders to come together, share cutting edge ideas and level up their skills. We run monthly events, meetups and festivals in the UK!

At Founders500, our name embodies the essence of community transformation and momentum. We recognise that the journey from a small gathering to a thriving, impactful community hinges on reaching key thresholds of engagement. Founders500 is a safe space where new and established founders, as well as future founders, come together to collaborate, support one another, and learn. Around 50–150 participants often marks the moment when a group begins to formalise its identity, shared purpose, and collective energy.

At 500 members, a critical mass is reached where diversity flourishes, sub-communities emerge, and real change becomes possible. Founders 500 represents this tipping point—a movement where connection, innovation, and growth thrive.

 

You can also listen to these sessions on the Founders500 Podcast:

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