# Connecting people

Papa started with a simple premise: people need people. We began with one connection, and now we create thousands of moments that matter every day—offering individuals and families access to vital companionship and care.

## Our story

As hard as we try, we can’t always be there in-person for our loved ones.

Andrew (Papa’s CEO) and his family were struggling to balance the daily demands of life with supporting his grandfather Joseph, who they referred to affectionately as “Papa.”

Andrew decided that what his papa really needed was a “pal,” some company, and a little help from time to time.

Their shared experience inspired Papa’s founding in 2017. Today, thousands of Papa Pals build community with people of all walks and stages of life, improving health, lowering the cost of care, and empowering families to navigate their own journey.

#### This is our mission: to redefine how the world ages through human connection.

## Board

### Alfredo Vaamonde – Director

#### Co-Founder of Papa

[Alfredo Vaamonde – Director on Linkedin (opens in a new window)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredo-vaamonde-aa2a7315/)

### Angela Du – Director

#### SoftBank

[Angela Du – Director on Linkedin (opens in a new window)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-du-ab83163)

### Byron Ling – Director

#### Canaan Partners

[Byron Ling – Director on Linkedin (opens in a new window)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-ling-10b7474)

### Fatima Husain – Director

#### Mastry

[Fatima Husain – Director on Linkedin (opens in a new window)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-husain-0a278711)

### Stephanie Tilenius – Director

#### Vida Health

[Stephanie Tilenius – Director on Linkedin (opens in a new window)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanietilenius/)

### Sam Landman – Observer

#### Mastry

[Sam Landman – Observer on Linkedin (opens in a new window)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/samlandman/)

### Allison Goldberg – Observer

#### Comcast Ventures

[Allison Goldberg – Observer on Linkedin (opens in a new window)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldbergallison/)

## Investors

Founded in 2017, we’ve raised $240 million in venture capital to date, reaching unicorn status with our recent Series D. We’re glad for the big backers of our big mission.

Canaan (Opens in a new window)

Comcast Ventures (Opens in a new window)

Initialized Capital (Opens in a new window)

Seven Seven Six (Opens in a new window)

Softbank (Opens in a new window)

Trusted Capital Group (Opens in a new window)

Tiger Global (Opens in a new window)

## Industry recognition

While it’s our profound purpose—not recognition—that drives us, we’re proud of what stands behind these accolades: innovation and impact.

**Stevie Awards’ Health Products & Services - Medium Company of the Year** **2023**

Premier accolade for excellence in U.S. business from The American Business Awards

**Fortune 10's Innovators Shaping the Future of Health**  **2022**

Top 10 people and teams creating the future of health care

**Goldman Sachs' Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs**  **2022**

Entrepreneurs who have made extraordinary contributions across a range of fields

**UCSF Digital Health Awards Best-in-Class Finalist, Mental and Behavioral Health**  **2022**

Outstanding health technologies and innovations that are dramatically transforming care

**MAHP Pinnacle Award for Collaborative Community Health Initiatives: Medicaid**  **2022**

Most innovative healthcare strategies and programs that advance the value of managed care

**Y Combinator Top Companies**  **2022 & 2023**

Top Y Combinator-funded companies by valuation

**CB Insights Digital Health 150**  **2021**

The 150 most promising digital health companies in the world

**Rock Health’s Top 50 In Digital Health – Equity Advocate**  **2021**

Exceptional digital health leaders advancing equity and making healthcare massively better for all