Despite working for a large mental health company at the time , Muhammad struggled to find quality mental health care for her son who accepted Medicaid.
The company was rebranded as Backpack Healthcare following the acquisition of Washington , D.C.-based Hurdle Health, which brought in a scientific tool to measure the cultural responsiveness of therapists for children of color .
However, her vision and determination , along with her ability to demonstrate the effectiveness of Backpack’s services, ultimately convinced investors like PACE Healthcare Capital founder Julia Monfrini Peev to support her mission.
Peev, who has become a mentor and close ally to Muhammad, was initially hesitant to invest but was eventually won over by Muhammad’s progress and the impact Backpack was making.
“The ability to describe as an entrepreneur what you say you’re going to do, and then actually do it, is very impressive,” said Peev.
Muhammad’s vision for the future of Backpack Healthcare is ambitious. She aims to ensure that children across the United States have access to the mental health care they need, whether through Backpack’s self-care app or one-on-one therapy sessions .
The company is also working on AI tools to help therapists manage documentation and reduce burnout , further enhancing the quality of care provided.
Reflecting on her journey, Muhammad remains focused on the mission of Backpack Healthcare.
“The $14 million Series A will let us reach more kids , but it also sends a signal that Medicaid businesses can be funded, make money, and be profitable, ” she said.
Muhammad says she is determined to build a sustainable business that does not rely solely on venture capital, ensuring that her company can continue to provide vital services to children in need.
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