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To break down barriers to substance use care that works.
Pelago, formerly known as Quit Genius, was founded by a team of medical professionals who observed the lack of clear guidance from doctors on how to effectively quit smoking.
The core of Pelago's product revolves around cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a proven method for behavioral change. By focusing on replacing negative thoughts and feelings that trigger smoking with healthier, more positive alternatives, Pelago aids users on their journey to quit smoking. Recognizing the staggering $146 billion annual cost of smoking to employers, Pelago collaborates with businesses to reach and support users in their quest to quit.
However, Pelago's mission goes beyond personal wellness, aspiring to address a broader issue. The company believes that by targeting behavioral patterns, it has the potential to prevent a significant portion of the 40% of premature deaths currently attributed to such patterns, a figure that exceeds the impact of the $3 trillion spent globally on healthcare, which currently prevents only 10% of premature deaths. Notably, Pelago's effectiveness is underscored by a study published in JMIR mHealth, which found that it outperformed the NHS Smoke-free app - an impressive feat for a relatively new startup.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Mar 2024
$58m
SERIES C
Aug 2022
$15.3m
LATE VC
This company has top investors
Yusuf Sherwani
(Co-Founder & CEO)Previously founder of Unique Melody, an in-ear headphone brand. Also a Clinical Entrepreneur Fellow at the NHS.
Maroof Ahmed
(Co-Founder & COO)Previously the founder and CEO of Interview Doctors (a tuition company for aspiring doctors).
Sarim Siddiqui
(Co-Founder)Previously Doctor at Imperial College. Also a Clinical Entrepreneur Fellow at the NHS.
All
Meaningful work (5)
My opinions are valued (3)
Great work is recognised (3)
Flexible working (3)
Focus on employee wellbeing (3)
Opportunities to learn (2)
Challenging work (1)
Manageable workload (1)
Nice people (1)
Intelligent people (1)
I have never worked for a company which values people as much as Quit Genius does. One example out of many is that we have one 'ME' day per quarter where everyone gets a day off to do what they like outside work.
Software Engineering
Focus on employee wellbeing
Apr 2022
The communication channel is very open in every level. I feel like i can communicate with the senior leadership without any hesitation. Great ideas are always welcome and we have numerous channels like company all hands, engineering off sites and regular meetings, OKR meetings and several others where everyone can voice opinions
Software Engineering
My opinions are valued
Apr 2022
I have a very open communication with my manager about pay and progression. I have been with the company for a few months and there has already been a hike without even asking for it. This is definitely something that Quit Genius excel in where your efforts and contributions are truly reflected in your compensation rather than having numerous conversations with your manager about it
Software Engineering
Fair compensation
Apr 2022
From the get-go, it was clear to me that our founders really care about their employees. We’re recognised and rewarded for our hard work and being valued inspires me to continue to deliver my best work.
Design
Great work is recognised
Apr 2022
The product that we’re building will have such an incredible impact on so many lives and as a Visual Designer, it’s an amazing feeling to know that I’m designing for good.
Design
Meaningful work
Apr 2022
Quit Genius recognises that there’s no one size fits when it comes to ways of working. We’re given the complete freedom to work to a schedule that suits us. Having a healthy work-life balance definitely promotes a happy and loyal workforce.
Design
Flexible working
Apr 2022
We get to work on an innovative product that's really changing the game when it comes to addiction care! It's not easy but it's incredibly fulfilling.
Product
Challenging work
Apr 2022
The team at Quit Genius are smart and driven - it's great working and learning from them every day, especially my peers in the Product and engineering teams.
Product
Intelligent people
Apr 2022
At Quit Genius, hard work is definitely recognised and appreciate. We celebrate the wins and the leadership team genuinely care about how people feel.
Product
Great work is recognised
Apr 2022
I love working at Quit Genius as it is such a mission driven company. What we do every day helps people overcome substance addictions and saves lives. The whole team is really focussed around this mission and it makes the job so rewarding.
Operations & Strategy
Meaningful work
Apr 2022
I am constantly learning and challenging myself every day at Quit Genius. I love the environment that fosters learning and it is one of the core values of the company. There is also plenty of opportunity for personal development and scaling myself which is great.
Operations & Strategy
Opportunities to learn
Apr 2022
Quit Genius has a great leadership team that care about the opinions of others. On top of this, I always feel like my thoughts are listened to because there is a flat hierarchy here as part of the culture. It is also super transparent which is great.
Operations & Strategy
My opinions are valued
Apr 2022
The mission at Quit Genius is incredibly meaningful and quantifiable - no wishy washy language. Everyone in the team is united to help individuals overcome substance addictions. The pandemic has made this an even more pressing issue.
Design
Meaningful work
Apr 2022
Pretty much from day one the work I took on has had a direct impact on the product and a lot of trust was placed in my hands. Quit Genius isn't the kind of place where you need to painstakingly earn trust - everyone respects you from the start and you immediately get a place at the table. Your opinions are really valued.
Design
My opinions are valued
Apr 2022
I have been impressed at how much employee wellbeing is valued. My manager constantly checks in with me about my workload, and you're encouraged to delegate and do less things, but do them really well, vs. rushing to complete as many tasks as possible.
Design
Manageable workload
Apr 2022
The company mission is really empowering, the day-to-day work we are doing is helping millions of people. Seeing the positive feedback from our members is really rewarding and keeps us focussed and driven to achieve our goals.
Design
Meaningful work
Apr 2022
The team is really lovely, there is no ego or politics and there is a genuine passion amongst employees to work together to achieve our mission.
Design
Nice people
Apr 2022
There is a lot of autonomy behind our work, we're empowered to drive projects forward and take the lead. The products themselves are innovative and leading the way in the addiction space. Every project is a unique challenge.
Design
Innovative product
Apr 2022
At Quit Genius, constructive feedback is always given across the board to make sure the individual and company is developing at the desired rate for effective growth.
People, HR, Recruitment
Great work is recognised
Apr 2022
Working in a remote position and having the ability to be flexible with my working pattern is something I appreciate every day. I have a young family so the option of starting earlier or finishing later is something I really like.
People, HR, Recruitment
Flexible working
Apr 2022
The chance of working with industry leaders in a range of different departments allows the opportunity to learn in new areas. My department leader is always encouraging me to access training courses and resources to help me develop in my role.
People, HR, Recruitment
Opportunities to learn
Apr 2022
The solution we are developing is helping people fight their addictions, through the content we deliver and the support of the coaches. This is especially important in light of COVID
Software Engineering
Meaningful work
Apr 2022
The company has quarterly "Me days" where we are free to do anything we like, with the idea being it gives you time to focus on what you enjoy outside of work.
Software Engineering
Focus on employee wellbeing
Apr 2022
The company is growing quickly, but in a controlled way. Roles are identified where needed filling gaps that appear as the growth increases.
Software Engineering
Growing fast
Apr 2022
The company is pretty good at creating a great work / life balance. We have access to a free subscription for Calm, we got our Yoga sessions, a "Me time" day off offered quarterly by the company and lastly, people trust you and do not micro-manage you, which feels great!
Design
Focus on employee wellbeing
Apr 2022
If you need to go to the doctor, pick up your kids at school or just you want to work from home, there is no problem, you can do it. you can choose your working hours that works best for you, what matter is that you do the job!
Design
Flexible working
Apr 2022
I have been working for a few different companies in the past and there is none that have a meaningful mission as Quit Genius! Your work has an impact on people's life and this is the best feeling! I love to read the comments from the people that used our product to tell us how we managed to help them, it is the best reward your can get!
Design
Inspiring mission
Apr 2022