Stephanie Barchetti Pioneers Health Education Through Innermore

Stephanie Barchetti, Founder of the emerging health education company Innermore, is on a mission to reshape the landscape of health education through innovation and community-centric ideals. Based in Pittsburgh, Innermore not only represents her personal ambition but also serves as a beacon of regional growth and entrepreneurial spirit.

Barchetti's journey into entrepreneurship began notably distinct from where she stands today. Originally engaged in public relations, she found her starting point at an events company right out of college. Her rise through the ranks, characterized by increasing responsibilities, was swift but not without its trials. The demanding pace and growing pressures eventually led to burnout—an experience that, while challenging, catalyzed her pivot towards something more personally fulfilling and impactful.

The inception of Innermore marks a significant turn in Barchetti’s career path towards the health education sector, driven by her desire for a true calling. It is this shift from PR to health education that underscores a narrative of transformation fueled by personal insights and social-driven motives.

Innermore is a platform designed to help individuals develop the foundational skills they need to take an active role in their healthcare experiences. Barchetti explained that rather than offering quick solutions, creating information overload or giving generic symptom-based responses, it focuses on empowering users to make decisions that are aligned with their personal context—things like their values, lifestyle, and health goals.

“Our goal is just to give that consumer the space to actually be present in their experience.” said Barchetti.

The process starts with creating a health lens. Users identify their needs, preferences, and past experiences to better understand how those factors shape their unique approach to health. From there, the user will access the AI Companion. This primary tool is designed to offer real-time support through dynamic conversations, interactive tools, tailored research, and skill-building simulations. As they navigate different health scenarios, it helps them feel more informed, confident and proactive.

“Our goal is just to give that consumer the space to actually be present in their experience.” said Barchetti.

Choosing to lay the foundational roots of Innermore in Pittsburgh was a strategic and heartfelt decision. Her pride in contributing to her local economy is palpable. Barchetti expressed a deep appreciation for the potential of the Pittsburgh region to flourish through innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives. She is focused not just on building a company, but also on fostering community and economic growth.

Innermore is currently in a critical phase, aggressively moving to close out its pre-seed funding round. Barchetti's leadership is steering the company towards engaging with potential angel investors and partners who share a vision for social impact, particularly in mental health and progressive healthcare initiatives. The focus is on securing investments that align with their mission, ideally from within Pittsburgh to further solidify their commitment to the region's development, though they remain open to opportunities that may arise outside.

While her roots are firmly planted in Pittsburgh, Barchetti acknowledges the potential need to expand outward depending on where the support comes from. Her team is actively working on expanding their network, readying the company to scale and adapt in the dynamic landscape of health tech startups.

While still navigating her entrepreneurial journey, Barchetti hopes more people choose her path as well and offers insights for those ready to jump in: “I would say to just take every opportunity as somewhat of a lesson. There's always something to take away from it. You don't know where it's gonna fit later, but it will.”