The landscape of mental health is ever-changing. At the front of this change is Sourav Sengupta, the founder of Small Joys. Small Joys, a groundbreaking mental health startup, has been making a huge impact on the lives of children and teenagers. Sengupta's journey toward founding this company was no easy feat, but one that is certain to inspire many.

Academic and Professional Foundation

Sengupta earned his BS in Mathematics from the University of Calcutta before continuing his education by earning his MS in Financial Risk Management from the University of Connecticut. After graduation, he landed several roles in risk management at leading firms like AIG, KPMG, and Deloitte.

His experiences in assessing and mitigating risks gave him a great foundation in business management, skills he later used to bring Small Joys to fruition. Because of his professional foundation, he was able to take a more practical approach to creating Small Joys as a startup, an experience that others may not have when creating a new business.

Becoming an Entrepreneur — Personal Insights

Over time, Sengupta realized simple project management wasn't for him. He decided to begin looking into startups to fulfill his creative drive and desire to see the world become a better place.

That doesn't mean he doesn't still use his skills, though. Sengupta has applied his risk management skills to Small Joys by establishing a comprehensive risk register for the company. His knowledge also helped him navigate many uncertainties as he began his startup, further strengthening his approach to business management.

This wasn't just a professional move for Sengupta but also a personal one. The birth of Sengupta's child greatly influenced his vision, as he began to notice all the gaps in the mental health care system. This was on top of the stress of raising his child outside of his native country, which left him looking for more support. This realization sparked his idea for Small Joys, a startup that works to provide accessible and outcome-focused mental health care for all children.

Small Joys Bright Beginnings

Though creating a startup isn't easy, Sengupta certainly made it look that way. He founded Small Joys in 2020 and based it in Fort Lee, New Jersey. The company uses a combination of generative AI and creative storytelling to help kids and teenagers solve their behavioral health issues. They also partner with primary care physicians to make mental health care more effective. This holistic approach to wellness is not found everywhere.

The response to Small Joys has been overwhelmingly positive. Its innovative approach and commitment to mental health have given patients confidence in its strategies. This reception has helped validate Sengupta's vision and continues to fuel the company's ongoing mission to make a difference in the lives of children of all ages.

Under Sengupta's skilled guidance, the company is thriving and making strides to transform the landscape of pediatric mental health care completely.

Final Thoughts

Sourav Sengupta set out on a mission that wasn't easy, but the rewards have been so great. In just three years, countless children have been positively impacted and have accessed the mental health care they so desperately need.

Sengupta's journey from risk management to founder of this inspirational startup is one that has inspired many and will continue to do so. His blend of professional and personal skills has clearly represented his heartfelt commitment to mental health.

The heart and mind of this visionary turned personal challenges into triumph for both himself and every patient his company encounters. His story is about more than just a startup—it's about improving mental health care for individuals of all ages for countless generations.

In New Jersey and beyond, Small Joys stands as a beacon of hope, a place where every child and adolescent can find their "small joy" in life. Those interested in learning more about the services Small Joys offers can find more information on their website.

Kathleen Wool is a professional wellness writer based in Paterson, New Jersey. When she's not birdwatching at the local park, you can find her trying out a new coffee shop nearby.