How Three Co-Founders' Intimate Experiences with Suicide Shape the Cultural DNA of Their Deep Tech Company

By Victoria Rische, COO and Co-Founder, SoloPulse Corp.

In the fast-paced world of deep tech, where innovation and progress dominate the narrative, we must remember that our greatest asset is not the cutting-edge technology we create but the people behind it. Allyson, Michael, and I, the co-founders of SoloPulse Corp, share one very dark and formative experience–we have endured the painful loss of a family member or loved one to suicide. Sadly, this is no longer a unique experience. According to a study shared by the National Alliance on Mental Health, for every suicide death, there are approximately 115 individuals directly affected by the loss. As our team observes Mental Health Awareness Month, we reflect on how we use these tragic scars to shape the culture of our company. Our company's mission is To Change how the World Sees and Communicates by replacing antiquated mathematics with quantum physics. This mission is not only reflected in our technology but is also mirrored just as strongly in the heart of our company culture. To achieve this grand mission, we have built three fundamental cultural values: compassion, open dialogue, and support.

SoloPulse co-founders (from left to right): Victoria Rische, Allyson McKinney, and Michael McKinney

Compassion: As co-founders who share this experience, we understand the magnitude of the mental health challenges that people face. It has instilled in us deep empathy and a strong drive to create an environment that prioritizes mental health support and promotes overall well-being. Every individual has a unique journey, and it is essential to approach one another with kindness, empathy, and understanding. The SoloPulse team is encouraged to practice compassion for themselves and others through self-care and acts of kindness that benefit the team or community. We hope to empower our employees to develop resilience and maintain healthy work-life integration.

Support: A supportive environment nurtures mental health, productivity, and creativity. We have implemented various initiatives to ensure our team members feel supported and valued. We recognize that each person's needs may vary, and we are dedicated to providing a range of resources and initiatives to meet those needs. Our healthcare plan covers everything from doctor's visits and physical therapy to counseling, vitamins, and sunscreen. Additionally, we prioritize flexible work arrangements to accommodate personal circumstances and ensure a healthy work-life balance. Our team enjoys every other Friday off, respects no work on weekends, supports things such as walks and counseling on the calendar, and has the policy to set work email to "do not disturb" weekdays after seven p.m. Our support extends to personal and professional realms, as we believe that nurturing mental health leads to higher productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction within our team. Finally, we prioritize community in our work culture. Our offices are located in a startup ecosystem in Atlanta, GA that enables random collisions with other early-stage teams, and our founding team leans heavily on the Activate community with whom we can share all our thoughts, fears, and triumphs at any time. These types of shared experience outside the team keeps us embedded in communities facing equivalent challenges and reduces our risks of isolation and mental fatigue.

Open Dialogue: Open dialogue is key to destigmatizing mental health and creating an environment where everyone feels safe to express their thoughts and emotions. We have established a culture of open dialogue by encouraging honest conversations about everything from project timelines to mental health. Our team members are encouraged to share their experiences, challenges, and victories without fear of judgment or reprisal. Through regular check-ins, team meetings, and organized lunches, we create opportunities for individuals to engage in meaningful conversations, gain insights, and support one another.

As co-founders who have personally experienced the profound impact of suicide on our lives, we are deeply committed to creating a company culture that prioritizes the mental health and well-being of our employees. Together, we are building not just a deep tech company but a community that thrives on empathy, understanding, and genuine care for one another. To truly Change how the World Sees and Communicates, we vow to fight against the industry norms and do things differently, starting with our work culture. As we progress on this journey, we aspire to inspire other organizations to recognize the significance of mental health and integrate it into the core of their cultures. During this Mental Health Awareness Month, let us unite to cultivate a world where mental well-being is valued, nurtured, and safeguarded.