Shimmer

Shimmer operates an online coaching platform for adults with ADHD and executive function challenges. Members complete an intake covering their ADHD background, specific challenges and coach preferences, are matched with an ADHD coach, and then meet in recurring video sessions (15, 30 or 45 minutes weekly depending on plan). Between sessions, coaches assign action steps inside the app, and members access video, text and visual learning resources and exercises. Common focus areas include time management, procrastination, emotional regulation, habit and routine formation, motivation, self-acceptance and confidence. The platform is available on iOS, Android and the web.

The program was designed with psychologists, a clinical advisor and an ADHD coach, and the company states its methods were developed in partnership with NYU, UC Berkeley and UCSF. Shimmer employs a principal coaching psychologist and has announced a scientific study on ADHD coaching outcomes with universities in the US and UK. Alongside human coaching, the company has layered AI into the product, launching "Shimmer 2.0: AI-assisted ADHD Coaching," a body-doubling feature, and Indy, a free AI-powered ADHD support app built around future mapping, daily and weekly check-ins, pattern insights, structured problem-solving when users are stuck, and progress tracking. Shimmer also runs a merchandise store whose profits fund an ADHD Coaching Scholarship Program.

Beyond direct-to-consumer memberships, the company provides pro bono coaching to government agencies, universities and nonprofits, and has stated plans to work with provider, payor and employer partners to reduce members' out-of-pocket costs, as well as to extend support to other neurotypes such as autism and to add corporate training and community offerings.

Founding story

Founder and CEO Christal (Chris) Wang was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and, after being prescribed medication, looked for behavioral alternatives. She found ADHD coaching effective in principle but priced around $300 an hour and difficult to navigate, with no specific coach recommendation available from her psychiatrist; she completed 10 to 20 consultations with coaches and therapists without finding an affordable good fit. She interviewed people with ADHD, doctors and coaches, dropped out of the Berkeley-Haas MBA/MPH program, and co-founded Shimmer with CTO Vikram Sreedhar, a Stanford graduate and co-founder of the nonprofit M.A.D. Together. The pair worked with psychologists, a clinical advisor and an ADHD coach to build the platform.

Business model

Direct-to-consumer subscription memberships for 1:1 ADHD coaching, sold at monthly price points tied to session length and frequency, with an accompanying app and learning content. Memberships are stated to be HSA/FSA-eligible. The company has said it intends to work with provider, payor and employer partners to reduce members' out-of-pocket costs and to expand into services for companies building inclusive workplaces. A separate merchandise store sells branded apparel and accessories, with profits directed to an ADHD coaching scholarship program.

Recurring monthly subscription fees. Reported plans include weekly 15-minute sessions at $140/month, weekly 30-minute sessions at $230/month (described as the most popular package) and weekly 45-minute sessions at $345/month; an earlier reviewer reported a $99/month basic plan with a weekly 15-minute call. Merchandise sales provide an additional, scholarship-directed revenue stream.

Traction

Launched publicly in October 2022. By January 2024, coaches had delivered more than 15,000 coaching sessions to a global audience, with a network of 30+ ADHD coaches (up from roughly 15 coaches in early 2023). A later Y Combinator launch post for Indy cites more than 80,000 coaching sessions supported. The company reports that 83 percent of members said they were better able to manage their ADHD after six weeks. Total funding raised is reported at $3.5 million; team size is listed as 9.

Latest developments

Shimmer launched Indy, a free AI-powered ADHD support app offering future mapping, daily and weekly check-ins, longitudinal pattern insights, framework-based problem solving and visible progress tracking, positioned as continuous support between human coaching moments. The company also runs a merchandise store funding an ADHD Coaching Scholarship Program and is hiring a remote social media and growth role.