Talkspace co-founder Oren Frank dies at 60 after battle with cancer
Frank left advertising to build one of the best-known online mental health platforms with his wife, Roni.
Oren Frank, who founded Talkspace with his wife, Roni, died this morning at the age of 60 after battling cancer for the past year. His wife wrote in a post that he “He fought cancer the same way he lived his life - with his characteristic elegance and grace, with an inspiring sense of acceptance, without drama. Without ever seeing himself as a victim.” Frank, who had lived in the U.S. in recent years, is survived by his wife and their two daughters, Maya and Shelley.
Frank began his career as a creative director in the advertising industry and later became co-CEO of advertising agency McCann. In 2012, he left the advertising world and founded Talkspace with Roni.
The company developed an online platform for mental health treatment, allowing patients to connect remotely with licensed therapists. Talkspace grew rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when healthcare providers around the world were forced to shift large parts of their services online.
The company went public on Wall Street in 2021. Earlier this year, Talkspace was acquired by UHS, one of the largest healthcare providers in the U.S., for $835 million.
