Antoinette Patterson is the co-founder and CEO of Safe Space, a pioneering B2B2C mental healthtech company that is renowned for offering fast, affordable mental health therapy, coaching, and preventive education. 

Safe Space is now leveraging their expertise to deepen their impact in mental health education and early intervention. 

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👋🏼  How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I run a pioneering regional mental health tech company called Safe Space, which connects people to the right mental health support—whether that’s counselling, coaching, education, or self-help tools—quickly and affordably. 

We use technology to make mental health care accessible, breaking down barriers like cost, stigma, and long wait times. 

Think of it as a mix between a digital mental wellness hub and a personalized support system for anyone who needs help, whether they’re individuals, employees, or entire organizations.

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🧐  What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

One surprising thing? People assume that because I run a mental health company for the last 8 years, I must have it all figured out—but the truth is, I struggle with stress and founder burnout too. 

Founding Safe Space didn’t make me immune to the same challenges we help others navigate. In fact, it made me even more aware of how important it is to set boundaries and practice what I preach. 

Some days, that means stepping away from work, going to therapy myself, or even just embracing the chaos and telling myself "I accept". 

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‍🏆  What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

One of the biggest highlights of my career so far has been Safe Space winning the National Healthcare Group (NHG) contract to provide mental health support to their clinicians and nurses. 

It was a pivotal moment because it validated the impact of our work at an institutional level. Partnering with NHG meant that we weren’t just another mental health startup—we were a trusted player in Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem. 

It reinforced my belief that technology can bridge critical gaps in mental health accessibility and that Safe Space is making a real, measurable difference in people’s lives so that our clients can continue to help others. 

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🔍  What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?

I'm closely watching the rise of AI-driven mental health solutions. The potential for AI to enhance mental health care—whether through chatbots, predictive analytics, or dynamic counselling/coaching recommendations—is massive. 

The key challenge is ensuring ethical AI use while maintaining human connection, but I believe the right balance can revolutionize how we approach mental well-being, making support more accessible, scalable even to rural areas, and effective across different life stages.

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💼  What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

Mental health is a deeply personal and complex space—so build with empathy, not just innovation. 

Listen to your users, collaborate with professionals, and prioritize trust and ethics in everything you do. It’s not just about creating a product; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives. 

Also, pace yourself—founder burnout is real, even in this industry. Take care of your own mental health while trying to help others.

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🗣  What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

One thing I could talk about for hours is mental health—how it intersects with technology, workplaces, and everyday life. I’m always passionate about exploring new ways to make mental wellness more accessible and breaking down the stigma. 

Outside of work, I could also go on and on about strength training and dancing. Both have taught me so much about discipline and embracing my body in ways I never thought possible. 

And of course, Brazilian samba is one of my fave dances! The rhythm, the energy, and the joy—it's one of those things that instantly lifts my spirits.

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🎥  What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

Bridgerton is a TV show that I have on repeat to destress. 

Not many know this, but I'm also a big anime fan; I love shows like Arcane and Pantheon on Netflix.

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🍨  What's your go-to ice cream flavor?

One of my employees LOVES "Birds Of Paradise" and now it's become my go-to favourite ice cream place too. 

The flavours I love the most are "Midnight Gianduja" and "Osmanthus Pear Sorbet" as they really hit the spot when I want something rich or refreshing