About us

Hetki began from our experience and a shared problem.

The problem

High performers rely heavily on their minds. They train their skills and bodies, but often overlook the mind, even though it drives everything they do.

35%of elite athletes report anxiety or depression symptoms
~2 yrsmedian esports career duration
54%of startup founders reported burnout in the past year

We built it for ourselves first

Hey, we're Vilppu and Joni. We're obsessed with combining data, AI, and mental training. Both of us relied on it throughout our careers. Vilppu spent years scaling data analytics in a fintech startup, Joni worked in ML and data science. The long days and pressure were normal. Mental training helped us stay sharp and perform, but existing apps felt generic and passive.

We began by mapping what data actually matters for performance, stress and recovery, and reviewing the research behind it. When llms arrived, it became clear we could generate guidance that adapts to real signals instead of giving everyone the same script. Even the earliest prototypes felt more personal and useful than anything we had tried before.

Then we started experimenting

We tested early versions with professional athletes, esports players, and companies. The pattern was consistent: personalized sessions worked better, people stayed engaged, and progress felt real.

We saw the biggest potential in sports and esports, where mental performance directly impacts results. Teams were looking to support their players' mental performance at scale. Founders and high performers also resonated with the approach.

Democratizing access

If AI can tailor guidance in real time, we can make something accessible that used to be available only to a few:

  • Personal mental performance coaches
  • Professional sports psychology
  • Long-term coaching relationships
  • Team-wide mental performance programs

Even top teams have limited coaching resources. Hetki extends what coaches can do, supporting every player 24/7, not just on match days.

Today

We build Hetki around a simple truth: structured, data-driven mental training is one of the most effective tools for performance and wellbeing. AI allows us to give professional-grade guidance to anyone.

A mental training platform built for individuals and teams. Created from our own needs, designed to adapt to each user, and focused on what actually matters. High-quality, personalised mental training that helps you think, perform, and live better.

Vilppu and Joni

Ready to level up your team?

Give your athletes the mental edge. Join leading esports and sports teams using Hetki.

Contact us