Wondermind, the mental health startup co-founded by pop star Selena Gomez, is facing serious financial strain, with multiple reports of unpaid employees and vendors surfacing this week. According to Forbes, salaries have been delayed since March 2025, triggering concern and criticism within the wellness and startup communities.
Launched in 2021 by Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey, and media entrepreneur Daniella Pierson, Wondermind gained early traction with its mission to promote “mental fitness” through original content such as podcasts and interviews. The company drew significant attention after securing $5 million in funding in 2022, boasting a $100 million valuation with backing from major investors like Serena Ventures and Sequoia Capital.
Despite its high-profile support, the company now finds itself in financial distress. Sources told Forbes that Teefey informed staff on May 8 she had taken out a personal loan against her home to help address company debts. Although one round of delayed salaries has reportedly been paid, another remains pending.
A Wondermind spokesperson responded: “Like many startups, Wondermind has been working through its own set of growing pains. In the coming days, we will be transitioning into a new chapter… dues will be paid by Monday (May 12).”
Teefey declined to comment further, while Selena Gomez’s representatives did not respond to inquiries. Gomez, though listed as the company’s chief impact officer, is reportedly not involved in day-to-day operations. She continues to lead Rare Beauty, her successful cosmetics brand, which generated an estimated $370 million in revenue in 2023.
The financial troubles reportedly began in early 2023 following the exit of co-founder Pierson, leaving Teefey to manage operations alone. Internal emails and recordings cited by Forbes suggest Wondermind also owes significant payments to freelance writers and PR agencies.