Key Investor Signals
More than 200 people have used the programme
More than 200 people have used step into motion, showing adoption beyond its original research cohorts across the current cancer-aftercare offering.
Secured EXIST funding with university backing
step into motion secured EXIST funding to develop its cancer-aftercare platform, with Gateway Cologne supporting the team through the early startup phase.
Foundation funds access for young cancer survivors
Aline-Reimer-Stiftung covers the full cost of a selected step into motion subscription for eligible young adults after cancer, adding a third-party-funded access route.
Other Positive Signals
- Two company-led studies involved 90 cancer-aftercare participants using the movement course.
- Selected for Impact Factory’s Batch 9 and listed in its social-impact startup community.
Team
Helena Koine
Co-founder
- Developed the original cancer-aftercare prototype through her master's thesis, grounding the venture in applied research.
- Holds an MSc in Psychology in Sport & Exercise, directly relevant to helping survivors build sustainable movement habits.
- Brings psycho-oncological counselling expertise and previous clinical work in a psychosomatic treatment setting.
Jessica Dickes
Co-founder
- Trained in neuropsychology at master’s level, bringing expertise in cognition and behaviour to mental-health coaching.
- Developed Surf Therapy, combining psychological coaching with surfing and nature-based experiences for clients.
- Works as a psychological coach helping clients manage everyday stress and build a more conscious, healthier routine.
Annika Wiese
Co-founder
- Previously coordinated projects at another startup, bringing direct experience of organising work in an early-stage company.
- Managed projects for a climate-protection association, adding practical experience in mission-led programme delivery.
- Studied sports science and sports management before a master’s in sports, media and communication at Cologne.
Product
The platform combines self-paced cancer-aftercare lessons with practical exercises and human support. Participants choose movement or mental-health courses, use a workbook to apply the material and join community exchanges and live calls.
Movement habits in eight modules
The movement course includes eight modules, 35+ coaching videos, 35+ guided mobility routines and 20+ training sessions. A digital workbook helps participants plan, reflect and build movement habits around their starting point.
Nine-module mental-health course
The mental-health course includes nine modules, 45+ coaching videos, 40+ audio exercises and 15+ practical sessions. Users choose three or six months of access and work through the material at their own pace.
Peer connection and live support
Participants can exchange experiences in the community and join weekly mindfulness calls. The movement course also offers a course buddy, combining flexible self-study with regular contact and mutual encouragement.
Market Overview
Cancer survivorship needs extend well beyond any one country. Long-term survivors can face persistent fatigue, anxiety and disruption to daily routines years after treatment. As follow-up becomes less intensive, there remains a broad need for accessible support with movement, stress and mental wellbeing outside the clinic.
step into motion already has a direct-pay model: three- and six-month courses cost €59 and €49 per month, with community access at €16 monthly. Germany’s statutory insurers also reimburse prescribed digital health applications for breast-cancer support, showing a separate payer route for digital oncology care.
Estimated new cancer cases in Germany in 2023, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer.
People in Germany living with a cancer diagnosis made within the preceding 25 years.
Share of German survivors reporting affective, cognitive or physical fatigue 5–16 years after diagnosis.
Pooled prevalence of clinical anxiety among long-term cancer survivors across published studies.
Comparable Outcomes
Hinge Health
Delivered digital musculoskeletal care through guided exercise therapy, wearable sensors and remote clinical support. Hinge Health went public in 2025, creating a public-market precedent for scaling exercise-led care through digital delivery.
Twill
Provided digital mental-health programs combining therapeutic content, coaching and peer-support communities. DarioHealth acquired Twill in 2024, providing an exit precedent for digital care built around guided content, coaching and peer support.
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Sources
This profile was built from public company materials, ecosystem sources, market references, and professional profiles.