INVITE ONLY
Networking in a virtual world- Apps I have been using
2020 - An explosion in the social consumer space with an onus on building community and meeting people virtually. As a doctor I know there is a relationship between good health and strong social connections. A sense of community is noted in the ‘Blue zones’ where people live the longest. Loneliness has also been shown to increase incidence of poor mental health.
There is a lot happening in this space to help people meet in a world where we must socially distance. Technology is here to help ease this pain point. I have been able to have access to a range of apps in beta/ early TestFlight during the last few months. A lot of apps are functioning with a wait list for the beta versions or with exclusive invite links, this helps create a brand and a tighter early community for some start-ups. Here are my takeaways.
You can private message me as I have a few invites for LunbchClubAI, Roadtrip and MuzeChat.
If anyone on Clubhouse is reading this, still on the waitlist so would really appreciate an invite.
LunchclubAI
Lunchclub is a platform in which you fill out your profile, select the number of matches you want per week and then get matched to ‘meet' virtually new people according to you objectives. This can range from a diverse number of people from around the world. I’ve been able to connect with investors in New York for example which otherwise would be difficult.
Great for finding likeminded people
Super networking
Better than linkedin due to video meeting with individuals
Algorithm does well to match people like you and also according to your interests e.g. (find an investor)
Very easy to use interface
Meet people in geographically far places
User- Professional networking, to grow your brand, to look for new opportunities
Chalk. app
Chalk is an audio app in which you can join ‘communities’ such as ‘product club’, ‘DTC growth’, ‘tech talks’ etc. It functions as an audio chat room with a ‘speaking’ section and a ‘listening’ section. It simulates a live talk show/ podcast.
High yield interactions with otherwise hard to reach people
A masterclass in a niche area with the ability for the audience to join the speakers and engage in questions/ discussion
Very seamless to use whilst doing other activities
Inclusive
User- For anyone wanting to learn and interact with people in a given niche.
Roadtrip
Is an app which allows for Spotify playlists to be listened to in ‘rooms’ which can be private or public allowing people to talk as well as listen. There can be a designated ‘DJ’ and people can enter and leave the ‘rooms’. It’s been the best for meeting new people and maximising entertainment value whilst getting to know someone without the awkward small talk.
Great way to meet new people and just hang out
Discover new music
Low fidelity socialising whilst working out or studying
Great for breaking the ice, can talk when wanted and no awkward silences
Can also be like a virtual ‘party’
User- For people wanting to hang out or when working/studying
Discord
This is a voice, video and audio platform to build communities. It functions a bit like online forums with multiple channels. It’s like an upgraded cool version of ‘slack’. I am on Dr Cameron Sepah’s Maximus Tribe community on Discord and it has been very easy to navigate and communicate.
Good place to join a community and have in depth discussions
Unlimited number of members
Multiple channels to discuss different topics and to share your work/respond to questions
Users- Those looking to seek information and to be part of a community or tribe.
Muzechat
Creative messaging app which is almost like a mood board for chatting as you can change formatting of text, colour and drop pictures and GIFs wherever you want on the chat.
More entertaining to chat with friends
Great user interface and easy to use
Better for artistic people
Users- People wanting to talk to friends/family, great to express design/artist flare.
Geneva
A platform for creators and brands or bring together their members and content. It functions as an ‘inner circle’ to allow for group audio, video broadcasts as well as discussion channels
Community building
Exclusive content creation and sharing
Private space
Intuitive interface
Users- People wanting to run a community or a brand. Great for start-ups.
Clubhouse
The app which all of Silicon Valley has been talking about. Has a long wait list and you need an invite to be on boarded on the app. It has created the ultimate FOMO among the tech community. Very exclusive group of people are the early users including VC;s and celebrities. An audio app creating a lot of buzz with the discussions taking place between some big names. Dr Molly Maloof and Dr Dave Rabin are two people I have known for a while now who gave an interesting talk in psychedelics recently on the app.
Status as a service
Ability to network with some very successful people
High quality of conversation
Cutting edge themes being discussed
Users- Exclusive, anyone who can get on via an invite from someone they know.
Opal
With all these apps taking up a lot more of my time, enter Opal an app which helps you focus and limits your time on you phone by stopping the app connecting to the internet . With the focus being on digital mindfulness and limiting time on apps such as instagram and Twitter. Currently has a waitlist and a lot of early users reporting a decrease in screen time.
Increase productivity
Use apps more intentionally
Helps take control of your time
Users- Everyone needs this app
I have really relished meeting people virtually and get to know people in an entirely different geography from the UK.
Owaves
An app to help track your time and plan your activities in your day. A calendar designed for health. With the 3.0 launch we are introducing ‘My Moai’- a feature which helps track what your inner circle of family and friends is doing and also be able to see their day plans.
Great for planning
Co-ordinating with family and friends
Planning a healthy lifestyle into your day- sleep, food, exercise and relaxation
Visually appealing and easy to follow
Circadian optimisation
Users- Everyone needs to use this but especially college students who need to stick to a routine.
Some of the cool people I’ve been able to interact with in the last few months-
Matt Mazzeo- Former VC at lowercase capital and an expert on Tech start ups
Matt has been a delight to follow. He has great insight into what makes a product successful and is always willing to help and created a great community of people on Roadtrip and then allowed us all to interact on Geneva. I have learnt a lot from falling him and the Product Jam he hosted with Lenny Rachitsky was really high yield for any tech entrepreneur.
Gaby Goldberg- Studying cognitive science and symbolic systems at Stanford
Symbolic Systems is a blend of technology and liberal arts. It involves systems that are built with symbols (natural language processing, programming, and formal logic), as well as systems that work with symbols (computers, minds, and complex social networks). The study of symbolic systems involves questions like: How does human cognition work? How do people interact with machines? How human-like can a machine be?
I’ve been following Gaby’s work and particularly enjoyed her piece on the ‘Effects of hype and exclusivity on launch strategy’ - do check it out.
I intend to continue to pick her brain in the future and she recently provided me with insight on social relationships and I am really fascinated by what she’s doing.
Anisha Sunkerneni- Med student and now full stack developer from Lambda school
I first met Anisha on Roadtrip during product hour and the synergies were there due to our common interests in medicine and tech. She’s provided great insight into the latest consumer apps and is great to follow for all things medicine and tech.
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