Our startup: friendship and hobbies app Linkup

Hi Jack! What is Linkup?‍

Linkup is the trailblazing new social app, encouraging like-minded people to meet in the moment and meet new people anytime and anywhere. Linkup is a platform for creating and discovering real-life ‘linkups’ spontaneously connecting you to like-minded people in your area.

Revolutionising the way we build new connections and forge friendships, Linkup gives users the opportunity to create linkups based on shared passions or interests. Post-pandemic, the struggle to socialise again and form bonds with new people has created a deeper reliance on social media and digital networks. Linkup is flipping the current situation on its head, with a vision to provide a simple, easy and fun way to meet people in real life: a social media app that makes you sociable.

Why does the market need your product?

Linkup provides a unique solution for individuals looking to meet new people with similar interests in their area. With the increasing use of technology for communication and socialising, there is a growing need for real-life interactions and face-to-face connections. Linkup offers a way for people to come together and form relationships based on shared interests and hobbies, providing a more meaningful and personal experience compared to virtual interactions. Additionally, Linkup addresses the challenges of traditional methods of meeting new people, such as relying on chance encounters or limited social circles, by proactively connecting individuals with others who share their passions.

Where is the business today? 

We are currently in the alpha launch stage, having successfully completed a soft launch in October. During the soft launch, the app was tested with its first few thousand users within Manchester, allowing us to gather valuable feedback and make any necessary improvements. With the alpha launch, Linkup is now available nationwide, opening up new opportunities for growth and expanding our reach to a larger audience.

What's your biggest strength?

Linkup's unique selling point is its focus on real-life connections, making it a valuable tool for individuals looking to expand their social network and form relationships based on shared interests. This sets Linkup apart from other similar products on the market. Linkup has a user-friendly interface and a commitment to helping users connect with others in a meaningful way, which we belive makes Linkup a standout player in the market.

What is the secret to making the business work?

First, delivering a high-quality user experience is critical to building a strong and loyal user base. This requires a robust and effective algorithm, a user-friendly interface, and a deep understanding of the needs of its users. Additionally, the app must be reliable, responsive, and provide excellent customer service to retain its users.

Second, marketing and reaching the target audience are crucial to driving user adoption and growth. This requires a strategic and targeted approach, leveraging both traditional and digital marketing channels to reach potential users and effectively communicate the unique value proposition of the app.

Finally, continuously gathering feedback from users and making improvements is essential to maintaining relevance and staying ahead of competitors. By listening to its users and continuously iterating based on their needs and suggestions, Linkup can remain a top choice for individuals looking to expand their social network and form relationships based on shared interests.

What funding do you have? Is it enough?‍

Have raised £770K to date. This amount is enough for us to build our MVP and go to market. We anticipate our next round to be within the next 6 months. 

What is your future vision?‍

The future vision for Linkup is to revolutionise the way people socialise and bring together individuals who share common passions and hobbies. We aim to achieve unicorn status in the next few years and become one of the big giants in the social app landscape.

To achieve this vision, we will continue to invest in user acquisition and engagement strategies to build a large, active, and loyal user base. This will include developing and refining the app's features and user experience, as well as leveraging marketing and advertising campaigns to reach new audiences. In terms of differentiation, we will strive to stay ahead of the curve and offer innovative and unique features that set it apart from competitors. This could include developing new algorithms and technologies, as well as experimenting with new forms of social engagement and collaboration. We will look to expand into new markets and regions, as well as diversify our offerings to reach a wider range of individuals and communities. This could involve developing new verticals or offering new services and products that cater to specific interests and lifestyles.

By executing these initiatives, we aim to create a social platform that connects individuals, strengthens communities, and revolutionises the way people interact and socialise. We are committed to delivering on our vision and becoming a leading player in the social app landscape.