App Raises $14M to Combat Loneliness

The Challenge of Modern Connection

Alyx van der Vorm once found herself pondering a simple yet pervasive thought on a Friday evening: “I should spend time with others.”

Despite this desire, she again faced a solitary Friday night, initially considering a trip to the gym. It was then she recognized the increasing difficulty of coordinating plans with acquaintances in today’s world.

“The process of determining availability, exchanging messages, and exploring possibilities felt unnecessarily complex; it seemed illogical that enjoying a movie at home required a single click, while connecting with a friend involved numerous steps,” van der Vorm explained.

Understanding the Loneliness Epidemic

At 25 years of age, van der Vorm embodies Generation Z – a demographic characterized by constant connectivity, yet paradoxically reporting high levels of isolation and loneliness. Her academic background includes computational neuroscience studies at Harvard University, followed by research into the impact of social bonds on both mental and physical well-being.

“The evidence is compelling. Social isolation can have detrimental physical effects comparable to those of widely recognized health risks,” she stated. “This realization solidified my belief that fostering friendships isn’t a trivial pursuit, but a genuine public health concern.”

The Birth of Clyx

Driven by these insights, van der Vorm initiated the development of Clyx in 2020 – a social platform designed to connect users with local community events. Currently, the app boasts 50,000 active users purchasing event tickets and over 200,000 browsing available options.

The company has recently secured $14 million in Series A funding, spearheaded by Blitzscaling Ventures, with additional investment from figures like Iqram Magdon-Ismail, co-founder of Venmo, and former F1 driver Nico Rosberg.

How Clyx Works

Clyx operates on a straightforward principle: it aggregates event information from platforms like Ticketmaster and TikTok, presenting users with opportunities in their cities. The app also provides recommendations for new venues and allows users to synchronize their contacts to identify events attended by their friends.

Furthermore, Clyx incorporates a compatibility engine that suggests potential connections at events. “This allows users to enter a social setting with pre-existing knowledge, such as ‘Thomas shares my interests; we should connect,’” van der Vorm clarified.

Facilitating Connection and Building Relationships

The application proactively encourages both initial connections and ongoing engagement, alleviating “the discomfort of initiating contact with strangers” and simplifying the process of maintaining friendships. Clyx also features “Programs” – a series of recurring events designed to foster familiarity and build relationships within a consistent group.

“This repeated interaction is crucial for transforming acquaintances into genuine friends, and it’s proven to be a particularly successful feature,” van der Vorm noted.

“Individuals generally possess friendships,” she continued. “The challenge lies in finding friends who are geographically close, available simultaneously, and interested in similar activities. We aim to reduce the logistical hurdles and encourage the next step, preventing momentum from fading after a simple ‘we should meet up.’”

Serendipitous Connections

Van der Vorm shared with TechCrunch that her initial investors were identified through her network, including a chance encounter at a coffee shop that led to a valuable introduction.

Her connection with Magdon-Ismail stemmed from a recommendation following a presentation at the Harvard Club, highlighting the role of fortunate timing and circumstance. She described a pattern of beneficial coincidences.

“Simon Sinek’s involvement also arose organically,” she said. “Someone recognized the resonance between my work on friendship and his own, and facilitated an introduction.”

Expansion and Future Plans

Currently, Clyx is available in Miami and London, with plans to launch in New York this month and Sao Paulo later this year. The company is also prioritizing product development, brand partnerships, and team expansion.

While other apps like Posh, Meetup, Dice, Eventbrite, Bumble, and even Hinge offer similar functionalities, van der Vorm believes Clyx can differentiate itself.

“My vision is to create a world where socializing is as effortless as consuming digital content,” she stated. “If this contributes to increased happiness, improved health, and a stronger sense of belonging, that’s the impact I aspire for Clyx to achieve.”