Wisdom: Social Audio for Mentorship

A New Mentorship Marketplace: Wisdom Launches

U.K.-based social audio company Wisdom has introduced a novel mentorship platform, drawing comparisons to both Clubhouse and MasterClass, the platform known for its celebrity-led courses.

How the Platform Works

The application enables users to discover and participate in live conversations, with the option to submit questions directly. Recordings of these discussions are automatically saved to the speaker’s profile for on-demand listening.

The core focus of these interactions is the provision of advice, covering a wide spectrum of topics including parenting, relationships, career development, financial planning, mental and physical well-being, and more.

Algorithm and Content Moderation

Wisdom utilizes an algorithm, modeled after TikTok’s recommendation system, to suggest relevant talks to users. This system considers topic hashtags and user behavior, such as clicks and engagement duration, to prioritize high-quality content.

The platform also incorporates reporting mechanisms and 24/7 human monitoring to ensure a safe and positive user experience.

Expert Network and Early Adoption

Currently, Wisdom boasts approximately 10,000 registered “experts” offering insights through audio livestreams, following a period of initial testing. The app’s development commenced roughly eight months ago, according to the founder.

While open to all, Wisdom features a verification process for designated “Top Mentors” to assist users in identifying credible sources of information.

Incentivizing Knowledge Sharing

To encourage participation, Wisdom is introducing a virtual currency, Mentorcoin, awarded to users based on listens and engagement with their talks. This is intended to foster a thriving creator ecosystem.

Mentorcoin can be redeemed for gift cards from retailers like Amazon and Target, or donated to charitable organizations such as the Clean Water Fund. Future plans include expanded monetization options for mentors.

Future Monetization and Features

The company is exploring the possibility of enabling mentors to offer paid one-on-one consultations. Currently, the platform remains focused on social audio interactions.

Founder and CEO Dayo Akinrinade emphasizes the accessibility of audio, stating, “Social audio is a leveller, not everybody writes so well… but everyone can speak. Audio is authentic, allowing for greater vulnerability.”

Expanding Access to Mentorship

Akinrinade highlights the lasting value of archived talks, providing ongoing access to knowledge and mentorship. She envisions a feature called “Audio Office Hours,” allowing experts to schedule regular live sessions.

“Experts could go live on Wisdom – it might be once a week, it might be once a month – announcing these as their audio office hours, accessible to anyone who follows them.”

Differentiation and Core Values

Wisdom distinguishes itself from other social audio platforms through its creator-centric approach. It also prioritizes supporting diverse voices and democratizing access to mentorship.

“The mission is to democratize access to mentorship and to democratize access to knowledge. Knowledge shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be a right,” explains Akinrinade.

Platform Features and Accessibility

The app includes features designed to promote inclusivity, such as a timer to ensure equitable participation in conversations.

Initially, Wisdom will focus on English-speaking countries, including the U.K., the U.S., Australia, and Canada.

Origins and Inspiration

Akinrinade, with a background in management consultancy and prior startup experience (Africlick, a London-based Black dating app), identified the need for improved mentorship access while working at OneTech, a U.K. diversity in startups program.

She observed the limitations of platforms like LinkedIn, where experts are often overwhelmed with unsolicited requests for advice.

Funding and Launch

Wisdom is supported by a group of angel investors whom Akinrinade connected with on Clubhouse. The idea for Wisdom emerged from conversations during these social audio interactions.

The startup aims to dismantle barriers to knowledge and facilitate a more equitable access to mentorship opportunities.