Boomers are the fastest-growing demographic on social media, while millennials use it as a consumer marketplace for discovery. But, the next generation is trading in traditional social networking and trading up for real-world connections.
Executive Summary
BUDDY is the first-ever social utility app that connects users in real life. With core features and design created with Gen Z and Gen A advisors, BUDDY is made to empower this largest global population segment.
With over 2.4bn Gen Z individuals and a $30.2bn market opportunity, users can stay connected with their “buddies only” network by leveraging our proprietary mesh technology to solve the critical issue of unreliable connectivity. Our innovative tech is also used for our ground-breaking acquisition strategy, acquiring users within any crowd situation, without a CAC—solving the industry challenge in DTC apps with the ever increasing CAC.
In addition to the DTC app, we provide white label B2B products that enhance operational efficiency and engagement for large capacity venues addressing the same connectivity challenges.
BUDDY plans to scale through event and brand partnerships, build audiences organically, and use our unique acquisition strategy to dominate 1.5% of the market, with 36mm users by 2028.
The Problem
Since 2021 34% of Gen Z are leaving social media, mainly attributed to social media exhaustion and the overwhelming burden of information overload. This trend highlights the challenges faced by this demographic in navigating the digital landscape and the importance of technology solutions that support their well-being and connections in real life.
Buddies Only
64% of Gen Z are concerned about 'always being perceived' when using social networking.
Connectivity Decline
11 out of every 100 U.S. mobile users experienced issues with data, text, or call attempts in 2023.
Digital Anxiety
30% of Gen Z worry about the amount of time they spend on social media.
FOMO Fatigue
54% of Gen Z plan to travel for live events in the next 12 months due to FOMO.
The Solution
Our approach taps into a significant market opportunity, targeting the largest, most influential demographic—Gen Z—and prepares for future shifts in digital culture. By addressing the core issues of decentralized social media use and authentic connectivity, BUDDY is positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Always Connected
Stay in the loop with your crew, anytime, anywhere. No more FOMO—BUDDY's innovative tech takes you from URL → IRL.
No Service, No Problem
Our patented tech ensures you can chat even when there's no cell or WiFi service available. Whether you’re at a festival, soccer match, or just out of signal, BUDDY has you covered.
Spot Sharing
Easily share your go-to hangout spots, secret finds, and important locations with your friends. AI-driven location-based gamification will also reward you for experiencing life in person.
Peace of Mind
Share your location and plans with peace of mind. Loops and spots auto-delete after 24 hours, so you can stay spontaneous and safe without a constant digital trail.
BUDDY isn't just keeping up with demographic and cultural shifts—we're leading the way. Our innovative social utility technology ensures we not only stay relevant and valuable, but ahead of the curve, even as the next-gen digital landscape evolves.
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To be the world's most-trusted, next-gen app that provides people with a more authentic, fulfilling, and safe life.
Vision
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To create a healthier and safer world by providing people with a social tool that empowers them to stay more connected.
Mission
Executive Team
Founder Market Fit
Our executive leadership team’s vast DTC and activations experience, deep global corporate and influencer partner relationships, and the tireless drive to make a difference are key to setting BUDDY apart from any app available today and designed for the social demands of the next generation.
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Claire Wright, CEO
3x Founder with Global DTC Exit
An innovative entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience in Fortune 500 companies, scaling and building successful businesses. Driven by a tireless passion to make a difference.
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Logan Nguyen, CTO
2x Founder with Social Media Exit
With 20+ years in software development, he has taken two DTC companies public as VP and led his own company to a successful exit.
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Ryh-Ming Poon, CSO
Fortune 500 Strategist with $4b+ Revenue
Strategy and marketing executive with 25+ years of experience in entertainment and tech. Expert in Gen Z, contributing to over $4B in sales.
Milestones
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Initial CAC: $14
CPI: $5
Growth:
November: +188%
December: +315%
January +318 %
Sticky Metrics:
D1 Retention: 23%
K-Factor: Average share is 2 (well above the 1.0 benchmark for viral growth).
Key Wins:
Partnerships with People’s March and Technoparade.
New Revenue Opportunity:
B2B Rev-Share Product launching June 2025.
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Celebrity endorsement around safety app
Elton John Foundation Partnership
Featured in Forbes & VentureBeat
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BUDDY has partnered with People’s March (Women’s March) US as the official tech partner for marchers to use to keep SAFE and stay connected
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$1.1mm raised with Gaming veterens to build first-ever social utility app and patent proprietary mesh technology.
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20% App Store download conversion and 3% social media campaign conversion.
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Built with Gen Z and Gen A advisors to solve real problems and ensure brand and marketing resonance.
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Technology approved and available on the App Store; currently allowing select target users in for beta testing.
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BUDDY® trademark registered and patent filed.
References
Tiffany, K. (2022). The Personal Brand Is Dead. The Atlantic.
Freeman Gen Z Report. (2023). Digital Natives and Live Events. Freeman™️.
Freger, A. (2022). How Gen Z is changing social media—and why marketers should care. Emarketer.
2024 GWI Social Media Report. Social Behind the Scenes. GWI. 2023.
Robinson, M. (2017). Your Smart Phone Reduces Your Brain Power, Even If It’s Just Sitting There. The Atlantic.
Humphrey, Q. & Tan, E. (2023). Youth Culture 2023. WGSN.
Kemp, S. (2023). Digital 2023 April Global Statshot Report. Reportal.
Semeuls, A. (2023). You’re Not Imaging It: Cell Phone Reception Is Getting Worse. Time.