In this week’s episode of Found, Dom and Becca are joined by former Bonobos CEO Andy Dunn to talk about his mission to reverse America’s loneliness epidemic through Pie, an app built to facilitate connections in the real world.
The Idea Behind Pie
Dunn shares how he was inspired to create Pie after moving to a new city. He wanted to build an app that would enable people to connect with each other in-person by facilitating events based on common interests. Dunn refers to these users as ‘IRL creators,’ which stands for "In Real Life" creators.
"We need to stimulate a new gig economy," Dunn said. "These are the people who are enterprising, who bring others together. And we actually launched a fund called the Pie Creator Fund to stimulate and to fund them and to back them into creating these IRL communities."
The mission behind Pie is to curb social isolation, especially as we’re still feeling the effects of the pandemic, with smaller social circles and working remotely.
Lessons from Fundraising for Bonobos
In this conversation, Dunn also discusses the lessons he brought from fundraising for Bonobos to Pie. He shares how he learned the importance of building relationships with investors and creating a strong brand identity.
"I think one of the biggest lessons I took away from raising money for Bonobos was the importance of building relationships with your investors," Dunn said. "It’s not just about getting the money, it’s about building a partnership that can last for years to come."
Dunn also talks about how he uses his experience in fundraising to inform his approach to growth and scaling at Pie.
The Path to Mass Adoption
While Pie has been gaining traction, the path to mass adoption of this kind of social network isn’t clear. Dunn acknowledges that it will take time and effort to build a large user base and create a sustainable business model.
"It’s not going to happen overnight," Dunn said. "We’re in it for the long haul. We’re building a movement here, and we need to be patient and stay focused on our mission."
Protecting Mental Health as a Founder
Dunn also opens up about his personal journey as a founder and how he protects his mental health.
"As a founder, you’re constantly pushing yourself to the limit," Dunn said. "You’re working long hours, making tough decisions, and dealing with stress and uncertainty. It’s essential to prioritize your mental health and take breaks when needed."
Dunn shares how he makes time for self-care and prioritizes his relationships with loved ones.
Building a Consumer Movement in the Midwest
Dunn also talks about building a consumer movement in the Midwest, where Pie is gaining traction. He shares how he uses social media to engage with users and create a sense of community around Pie.
"We’re not just building an app, we’re building a movement," Dunn said. "We’re creating a platform for people to connect with each other and build meaningful relationships."
Conclusion
In this conversation, Andy Dunn shares his vision for reversing America’s loneliness epidemic through Pie. He talks about the lessons he learned from fundraising for Bonobos, the importance of protecting mental health as a founder, and building a consumer movement in the Midwest.
As we navigate the post-pandemic world, it’s clear that social isolation is a growing concern. Dunn’s mission to create a platform that facilitates connections in the real world is timely and necessary.
Listen to the Full Episode
Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation with Andy Dunn. Listen to the full episode of Found on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
About the Guest
Andy Dunn is the founder of Pie and former CEO of Bonobos. He’s a seasoned entrepreneur and leader in the tech industry.
About the Hosts
Dom and Becca are the hosts of Found, a podcast that explores the latest trends and innovations in technology and entrepreneurship.
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