This startup wants to help Gen X and baby boomers make friends and hang out IRL. Read its pitch deck.

Meet5 is on a mission to tackle loneliness among Gen X and baby boomers by facilitating real-life connections. The app, which is specifically designed for individuals aged 40 and above, offers opportunities to engage in group activities such as concerts, yoga, hiking, and dancing. CEO Lukas Reinhardt shared with Business Insider that while the app is open to anyone over 18, its average user is around 57 years old. Many users seek to rediscover their youth, especially as they find themselves with more free time after their children have grown up. Originally launched in 2017 as a dating platform named Go Crush, Meet5 pivoted in late 2019 to focus on creating group experiences for older adults. This shift has proven successful, with the company reporting profitability by mid-2024 prior to securing a €8 million (approximately $9 million USD) Series A funding from European venture capital firm Peak. This investment is pivotal for Meet5 as it expands its reach in the U.S., having already launched its services there this summer. The app utilizes a freemium model, charging around $12.50 per month for premium features like private messaging, invite-only events, and event filtering. Despite the challenges of monetizing friendship apps, Reinhardt is optimistic, noting that about 12% of their monthly users opt for the paid subscription. He believes that Meet5’s commitment to fostering community among older users will differentiate it from other social apps, such as 222, Timeleft, and Meetup. Since its U.S. expansion, Meet5 has seen users actively participating in an average of four events each month. The startup is also focused on enhancing its team, currently comprising 65 employees from 15 different nationalities, and plans to increase its hiring in the U.S. as it continues its growth trajectory. With over 1,250 community captains volunteering to strengthen local connections, Meet5 is well on its way to becoming a leading platform for social engagement among older adults, positioning itself as a vital resource for combating loneliness in an increasingly connected yet isolated world.