Building a matching app for an award-winning SocialTech start-up
myBuddy is a SocialTech start-up that, under the motto ‘einfach.zusammen.wachsen.’ (simply.growing.together.), promotes cultural togetherness to unfold the dormant potential in our society and economy.
2021
Mannheim
Social Services
Together with their development partner SPRYLAB, myBuddy has created the first event-based matching app for the younger generation, making it easier to “escape your own social bubble.” Users are not only rewarded with exclusive perks but also experience a new way of making friends. The app’s core concept offers an innovative solution to the pressing social challenges of our time by reconnecting people and cultures. The Mannheim-based SocialTech start-up has already received numerous prestigious awards, including “Young Innovator Germany” at the World Summit Award and the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award for founder Weihua Wang in Dubai.
The challenge: An app that creates real connections
From the very beginning, a core concern for myBuddy was to use a digital solution only as a means to an end: bringing people together in real life. Compared to existing matching apps, myBuddy therefore relies on a completely new approach. Instead of connecting people via swipes, the app focuses on events and activities first. Users can choose from a wide variety of events—from sports matches and concerts to pottery workshops or exclusive myBuddy events. In addition, they benefit from special “Bud” perks such as free admission, complimentary drinks, or discounts offered through the app.
“From the very beginning, SPRYLAB supported us not just as a technical partner but also understood our vision. That is critical to building a successful digital product in the end, an aspect that is often underestimated. Because in the end, choosing a tech partner is not just about coding.”
The solution: Individual matching with a focus on events
This reimagined matching system makes it possible to connect people offline in a targeted way based on shared interests. This makes the motto “Escape your Bubble” incredibly easy to put into practice. At the same time, the technology makes this social innovation scalable, allowing the myBuddy impact to grow along with the platform. Using an agile development approach, we were able to create an MVP version of the app for iOS and Android that serves as the foundation for future development.
“In 2024, it really shouldn’t matter where you come from. We think the much more exciting question is: Where are you going tonight? We suggest trying out the myBuddy app for that!” says Weihua Wang with a wink. “The SPRYLAB team was a very understanding partner throughout the entire process, one that truly grasped and supported our needs and way of working as a start-up.”
The outlook: An app that connects people
Since its launch, myBuddy has received a great deal of positive feedback from the community. The collaboration was characterized by close communication and iterative development. Wang summarizes: “From the very beginning, SPRYLAB supported us not just as a technical partner, but by truly understanding our vision. That is crucial for building a successful digital product—an aspect that is often underestimated. Because, in the end, choosing a tech partner is about more than just pure programming.”
Group matching is currently in a testing phase, and numerous other features are planned to continuously expand the offering for users. The first version of the myBuddy app lays a successful foundation for nationwide scaling and demonstrates how technology can be used strategically to solve societal challenges through social innovation.
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