Maya Watson and Lexi Nisita, co-founders of the new social app called why?!, have a unique connection that predates their entrepreneurial venture. They met while working at Netflix, where they both held positions on the brand and editorial teams. Their professional relationship blossomed into a friendly camaraderie, built on shared experiences and laughter.
"We are also both from Minnesota," Watson explained in an interview. "We just go together."
Their time at Netflix was marked by a series of key learnings that would later influence their approach to building why?!. The duo’s skills complemented each other perfectly, allowing them to tackle various challenges with ease. However, as the years passed, they began to feel stifled by the corporate environment.
The Birth of why?!
After leaving Netflix, Watson and Nisita joined Clubhouse, where they built out the social platform’s editorial and brand teams. Although their time at Clubhouse was productive, it eventually became clear that it wasn’t the right fit for them. They began to feel a sense of restlessness, which ultimately led them to leave and start their own venture.
"The workplace just started to feel more dull, empty and less fulfilling," Watson said, reflecting on their decision to leave Clubhouse. "We wanted to fix that."
This sense of dissatisfaction sparked the idea for why?!, a new conversation app that combines elements of messaging apps, networking platforms, and dating services. The founders’ vision was to create an environment where people could form deep, reciprocal connections with others.
"We’ve interviewed and worked with some therapists and psychologists that helped us understand some of the key factors of closeness," Watson said. "People want to be in relationships that are trustworthy, meaningful, and authentic."
The Features of why?!
why?! boasts a range of innovative features designed to foster genuine connections between users. These include:
- Question card games: Private chat rooms where users can engage in interactive question-and-answer sessions.
- Daily questions: A thought-provoking prompt that appears at the top of the home feed, encouraging users to share their thoughts and opinions.
- FaceTime-like feature: A built-in video conferencing tool allowing users to connect with others in real-time.
- Weekly prompts: A series of engaging questions designed to spark meaningful conversations and connections.
The name "why?!" was chosen by Cody Zhang, the app’s head of engineering. Nisita explained that they were searching for a term that felt like an open-ended question, sparking curiosity and encouraging users to engage with others on a deeper level.
Fundraising
Watson described the fundraising process as "oddly delightful," with no horror stories to share. The pre-seed round, led by Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures, raised $1.65 million in capital. Other notable investors included Barclays Black Formation Investments managed by Zeal Capital Partners, Virginie Raphael from FullCircle, and others.
"We’re thrilled to have such a strong group of supporters behind us," Watson said. "Their expertise and guidance will be invaluable as we continue to grow and develop why?!"
The Future of why?!
As the founders of why?!, Maya Watson and Lexi Nisita are committed to creating an app that truly understands the complexities of human connection. By providing a platform for people to engage in meaningful conversations, they aim to revolutionize the way we interact with others online.
"We believe that technology should be used to bring people closer together," Watson said. "We’re excited to see where this journey takes us and how we can make a positive impact on society."
With their combined experience, passion, and innovative approach, Watson and Nisita are poised to make a significant mark in the world of social media. Stay tuned to see how why?! continues to evolve and grow!
