Maya Watson and Lexi Nisita, the dynamic duo behind the innovative social app why?!, first crossed paths while working at Netflix. Building on their mutual laughter and rapport, they discovered their complementary skills while working on the brand and editorial teams. “We both hail from Minnesota, which just solidifies our bond,” Watson shared.
Transitioning to Clubhouse, where Watson was employee number 13 and Nisita was employee number 20, they continued their collaborative journey. However, feeling a lack of fulfillment in their roles after over a year, they took the leap to become co-founders of why?!.
The motivation behind their venture stemmed from a desire to combat the growing issue of loneliness in America. To counter this trend, they developed why?!, a multifaceted app that merges messaging, networking, and dating functionalities. With a recent pre-seed funding round of $1.65 million led by Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures, the app is poised to make its mark in the tech world.
Incorporating insights from therapists and psychologists, why?! aims to facilitate deep and meaningful connections by emphasizing reciprocity and trust. Its simplicity and intimacy set it apart from existing social media platforms, offering unique features like question card games, daily prompts, and real-time chat options.
The name why?! embodies the app’s ethos of fostering open-ended conversations and genuine curiosity. Reflecting on their fundraising experience, Watson praised the support they received from investors, particularly those who champion diversity and bring valuable perspectives to the table.
As the company gears up for its official launch, Watson and Nisita are focused on building a strong team with a shared vision. Drawing from their experiences at Clubhouse and Netflix, they emphasize the importance of a positive work culture and user-centric approach to product development.
With four full-time team members and plans to expand their engineering support, why?! is poised to make a lasting impact in the tech space, prioritizing both innovation and connection.