PONND is ready to usher in a networking renaissance
How two friends are building a networking platform for the modern professional
Between 2023 and 2024, I spent more time on LinkedIn than I hoped I would ever spend in my lifetime. I was, unfortunately, looking for work: I set job alerts, scoured company pages, and stalked people who stalked me first (absolutely crazy to me that some people don’t lurk in private!). I became closely acquainted with InMail. I watched as engineers then journalists then analysts shared grim news of layoffs. And when I thought the entire atmosphere could not get more unbearable, ChatGPT arrived, turning every post into the same bolded and bulleted declaration of professional achievement or anguish.
Fortunately, LinkedIn is no longer my first stop in Safari every morning. But for a while, my unpleasant experience made me wonder whether I should be building a better job searching platform rather than searching for a job myself (often, difficulty begets creativity).
Last month, I came across two friends doing just that.
are the founders of PONND, an app that aims to usher in a “networking renaissance” through fostering authentic connections rather than surface-level interactions. I was excited by their vision and brand, so I reached out to learn more about PONND and how Business Casual readers can benefit from its release.PONND will launch in the coming weeks, so join the waitlist now for early access. Beta users will be integral to shaping and improving the app. You can also check out PONND’s socials and follow Remi and Bella’s journey on Substack.
Empowering the new wave of professionals: PONND's vision for a modern networking platform
One thing we’re constantly saying is that we want to turn cold outreach into warm introductions. Stepping into the PONND world should feel like sitting down at a dinner table with those that inspire you.
Why did you start PONND? What problem are you trying to solve that existing networking platforms don’t address? What makes PONND different?
Bella:
PONND was born out of a personal struggle with a lack of authentic industry connections. My career path has been anything but linear so I've always felt like an outsider in traditional networking spaces. The way we network hasn’t evolved and is no longer in line with the way we connect. We’ve identified a mass exodus away from bloated networks towards more curated, intimate spaces. Gen Z are leading the charge here prioritising inward facing communities where individual voices matter. Current networking platforms serve the system and not the person. This disconnect is exactly what PONND is trying to solve for.
Remi:
Bella really said it well! My background is more traditional in the sense that I’ve been working in PR & Marketing for over seven years, but when I ventured out into freelancing I discovered that success was either determined by who could offer the most at the lowest price or who could shout the loudest and cut through the noise. There weren’t any platforms that felt genuine.
Bella and I were chatting one day about this and she started to envision what an ideal platform might look like that solved these issues. We were both so hooked on the idea of fixing this gap, so our conversation quickly changed from “why is there nothing like this on the market?” to “why can’t we be the ones to create it?” and PONND was born.
Your brand and messaging are about being a non-“icky,” -“transactional” or -“cringe” way to network. How will you achieve this and foster authentic community, rather than transactional interactions?
Throughout our development we’ve found that people are craving a calm, curated, intentional space to build genuine connections. We aren’t taking on LinkedIn per se, but rather providing sanctuary from the ChatGPT slop and flex posting. Our approach to fostering authentic community centres on three key pillars:
PONND isn’t about mass connection. We are encouraging quality connection. Merging professionalism with ease and enjoyment.
Through clean UI we have completely rethought how professional networks can be built, browsed, and understood.
A big component is our peer to peer referral system, which paints a more detailed picture of who you really are beyond credentials and job titles. This community-validated approach ensures authenticity and creates trust within the network.
Who is PONND’s target user? Are there particular industries or career levels that would benefit most from the app?
With our launch, we are targeting three key audiences who are typically overlooked by traditional networking platforms, yet have tremendous influence on culture and progress:
Independent, multi-hyphenate professionals
Small business and agency operators
Those looking for entry level roles and internships
We are building with community at the core, and feedback from these groups will be crucial. These founding members will help shape the future of PONND. Looking ahead, we truly believe PONND has the capacity to become the connective layer for all modern professional ecosystems.
It’s harder than ever to find a job in today’s market. What’s the best way for job seekers to use PONND in their job search?
We know! This has really been front of mind during our strategy sessions. What stood out to us most are the countless TikTok’s featuring different LinkedIn outreach strategies to help secure these elusive jobs. Whilst we can’t speak for all job seekers, we feel we can speak on behalf of most creatives/independents when we say cold outreach has rarely secured us our next job or contract. We came across an interesting stat that states between 70-80% of jobs are never publicly posted and are secured through word of mouth referrals.
Our MVP doesn’t have the magic fix all solution (yet) but we do have two features that are steps in the right direction.
ISO (In Search Of): This is our community “Job Board” and “Ask” feature. It is a peer-trusted talent marketplace that hopes to reduce hiring friction, while expanding reach and opportunity in a more casual setting. Users are also encouraged to post any questions they might have to spark a larger conversation.
Our IRL Component: Last week we hosted our first “anti-networking, networking” event with 65 community members in attendance. There was not a phone in sight and the feedback was so validating. Facilitating these deeper in person connections is just, if not more, important.
Which PONND features are you most excited about?
With our MVP we are most excited for our In Search Of. We’re optimistic that this will open up opportunities for users to not only find work but meet potential collaborators, mentors, and like-minds.
As for the future of PONND, we have so many exciting features in the pipeline that we cannot wait to share….one step at a time though.
PONND is an app, but will it also have a real-life component?
Absolutely. As we set out building PONND, we immediately recognised the importance of curating IRL experiences for all users. Creating these dedicated "third spaces" is fundamental to our vision and cultivating deeper bonds beyond the screen.
Initially, we see this being done through collaborations with co-working spaces, galleries, membership clubs, and health spaces in major cities around the world. And in the future, we aspire to have our own PONND hubs. We hosted our first community gathering in Sydney three weeks ago with 65 people in attendance. The event demonstrated the real appetite for meaningful in-person connections that complement the digital PONND.
What’s the story behind the name?
Just vibes…no but seriously. We explored different ecosystems, thought of a pond, the tranquility and the decision was made.
Join PONND’s waitlist for tranquil vibes and the chance to find your next opportunity. And share this post with any of your friends who might also be interested.
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Thank you for your support Lena. So fortunate to have connected with you.
Sorry the auto correct changed it! You know what I meant 😅