What makes a startup extraordinary? Often, it’s born from a deeply personal experience; an everyday struggle that turns into a passionate pursuit to craft solutions for others. For Shrisha Sapkota, founder of Bridge, this journey began in one of the loneliest years of her life. And yet, it was in this isolation that the concept for an innovative app designed to connect people was born.

Picture this: It’s the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Friends scatter, family members are miles away, and the once-vibrant buzz of community is replaced by eerily quiet streets and endless Zoom calls. This wasn’t just loneliness—it was disconnection at a global scale. For Shrisha, this wasn’t just a challenge to overcome; it was a call to action.

“During the pandemic, I found myself completely alone, but what struck me was how loneliness isn’t always temporary for everyone. It’s far more widespread than we realize.” — Shrisha Sapkota

From these introspective moments, Shrisha envisioned Bridge, a social app that aims to address one of the greatest ironies of our era: living in a digitally connected world but feeling deeply disconnected. What sets Bridge apart? Instead of focusing on passive scrolling or fleeting interactions, it centers around authentic, meaningful connections created through shared experiences.

Did you know that prolonged loneliness has been linked to serious health risks like depression, heart disease, and even shorter lifespans? And for many, such as international students or relocated professionals, the challenge of forming meaningful connections can feel almost insurmountable. The problem is vast, but solutions like Bridge are designed to peel back the layers, one connection at a time.

• Loneliness impacts mental and physical well-being.
• Cities can feel isolating, particularly for newcomers.
• Shared experiences foster deeper, lasting bonds compared to surface-level digital interactions.

In Shrisha’s words, “It’s not about making acquaintances; it’s about fostering real friendships. Imagine a world where meeting someone new doesn’t feel forced—it feels human.”

At its core, Bridge is more than an app—it’s a mission. Shrisha’s own experience gave her a rare kind of insight: compassion born of firsthand struggle. This empathy translates into every decision she’s made for her startup, from its focus on shared activities to ensuring that the app actively deconstructs barriers to connection.

“Building Bridge wasn’t just about solving my own problem—it was about addressing something bigger, something that impacts millions.” — Shrisha Sapkota

Curious about how Shrisha took this spark of an idea and turned it into a dynamic product ready to launch in the San Francisco Bay Area? Stay tuned as we dive into her inspiring journey, the lessons she learned along the way, and tangible tips for startup founders just like you.

The Problem: A World Less Connected

Loneliness. For many, it’s a fleeting feeling—a solitary evening or a missed call from a close friend. But for millions around the globe, it’s a persistent, often invisible issue that impacts their mental and emotional well-being. In an era where digital connectivity defines life, the irony of increasing disconnection is striking.

Studies show that loneliness doesn’t just affect our mental health; it’s linked to chronic health issues like heart disease, depression, and even shorter lifespans. And for those living in cities or unfamiliar environments, such as international students or professionals who’ve moved for work, the lack of genuine human connection can feel overwhelming.

When the COVID-19 pandemic surfaced in 2020, it brought the loneliness epidemic into stark focus. For founders like Shrisha Sapkota, the experience of isolation became an awakening. As she recalled in her recent conversation on Founder Show, her loneliness during the 2021 pandemic proved to be the catalyst for creating Bridge, an innovative app designed to address this painful problem.

"During the pandemic, all my friends went back home, and I found myself isolated in a room, like so many others," Shrisha shared. "I realized that while loneliness was temporary for me, for others, it could last a lifetime. That thought moved me—it made me want to create a solution."

Bridge was born from this realization. It’s not just a social app; it’s a mission-driven platform aimed at crafting meaningful relationships through shared activities. Unlike apps that focus on superficial interactions, Bridge taps into the intrinsic human need for shared experiences as a foundation for long-lasting friendships. With its initial launch set for February in the San Francisco Bay Area, Bridge is on a mission to make the world feel a little smaller and a lot more connected.

Key Learnings from Shrisha Sapkota’s Journey

1. Turn Personal Challenges into Opportunities

The genesis of Bridge wasn’t just about identifying a market gap—it was deeply personal. Shrisha’s own experience with isolation enabled her to empathize deeply with the problem she wanted to solve. Founders, your lived experiences might hold the key to ideas that resonate with others. Ask yourself: What problems have I faced that others might be experiencing too?

2. Believe in Your Vision

"The first step was believing that I could do this," Shrisha said. Many founders encounter self-doubt early on, but belief in your vision is the foundation for taking meaningful steps forward. Whether your idea is still in its infancy or you're working on an MVP, trust that your passion will lead the way.

3. Leverage Opportunities to Learn

Bridge’s journey accelerated when Shrisha joined an accelerator program in the Netherlands. This opportunity gave her the resources, mentorship, and structured guidance to take her idea from concept to reality. She credited much of her progress to this experience. For aspiring founders:

• Apply to incubators or accelerators for structured learning environments.
• Build a network of mentors, advisors, and peers who challenge and inspire you.
• Use competitions and programs as a platform to validate your ideas.

4. Make User Research a Priority

Understanding what your audience wants isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of your product's success. Shrisha spent over a year conducting market research and engaging potential users. Her approach included gathering insights to ensure Bridge was shaped by real-world needs rather than assumptions. Keep in mind:

• Talk to your target users weekly. Ask open-ended questions to understand their pain points.
• Synthesize feedback to prioritize features that align with your startup’s mission.
• Test hypotheses quickly, but ensure you’re clear on what success looks like with each user interview or survey.

5. Iterate on Features Thoughtfully

Bridge’s development involved continuous brainstorming, prototyping, and refining based on user inputs. Shrisha described how the early phases involved “building on paper, imagining possibilities, and iterating repeatedly.” Founders should:

• Start small—focus on a minimum viable product (MVP) with only essential features.
• Stay flexible, but ensure every feature aligns with the core value your product delivers.

6. Beta Testing is Crucial—but Keep It Manageable

Bridge’s limited beta testing phase has been instrumental in catching technical glitches and fine-tuning the user experience. For founders planning beta testing:

• Limit your initial beta group to ensure quality over quantity of feedback.
• Encourage detailed feedback without overwhelming your team or developers.
• Use this phase as a safe space to address flaws and perfect your product before a public launch.

7. Focus on Your End Vision

For Shrisha, the ultimate goal with Bridge is simple yet profound—“to see people form connections, feel happier, and make a real impact in the world.” Clarity in your mission can guide tough decisions and keep your team motivated. Always ask: What core problem are we solving?

Actionable Advice for Aspiring Founders

For entrepreneurs and professionals launching their own projects, here are practical steps inspired by Shrisha Sapkota’s journey:

1. Validate Your Idea First

• Conduct user interviews to verify there’s a real demand for your solution.
• Research competitors to identify gaps and unique value propositions.
• Create a one-page business plan to clarify your goals and strategy.

2. Build an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Focus on creating a simple, testable version of your product before diving into elaborate development. This saves time, money, and resources while keeping you aligned with user needs.

3. Leverage Networks and Opportunities

• Use startup accelerators, grant programs, or competitions to gain early traction.
• Speak with seasoned entrepreneurs—they’ve been in your shoes and can offer invaluable advice.

4. Stay Persistent

Journeying from idea to execution is never a straight path. Like Shrisha, you’ll need resilience to navigate challenges, pivot when necessary, and keep pushing forward.

Want Your Startup Story Featured? Here’s How

Are you an early-stage founder with a story to tell? Founder Show is here to amplify your voice. Our platform is designed to help entrepreneurs like you share your startup’s journey, gain visibility, and connect with like-minded changemakers, investors, and future partners.

We believe that every founder has something valuable to share, and your journey could inspire the next wave of world-changing ideas. Whether it’s the spark behind your concept, lessons from early challenges, or the vision driving you forward, your story deserves to be heard.

By signing up, you’ll get a chance to:

• Be featured on our YouTube channel and blog.
• Connect with a global audience of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors.
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Apply today at https://www.founder.show/spotlight and let the world discover your innovation. Together, we can celebrate the courage, grit, and determination it takes to bring ideas to life.

Your story could be the one that sparks the next big idea.