Loneliness is a silent epidemic in today’s interconnected world. Whether it’s the aftermath of a global pandemic or the natural ebb and flow of modern life, many people struggle to find meaningful connections. Enter Shrisha Sapkota, founder of Bridge, an app designed to combat loneliness by fostering genuine connections through shared activities. On the Founder Spotlight Podcast, Shrisha shared her inspiring journey, from experiencing isolation firsthand to creating a product that aims to redefine how we connect with others. Here’s a deep dive into her story, challenges, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
In this episode of the Founder Spotlight Podcast, host Vatsa sits down with Shrisha Sapkota, the visionary behind Bridge. The app addresses a crucial issue in society today: the lack of meaningful social connections. By offering a platform for users to meet and bond over activities, Bridge is bridging the gap between strangers and potential lifelong friends.
"Our app makes it easier for people to forge real connections by doing things they love together." – Shrisha Sapkota
Shrisha’s mission is personal, powerful, and couldn’t be more timely. Let’s explore how her entrepreneurial journey unfolded and what continues to drive her toward creating meaningful change.
The origins of Bridge can be traced back to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Like many others, Shrisha experienced isolation as her friends returned to their homes, leaving her grappling with loneliness for the first time.
"It was quite bad. I realized that for some people, loneliness isn’t just temporary—it’s a lifelong reality. That’s when I knew I wanted to solve this problem." – Shrisha Sapkota
It was this deeply personal experience that inspired her to create a platform that could help others avoid the same struggles. Recognizing the significant mental health impact of social disconnection, Shrisha decided to take action and conceptualized Bridge.
According to Shrisha, the first step toward building Bridge was believing in the idea. Transforming a vision into reality requires confidence, especially when doubts creep in.
"At first, it feels like it’s just an idea and it’s not going anywhere. But believing in it is itself a huge step." – Shrisha Sapkota
From belief to action, her journey was just getting started.
Shrisha’s transition from studying law to becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t part of a predefined plan. Everything changed when the dean of her university encouraged her to join an accelerator program in the Netherlands. This came after Shrisha won a university competition in entrepreneurship, despite not being a business student.
The accelerator program proved to be a pivotal moment. Over the course of a year, Shrisha learned essential startup skills such as:
"The accelerator taught us that user feedback is everything. It’s crucial to confirm there’s a market for your product before diving in." – Shrisha Sapkota
While user feedback validated the need for Bridge, it also led to information overload. Ideas were coming from everywhere, making it challenging to stay focused.
"The feedback confirmed the market need," said Shrisha, "but it also brought a flood of ideas—some completely unrelated to our core mission."
After over a year of intensive research and multiple brainstorming sessions, the team finally narrowed down the features to focus on what mattered most: bringing people together through activities.
Bridge isn’t just another social app—it’s a platform centered on human connection. Unlike social media platforms that can amplify feelings of isolation, Bridge focuses on real-world activities, helping users bond over shared interests in meaningful ways.
"We’re not just matching people; we’re enabling them to create shared experiences." – Shrisha Sapkota
Bringing Bridge’s minimum viable product (MVP) to life wasn’t an overnight success. It involved months of conversations with potential users, detailed sketches, and iterations. By the time the MVP was launched, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive.
"People kept asking, ‘When are you making this real?’ It was so rewarding to see their excitement." – Shrisha Sapkota
Bridge is currently in the beta testing phase, targeting a limited audience to gather actionable feedback while addressing technical glitches. Shrisha’s team is taking a measured approach to avoid overwhelming the developers while ensuring the product meets user expectations.
Bridge’s development has required collaboration across disciplines, from design to technical development. Shrisha emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment where innovation can thrive.
To innovate effectively, the team relies on a cycle of brainstorming, experimentation, and iteration. For Shrisha, an open-minded approach has been essential.
"Good ideas don’t come from just one place—they happen when people feel free to brainstorm and experiment." – Shrisha Sapkota
Shrisha’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
"Be clear about your business proposition and roll out your MVP as soon as possible." – Shrisha Sapkota
Bridge is gearing up for a major milestone: a February launch in the San Francisco Bay Area. Shrisha envisions a future where the app helps users form meaningful connections and reduces loneliness across the globe.
"Seeing people form connections, feel happier, and live less lonely lives is the impact we’re dreaming of." – Shrisha Sapkota
Curious about Bridge? Be among the first to experience the app when it launches in February. If you’re in the Bay Area, don’t miss the chance to join Shrisha and her team in their mission to bring people closer together.
Shrisha Sapkota’s journey from a moment of personal loneliness to the creation of Bridge is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and purpose. By zeroing in on a significant societal issue, she has turned her experience into a product that promises to make the world a little less lonely, one connection at a time.
Want to hear more about Shrisha’s entrepreneurial journey and insights? Don’t miss the full episode on the Founder Spotlight Podcast. Tune in and get inspired!
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