The company was founded by Jonathan L. Hasson, Lara Varjabedian, and IQ Sayed with a vision to bring genuine social experiences back into the digital age. At UBQT, we believe in “phones down, hugs up.” Our platform embraces digital minimalism—there are no likes, followers, feeds, or chats. Instead, it acts as a streamlined digital companion, simplifying the process of reconnecting with meaningful people and nurturing authentic relationships.

How do your offerings address the needs and challenges of your target audience?

Our offerings at UBQT are designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking deeper, more meaningful real-life connections. Many of our early adopters have networks spread across various platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, making it challenging to keep track of all their personal and professional contacts. UBQT simplifies this by centralizing everything in one platform, creating a seamless experience for managing both types of connections.

Our users are often on the move—whether locally, regionally, or internationally—making it difficult to stay updated on their network’s locations. UBQT addresses this by allowing users to enable geolocation and add their trips, whether it’s a simple bike ride across town or a trip abroad. This feature notifies their connections of their whereabouts, fostering spontaneous socializing opportunities. Our “Catch Me” status further encourages users to connect on the go, making it easy to schedule a catch-up, whether now or later, and ensuring that meaningful interactions are just a tap away.

What are the main industries or sectors that UBQT serves, and how do you tailor your solutions to meet their specific needs?

UBQT initially launched as a B2C platform targeting global digital nomads, expats, travellers, and alumni who want to reconnect meaningfully with their networks. Recognizing a broader need for fostering real-life connections, we have since expanded our offerings to include a unique community feature that has been well-received since its launch last spring.

We now serve a diverse range of industries, including hospitality (hotels), universities, startup ecosystems, and corporate environments. Our solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of these sectors by enabling real-life reconnections among their members. For example, we are developing specialized event features to facilitate face-to-face interactions, whether attendees are meeting at a professional event or just catching up casually. Unlike other apps, UBQT’s community feature is uniquely designed to make these in-person interactions more accessible and meaningful—a growing demand from the industries and communities we serve.

How does UBQT stay at the forefront of innovation in its industry?

At UBQT, we live by the motto “never rest on your laurels,” which drives our commitment to continuous innovation and growth. We are always pushing boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and embracing a trial-and-error approach to stay ahead in the industry. This mindset allows us to adapt quickly and remain agile in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Our innovation is powered by a talented tech team led by co-founder and technologist IQ Sayed, whose experience with META, Careem, and LYFT ensures we deliver a cutting-edge user experience. Alongside IQ, co-founders Lara Varjabedian and Jonathan L. Hasson bring over 40 years of combined expertise. Lara’s background in corporate strategy, particularly in B2B and B2B2C initiatives, has been instrumental in forging key partnerships with companies like Radisson Hotels, Generali, SwissLife, and getPlaybook. This blend of technical excellence and strategic business acumen keeps UBQT at the forefront of innovation in our industry.

Can you share any success stories or case studies that demonstrate the value UBQT has delivered to its clients?

Launching a social media or networking app in 2024 is a bold move, and at UBQT, we believe that embarking on this entrepreneurial journey is a significant success in itself. Since our official launch last January, we have achieved several key milestones that highlight the value we bring to our users and stakeholders. Despite a challenging funding environment, we raised over $250,000 in pre-seed funding, demonstrating investor confidence in our vision and mission to disrupt the social media landscape.

Our traction has been equally impressive, with nearly 2,000 organic downloads and a remarkable 93% retention rate, alongside 65% of users actively engaging with the platform each month. These metrics reflect the growing interest and trust in our approach to social networking, where meaningful, real-life connections are prioritized. For a company built on passion and a mission to redefine social media, these early successes validate our commitment and drive. We’re just getting started, and it’s onwards and upwards from here!

What initiatives does UBQT have in place to attract and retain top talent?

At UBQT, we’ve created a fun, dynamic, and creative work environment where collaboration thrives, and egos are left at the door. We prioritize openness, ensuring that every team member’s voice is heard and valued. Our culture is built on sharing knowledge, continuous learning, mutual support, and growing together as a team.

As a young startup currently in the fundraising phase, we are mindful of our spending, but we remain committed to fairly compensating our team and freelancers. We strive to ensure that everyone feels fulfilled, energized, and challenged by the exciting journey we’re on. Our goal is to attract and retain top talent by fostering a workplace where creativity is encouraged, growth is constant, and every member feels genuinely appreciated and motivated as we continue to grow and evolve.

How does UBQT envision its role in shaping the future of its industry?

UBQT envisions itself as a transformative force in the social media landscape, an industry that is increasingly in need of disruption. Traditional social media has become more about media consumption than fostering genuine social interactions, contributing to issues like social isolation, attention fragmentation, and addiction.

Our goal is to redefine what social media can be by bringing back the “social” aspect—focusing on real-life connections. We believe in leveraging technology as a positive force to help people reconnect in meaningful ways and strengthen their relationships. By emphasizing authentic, face-to-face interactions, UBQT aims to shape the future of social media, turning it into a tool that promotes well-being, community, and deeper human connections.

“UBQT is the first social app that reconnects you with your tribe, in real life. Wherever you are in the world, you’ll never miss a chance to catch up.”

“Our goal is to redefine what social media can be by bringing back the “social” aspect—focusing on real-life connections.”

“We live by the motto “never rest on your laurels,” which drives our commitment to continuous innovation and growth.”