Nicola Gunby, a 30-year-old entrepreneur from Nottingham, co-founded the social and community networking app Cliq after moving to London in 2021. Struggling to find meaningful connections in a large city, she realized the difficulty of forming friendships post-pandemic. Gunby explored various networking events and apps but found them lacking in authenticity and true connection. This experience motivated her and her partner, Jason Iliffe, to establish Cliq in February 2023, aiming to create a platform that genuinely connects people in real life through shared interests and hobbies, such as running, reading, and community events.
Since its inception, Cliq has successfully raised £528,900 ($646,000) in funding and garnered a user base of 100,000 worldwide, with significant interest from the U.S., Australia, and Bali. Gunby highlights the app's role in addressing the rising loneliness epidemic, as studies indicate millions face loneliness daily, exacerbated by technology and social media. According to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, overcoming loneliness involves focusing on external relationships and community engagement, which is precisely what Cliq aims to facilitate. Gunby emphasizes that the app fosters connections based on shared activities, making the socialization process easier and more genuine for users, especially those with introverted tendencies.