The rise of a new market focused on in-person connections is driven by the alarming statistics on loneliness. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 6 individuals globally experiences persistent loneliness, resulting in around 870,000 deaths annually and costing governments billions in various sectors. This situation has prompted a surge in startups dedicated to fostering social interactions offline.
Historically, humans have been social beings, reliant on communal structures for survival and stability. As traditional institutions like family units and community organizations decline, the innate need for connection persists. To address this, the IRL (in real life) economy has emerged, aiming to facilitate in-person belonging.
The initial phase of this new economy included city-specific meet-up applications, with Meetup leading the way. Launched to unite New Yorkers after the events of 9/11, it gained immense popularity, eventually attracting the attention of WeWork, which acquired it for $200 million. The ongoing demand for meaningful social interactions indicates a shift in how individuals seek community beyond digital platforms.