VILLAGEx 2022 Founder Friday: The Meetery

Founder Fridays is a series that spotlights VILLAGEx founders and their startups

After one of Bayleigh Frickey’s awful dating app experiences, Bayleigh and her best friend Stephanie Hilton caught the entrepreneur bug to create a dating app unlike any of the ones on the market today. They sought to create an app that would help connect people more authentically and safely, based on their research and personal experiences. “We knew if we didn’t do it, someone else would," said Hilton. Today, Frickey and Hilton are founders of tech startup The Meetery, and aim to disrupt the dating app industry.

“The Meetery’s mission is to help people make real connections.” said Frickey, co-founder of The Meetery. “We want to introduce people to their future partner, best friends, and business associates– connections that change lives. We are also committed to safety and helping people date efficiently.”

The Meetery, a VILLAGEx 2022 startup, has spent the last four months connecting with fellow VILLAGEx founders and mentors to help continue their company’s growth. Post Demo Day, Frickey and Hilton plan to open up the dating pool to other cities across the country. “The future of The Meetery is bright. We have only begun and are growing rapidly,” said Hilton, co-founder of The Meetery.

Q&A

(Answers have been edited for clarity)

In what ways has VILLAGEx inspired you and/or helped so far?

Frickey: “We have made a ton of great connections and been introduced to other founders that we’ll be friends with well after the program is over. Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely journey, so it’s nice to make connections with like-minded people who have either been where we are or are currently going through similar struggles.”

Why startup in New Orleans?

Hilton: “We are both from New Orleans and there is no other city like it. The local support system wants to see startups succeed, and right now is an especially exciting time to be a startup in this city.”

What does it take to be an entrepreneur?

Hilton: “Determination and grit. No matter what obstacles are in the way, [you need] the foresight to figure ‘it’ out [and] a willingness to get the job done. Which is something we are good at, figuring things out and making them happen.”

Top 3 advice for someone pitching their startup to the VILLAGEx judges? 

Frickey: “1. Take your time answering their questions and use full sentences to help make space for your answer. 2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 3. No one knows your businesses as well as you do. Be confident that you deserve a spot at the table.”