In an era dominated by digital interactions, one startup is on a mission to reestablish the power of face-to-face connections.
The Story Behind Meetify
Founded in 2022 by Dan and Angel Rutledge, the creators of SignUpGenius, Meetify emerged from a profound realization during the COVID-19 pandemic: the irreplaceable value of in-person interactions. While most entrepreneurs were rushing to build virtual tools, the Rutledges saw an opportunity to bring people back together in the real world.
More Than Just Another Scheduling Tool
Meetify isn’t just another calendar app. It’s a carefully crafted solution to the impersonal nature of modern meeting scheduling. Traditional tools like Calendly offer a one-size-fits-all approach that strips away the human element from meeting planning.
Key Features:
- Curated time slots
- Personalized meeting invites
- Built-in restaurant search
- Flexible alternative suggestions
- Option for virtual meetings when needed
“Grabbing coffee shouldn’t feel like booking a dentist appointment,” says Dan Rutledge, CEO and CTO.
A Pandemic-Inspired Mission
The startup’s origin story is deeply rooted in the founders’ pandemic experience. Dan recalls the transformative power of post-lockdown meetings: “I’ll never forget the first meals I shared with people after lockdown. They felt different. More meaningful.”
This philosophy is central to Meetify’s approach. The platform isn’t about technology for technology’s sake, but about enabling meaningful human connections.
Beyond Profit
Unlike many tech startups chasing unicorn status, Meetify has a more nuanced goal. The company aims to make in-person meetings the norm again, focusing initially on professionals who value face-to-face interactions:
- Nonprofit leaders
- Recruiters
- Pastors
- Salespeople
- Community builders
The Four-Year Vision
Looking ahead, Meetify plans to:
- Enhance personalization features
- Develop a community-driven restaurant search
- Maintain absolute simplicity in user experience
- Create a platform that prioritizes relationship-building
Roots in Community Technology
The startup builds on the Rutledges’ previous success with SignUpGenius, a platform that helped hundreds of thousands of organizations coordinate volunteers, fundraisers, and community support. That same community-first ethos drives Meetify.
Company Snapshot
- Name: Meetify
- Founded: 2022
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Founders: Dan Rutledge (CEO/CTO), Angel Rutledge (Co-founder & Advisor)
- Tagline: Effortlessly schedule in-person meetings at coffee shops or restaurants, with a virtual option when you need it
As digital fatigue grows and people crave genuine connections, Meetify offers a refreshing solution. It’s not just about scheduling a meeting—it’s about rekindling the art of human interaction.
