1. We’ve seen many dating apps enter the market with slight variations or catering to different segments. What made you realize there was a need for something like Boardroom?

What stood out to me was how most dating apps ignore the reality of professional life. They focus on short-term connections, with endless swiping that can be time-consuming and exhausting, especially for busy professionals with demanding schedules. I knew there had to be a better way—a platform that prioritizes authenticity, intentional connections, and trust.

When the World Health Organization declared loneliness a global health concern, it validated what I had experienced firsthand: loneliness is a serious problem, especially for people who focus so much on building careers that they often put personal relationships on hold. Boardroom was created to bridge that gap—to give professionals a space to meet like-minded individuals who understand their lifestyle and share similar values, all while keeping things simple and efficient.

Our South African roots also played a role. I saw how professionals in emerging markets like Africa needed a solution tailored for their experience. This gave us the inspiration to create something that could start locally but grow globally, solving a real problem across markets.

2. Boardroom.App has taken over the scene, with a success story leading to an engagement. What has been the secret to your success in the dating app market?

Our success lies in how different and intentional our approach is compared to other dating apps. We focus on quality over quantity, with features designed to encourage real, meaningful conversations rather than superficial matches.

The 5-chat limit is a game-changer—it keeps users focused on a few conversations at a time, which makes dating feel manageable, not overwhelming. LinkedIn and Gold Verification ensure authenticity and trust, which attracts professionals who are serious about making real connections. The AI conversation coach also helps users start conversations more naturally, reducing the anxiety that often comes with online dating.

At the heart of our success is the community we’ve built. Our users are people who are intentional about their relationships, which makes the platform naturally geared toward deeper connections. Seeing that lead to real love stories—like the engagement you mentioned—has been incredibly rewarding.

4. You’re no stranger to the tech space, having first launched Lawyered Up. What are the lessons you’ve learned from that, which you were able to take into this platform?

Launching Lawyered Up taught me the importance of staying adaptable and listening to users. When we first started, we had to pivot multiple times before we found the right product-market fit. It was a tough but valuable experience. I learned that success doesn’t come from sticking rigidly to a plan—it comes from being open to change and constantly refining based on feedback.

Another key lesson was about building the right team. I realized how crucial it is to work with people who share the same vision and values. The team you build can make or break your startup. That experience helped me approach Boardroom with a more strategic mindset from day one.

Most importantly, Lawyered Up taught me resilience. The startup journey is never easy, and you’re going to face rejection, failure, and challenges. But if you stay focused on the mission and keep pushing forward, you’ll get to where you need to be.

5. We often hear about how tech is a male-crowded space. How would you describe your experience in the tech startup scene in South Africa?

Being a female founder in tech can be challenging. South Africa’s tech scene is still very much male-dominated, and there were times when I had to fight to be taken seriously. I’ve been in situations where my ideas were questioned, not because of their quality, but because of who was presenting them.

But those moments only fueled my determination. I’ve learned to trust myself and surround myself with mentors and allies who believe in me. It’s also taught me the importance of creating opportunities for other women in tech. We need more women stepping into leadership roles and building solutions that reflect diverse experiences.

Despite the challenges, the tech scene here is evolving. There’s growing support for women, and I’m excited to be part of that shift. I’m passionate about helping other women navigate this space and creating a future where innovation and leadership have no gender limits.

6. What can we expect from you and both startups this year?

This year is all about growth and scaling for both startups. For Boardroom, we’re focused on expanding into new markets and launching even more features that help users connect meaningfully, with AI-driven tools to facilitate these features, and even more community-focused features.

For Lawyered Up, the focus is on scaling across Africa and continuing to build partnerships with major institutions to help SMEs navigate legal challenges through AI-driven solutions. We’re committed to making legal services more accessible and affordable for businesses that need them most.

It’s going to be an exciting year full of opportunities and new challenges, and I’m looking forward to taking both startups to the next level while continuing to focus on impact and innovation.