By: Elena Mart

In today’s digital age, technology often faces criticism for fostering isolation rather than connection. However, some innovative companies are challenging this narrative by using technology to bring people closer together. One such company is Vently Inc., founded by Nicolas Khonaysser. Vently is revolutionizing how communities engage and interact, creating a platform that emphasizes genuine connections and community building.

The Birth of Vently Inc.

The journey of Vently Inc. began with Nicolas Khonaysser’s personal experiences and vision. As an immigrant from France who moved to the United States at the age of ten, Khonaysser understood the importance of community and the challenges of establishing connections in a new environment. After completing his BA, MA, and MBA at Arizona State University (ASU), he returned to the Bay Area with a mission: to bridge the gaps in local community engagement through technology.

Joining Nicolas Khonaysser, Nicolas Meader, at just 22 years old, brings a wealth of experience to Vently as its Chief Financial Officer. A tech angel investor in some of Silicon Valley’s hottest companies, Meader is also a former exited operator and a board observer/advisor for multiple venture-backed companies.

Addressing a Market Gap

Upon returning to San Francisco, Khonaysser noticed a significant gap in the market. Despite the plethora of social media platforms and event planning tools, there were no applications that truly facilitated local, personalized connections. Existing platforms were often over-commercialized and failed to foster genuine engagement among users. Determined to fill this void, Khonaysser founded Vently Inc. with the goal of creating a platform that would not only help people discover events but also build lasting connections within their communities.

Vently’s Unique Features

What sets Vently apart from other event applications is its focus on personalization and community engagement. Vently offers a suite of features designed to foster real connections:

• Social Map: This feature allows users to discover events happening around them. It provides a visual representation of local activities, making it easy for users to find events that interest them and meet people in their vicinity.
• Social Feed: Users can see what their friends are doing, posting, and attending. This creates a sense of community and shared experiences, encouraging users to participate in events together.
• Community Chat: This feature enables users to engage with each other long before they attend an event. It fosters communication and interaction, helping people build relationships that extend beyond a single event.

These features collectively ensure that Vently is not just an event planning tool but a comprehensive platform for community building and engagement.

Overcoming Early Challenges

Like any startup, Vently faced its share of challenges in the early stages. The platform struggled initially to gain traction, with modest social media presence and website traffic. However, Khonaysser’s deep understanding of the community and his strategic approach to grassroots marketing proved to be invaluable. “Our team’s dedication and innovative approach have been pivotal in transforming Vently from an idea into a thriving platform that truly brings people together,” says Nicolas Meader, CFO of Vently. 

By leveraging local connections and reaching out to community groups, Vently began to build a network of support. San Francisco’s residents and businesses started to recognize the platform’s value, leading to increased collaboration and participation. Community members began posting about Vently, attending events, and spreading the word, driving organic growth and exposure.

Impact on Local Communities

Vently’s impact on local communities has been profound. By providing a platform for people to discover and engage in local events, Vently has helped foster a sense of belonging and connectedness among users. 

Vently’s emphasis on community is particularly significant in a post-COVID world, where many people are seeking to rebuild their social networks and engage with their local communities. The platform’s ability to facilitate real connections and provide a space for community interaction has resonated with users, driving its growth and success.

The Future of Vently Inc.

Looking ahead, Vently Inc. has ambitious plans for expansion. Khonaysser envisions the platform absorbing significant market share on the West Coast, particularly between San Francisco and Los Angeles. He also sees Vently becoming the go-to solution for event and community management on university campuses, further extending its reach and impact.

Vently Inc. is a shining example of how technology can be used to build and strengthen community connections. Through its innovative features and community-centric approach, Vently is transforming the way people engage with their local communities. As the platform continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of technology to bring people together, fostering genuine connections and a sense of belonging in an increasingly digital world.

Published By: Aize Perez