Besomebody operates an app that helps users find content tied to their interests and either book or host in-person experiences and lessons. The company grew out of founder and CEO Kash Shaikh's "#besomebody" social media efforts and aims to connect users with local "passionaries" who teach skills. After a beta launch in Austin, Texas, the app was downloaded nearly 30,000 times in three months and facilitated more than 400 experiences taught by 200 passionaries. Besomebody is now available nationwide and plans to expand recruiting and training of passionaries beyond Austin. The company recently raised additional funding to support that expansion and product growth. Besomebody is creating a platform and marketplace to help people monetize and pursue passions through live experiences and passion-related content. Founder and CEO Kash Shaikh built the brand from a #besomebody hashtag (started 2009) and a blog (launched 2011) that he says reaches 4 million people. The platform, currently in development, will highlight passion content, connect users with similar interests, and host a marketplace where experts sell lessons and experiences. The marketplace will initially focus on art, music, fitness, and adventure, and will include mutual ratings for buyers and sellers. Besomebody plans to launch first in Austin and emphasizes live, in-person experiences rather than online webinars. Financially, the company has begun with outside backing and founder-funded early work (Shaikh left GoPro and used personal savings/401k to support the project).

Total raised

$2M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jul 2015