Pie pivots from events app to social network with new Community Homes feature
The startup founded by Andy Dunn is expanding beyond single events to foster deeper group connections, aiming to replace group texts and Facebook Groups with permanent digital spaces.
Pie, the social application founded by Bonobos co-founder Andy Dunn, has launched a new feature designed to transform the platform from a purely events-based tool into a broader social network. The update, titled Community Homes, allows users to establish permanent digital spaces for their social groups. Each home includes a community feed, group management tools, and event planning resources, positioning the app as a direct alternative to group texts and Facebook Groups.
The strategic shift aims to foster deeper connections that extend beyond single gatherings. Under the new system, events are intended to be a natural outcome of these ongoing relationships rather than the primary draw. The company notes that any group member, not just administrators, can share events to the group feed, a design choice intended to encourage more natural networking among participants.
Pie currently has approximately 300,000 users and is backed by investors including Forerunner, Lightspeed, Accel, and Twitter co-founder Ev Williams. The startup was originally founded in Chicago and has seen greater traction in markets such as Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. The launch aligns with a broader cultural trend among younger demographics who are seeking real-world connections after years of predominantly online socialising.
This move follows a series of updates designed to shift the app’s focus from events to the people attending them. In December, Pie modified its activity feed to highlight user connections rather than just event announcements. According to the team, this change increased average user time on the app from two minutes to 10 minutes. More recently, the platform introduced a “favorites” feature that allows users to build public profiles based on their interests.
The company plans to introduce group chats and a tool for posting casual “bids for connection” in the near future. This upcoming feature would allow members to suggest informal activities, such as crafting together or watching a show, without requiring a specific plan. Nadya Okamoto, founder of the New York run club Zoomies, has joined Pie as a co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer to support this community-building ecosystem.
Dunn, who was inspired to build the startup after struggling to find community in Chicago, described Pie as a “Reddit for IRL.” Okamoto characterised the platform as resembling the original promise of Facebook and Reddit, but without the anonymity and toxicity often associated with those forums. She emphasised that events are a product of a strong community-building ecosystem, rather than the leading feature.
