bthere Launches Mobile App to Empower Real-Life Connections - Available on the App Store and Google Play

AUSTIN, Texas, October 26, 2019 - ​bthere​, the company on a mission to increase bystander intervention and prevent sexual assault by encouraging people to spend time together in real life and less time behind screens, today announced the launch of its mobile app.  As the first social media app that rewards people for time spent with each other in real life, bthere enables users to create private  "circles" with friends that feature group messaging, location tracking, and battery life management. Following the successful completion of its beta phase with over 100K users, bthere's app is now available nationwide on ​iOS​ and ​Android​.   

Key features of bthere's app include: Social:​ People create circles with groups like friends, family, roommates, or colleagues. In each circle, users participate in group messaging, location tracking, event planning, and contests. Safety: ​Users rely on each other to stay safe with features in each circle like the SOS button, location tracking, and battery life management. Game: ​bthere's proprietary algorithm passively registers when circle members are together and rewards them with coins for time spent together in real life.

Users spend their coins in the gift shop on items and discounts from partners. Founded in 2016, bthere was ideated after CEO and Founder, Ben Johanson, had a loved one who was sexually assaulted on a night out in college. Johanson set out to create a new-type of social media platform that would serve as a tool to help people to spend less time behind screens and more time with each other in real life. By helping people prioritize the time they spend with others in real life,  Johanson believes that bthere will help to create a safer and healthier culture where people feel more empowered to be there for each other in times of need.   

"bthere is about connecting with each other and being there for each other in real life," said Johanson. "We want to help transform technology back into just the tool that brings us together in person by making it easier to stay connected, not the place we spend most of our time. The more that humans are inspired and enabled to connect with each other and understand each other in real life,  the more kind and empathetic our world can be."   

Along with announcing the launch of its mobile app, bthere also announced today partnerships with national brands including ASOS,  Bird, Bumble, FabFitFun, Kendra Scott, Outdoor Voices, and Postmates; and that it has raised $2 million in total seed funding from angel investors. 

Founded in 2016, bthere is the Austin-based startup on a mission to increase bystander intervention and prevent sexual assault by  encouraging people to spend time together in real life and less time behind screens. Our first product, a group location sharing app,  rewards for the time you spend with friends IRL. With the bthere app, you create private "circles" with groups of friends that feature group location sharing, battery life management, messaging, an SOS button, and a home safe button. The app's proprietary algorithm has a passive location tracking feature that knows when you're with members of your circles and rewards you with coins that you can  use to purchase items from our retail partners in our shop. Whether you're going to a music festival with friends, moving in with new roommates, wanting to make sure your kids get home for dinner safe, or playing on a new flag football team, bthere rewards you for  simply spending in-person time with the people in your circles.

At bthere, we believe everything is better together. We're committed to building a future where friendship means more than an invite or a follow, and where having fun and being there for each other can always go hand in hand. Create a circle, earn great rewards and always know that when you need your friends, they'll be there.

For more information, visit ​www.bthere.is​.

Media Contact
Nicole Neumayr
Redefine Communication
press@bthere.is