A case for emerging offline innovation

The loneliness epidemic continues to rise - a trend that is consistently reflected across all research.

Despite the unprecedented wave of technological innovation, people are not feeling any more connected to each other or to the world around them.

And this, beyond being an existential challenge that demands attention from multiple angles, it also represents a significant and meaningful problem to solve for businesses.

I believe that whenever a powerful macro trend emerges - such as AI and digitalisation - it is often accompanied by an opposing countercurrent that grows in response.

As technology becomes more pervasive, the desire for human connection only grows stronger. And so, in this article, I explore some of the most compelling businesses helping people connect with others and to the world.

Balance phone

What they do: A phone that keeps the useful parts of technology and removes the addictive ones, helping you reconnect with the world beyond the screen.

Founded: 2024 Founders: Albert Beltran Feliu, Carlos Fontclara Bargallo

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Why the world needs Balance phone (investment case): Smartphone addiction is increasingly visible in everyday life, with people disengaging from the physical world to remain absorbed in the digital one. Designed with attention-capturing features like notifications, bright colours, infinite scrolling, these devices are highly effective at holding our focus - resulting in reduced attention spans and growing concerns around anxiety, depression, and loneliness. While smartphones can be useful, and have transformed how we live and communicate, their growing influence raises an important tension/question between convenience and wellbeing.

Business model: physical hardware sales and they likely also have a proprietary software that has value

Check them out: https://www.thebalancephone.com/

Unplugged

What they do: Off grid cabins to switch off and recharge

Founded: 2019

Founders: Hector Hughes

Business model: They partner with landowners and offer a revenue-share structure, and layering in subscription-style economics.

Why the world needs it (investment case): Life in modern cities is often fast-paced with long commutes, constant stimulation, and the physical and mental strain of high-stress environments -difficult to sustain. Unplugged offers a step away from constant connectivity, creating space to slow down, reset, and recover. By disconnecting from the noise, people can recharge their energy and reconnect with a more grounded sense of perspective and wellbeing.

Check them out: https://unplugged.rest/

Timeleft (digital solution for analogue experiences)

What they do: Organises weekly dinners for groups of six strangers in restaurants in cities around the world.

Founded: 2020

Founders: Maxime Barbier, Adrien de Oliveira

Business model: Recurring subscription for access to curated group social events, while users separately pay for their own meals, with the platform monetising the matchmaking, coordination, and repeat participation rather than on any food or venues.

Why the world needs it (investment case): Despite the rise of social media, many people are finding it increasingly difficult to form meaningful in-person connections. A growing body of research points to rising loneliness and reduced social cohesion, while even everyday signals, such as the Google search query for “how to meet people in real life” has skyrocketed since COVID. Timeleft creates structured opportunities to meet in person over shared meals and activities, helping to rebuild the spontaneity and depth of real-world social interaction.

Check them out: https://timeleft.com/

Daybreaker

What they do: A worldwide series of early-morning events that combine dance, music, and wellness into an alcohol-free social experience. Known for its “wake up and dance” motto, Daybreaker brings people together in early mornings for high-energy dance parties often paired with activities like yoga, live DJs, and mindfulness practices. The events are designed to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment where participants are encouraged to meet new people, move freely, and start the day with positivity and community.

Founded: 2013 Founders: Radha Agrawal, Timothy Patch

Business model: Ticket sales from events and sponsorship revenue

Why the world needs it (investment case): Providing options for socialising in the mornings for those who want to combine exercise and community without the pressures of nightlife.

Check them out: https://www.daybreaker.com/

The Offline Club

What they do: The Offline Club is a social/community concept built around the idea that people meet up in real life and intentionally put their phones away.

Founded: 2024

Founders: Jordy van Bennekom, Valentijn Klok and Ilya Kneppelhout

Business model: Paid offline events and digital detox retreats

Why the world needs it: Urban environments are fast-paced and filled with constant stimulation. The Offline Club offers people a chance to slow down, engage different parts of the mind, and reconnect with real life and the people around them.

Check them out: https://www.theoffline-club.com/

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A case to invest in these types of businesses

While it is true that these types of businesses are harder to scale because they are not fundamentally built for a hockey-stick trajectory. They are often operationally intensive, geographically constrained, and have lower margins.

But investing in social entrepreneurs are important and can also provide strong returns.

Some of the reasons

1a - with a long term horizon, social stability is economically valuable. Investments that have positive impact can indirectly support more stable economies and therefore more stable investment environments.

1b - there is also a capital flow reality: regulatory pressure and investor demand are pushing trillions of dollars toward social and sustainability-linked mandates. Once capital becomes sticky in a direction, it can create persistent valuation support for aligned assets.

2 - a capital evolution trend. Younger investors and institutions increasingly expect environmental and social returns alongside financial performance. This is pushing capital toward impact-oriented ventures, improving deal flow, and making social entrepreneurship a more mature asset class than it was a decade ago.

3 - diversification of portfolio. Having a certain investment allocation to businesses that serve an increasing growing global problem such as social isolation, climate change etc. may also contribute to stronger long-term returns.

And 4 - it's just a great thing to do for the world, to support the businesses helping people have more balanced, meaningful and connected lives.

To come in later articles, a breakdown on social entrepreneurship as an asset class.

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