Elderly Companion Site Stitch Included In Silicon Valley 500 Startups Accelerator

A startup looking to create companionship amongst older people has been included in the Silicon Valley accelerator program 500 Startups.

Stitch is a platform which aims to fight social isolation in mature adults, by connecting people together who are looking for all manner of companionship.

Their site says: “Stitch understands that there are as many different types of companions as there are people. 

“While some people are looking for romance, others just want a friend with whom they can share their lives. One activity partner or multiple dinner companions, the choice is yours.”

The Australian company were one of 29 chosen out of 1,200 companies who applied to the competitive accelerator.

Two of the Stitch team will relocate to the 500 Startups office in Mountain View, California, and the rest will remain in Sydney.

500 Startups is a 4-month accelerator program, funded by PayPal and Google alums.

Stitch has a sister company, Tapestry, a site which helps to keep older people connected with their family members online.

Both sites were created by Andrew Dowling and Marcie Rogo, who say their mission is to combat social isolation, which is a growing problem in older generations.

In March we wrote about a UK report by Independent Age, which said Britain was facing an epidemic in loneliness and isolation amongst their elderly population.

In the US, statistics show that over 45% of adults over 65 are divorced, separated or widowed, and 17% feel isolated.

Sam Yagan, CEO of Match Group, recently called senior dating “the fastest-growing part of the market.”

Read more about Stitch here, and visit the 500 Startups site here.