Wable CEO Seeks To ‘Make A Difference’ Worldwide Following ‘Milestone’ New Zealand App Launch

Wable’s CEO revealed she is looking to take the brand “as far and wide” internationally following its recent app launch in New Zealand. 

The neurodivergent social networking app celebrated its “great milestone” on July 31 when it was released on New Zealand iOS and Android app stores.

The Australian co-founder and CEO told Global Dating Insights: “It has been definitely exciting to be able to release the app into New Zealand after Australia. New Zealand was a natural next step given they are sort of our neighbours. So it is a really exciting and great milestone for us.”

Users have complete control over their profile and information to find friends or romantic partners, as they can choose from options designed to suit their sensory and information processing preferences or needs. 

Features also include a “chat wheel” to help start conversations plus additional support and resources, which are backed by its lead psychologist Phoebe Cummings.

This is the startup company’s first brand expansion since it was first launched this February in Australia. The app is expected to roll out in the UK, USA, and Canada next month. 

Holly shared long term goals, which includes providing the app to as many countries and an equal and inclusive space for neurodivergent communities worldwide.  

She explained: “Take it [Wable] as far and wide as possible. The more people that we can reach and allow an equal inclusive opportunity to connect that is the goal for us.

“If you asked me what success is, it is connecting people so they have connections that they might not otherwise have been able to before Wable came along. We are already achieving that but it will be great to take it to more corners of the world as quickly as we can.”

The concept started after the CEO and co-founder was inspired by Love on the Spectrum star Michael Theo, 30, following his stint on the show searching for love. 

Theo, who is autistic, is considered a fan favourite on the Australian version after appearing on two seasons and known for his tenacity, charisma, and dating opinions.

This spurred Holly to create the platform, along with Chair and Co-Founder Craig Mason, and she said she could not let the idea go until it was launched plus suffered some sleepless nights.

“It is incumbent on everyone to make sure that we are operating our lives in a way that is inclusive for everyone, particularly the neurodivergent community, in a world that is built for neurotypical people. 

“So, it was something that I was passionate about, that I could make a real difference. It kept me up at night and I would not be able to let go of it until I launched and was able to see if I could really do it and what it would achieve.” 

The dedicated CEO also mentioned that the immense support from the neurodivergent community was a motivation to see the app through to its launch. 

“I conducted a lot of advisory and research but, also, heard lots of stories [testimonials]. Some from support care workers, loved ones of individuals that are neurodivergent, and app users. That want has kept me going. 

“It is a lot of hard work particularly when you are trying to launch the app worldwide. But, hearing stories, challenges they had experienced beforehand, and what it means to people makes all the hard work and often sleepless nights certainly worth it.

“It means a lot to the community and that is what drives me as opposed to keep pushing. Introducing new features and continuing to make the app built for them as much as I possibly can. It is really meaningful. So, that is the best part of the job I think.”