Why We Built First Round’s On Me (And Why the World Needs It)

In this episode of First Round’s On Me, Joey and Hannah pull back the curtain on why FROME evolved from a dating app into a social app — and what problem it’s actually trying to solve.They unpack the tension between technology and genuine human connection, the confusion users have felt around too many features, and why the simplest explanation is often the most powerful. From explaining the app in a single sentence to breaking down how drink credits, partner venues, and real-life meetups actually work, this episode is both a philosophy lesson and a practical reset.The conversation expands into Gen Z’s rejection of screen addiction, the growing “analog” movement, and why even the people who built social media won’t let their kids use it. At its core, this episode is about getting people off their phones and back in front of each other — using technology as a bridge, not a replacement, for real connection.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by group chats, endless scrolling, or plans that never actually happen, this episode explains why FROME exists — and why real connection still matters.💬 In the comments: Do you feel the shift toward more “analog” experiences happening already?00:00 – Technology vs genuine human connection 01:00 – Why FROME evolved from dating app to social app03:00 – The problem: too many features, unclear core message05:00 – Explaining FROME in one simple sentence06:30 – Turning group chats into real plans08:00 – Incentivizing real-life connection10:00 – Social media’s shift from “we” to “me”12:00 – The return to analog experiences14:00 – Gen Z, screen addiction & social media bans16:00 – Why tech founders don’t let their kids use screens18:00 – How FROME actually works (plans, credits, venues)21:00 – Why plans must involve other people23:00 – Capturing moments vs curating perfection25:00 – Why FROME isn’t Instagram or a dating app27:00 – Community feedback & simplifying the experience29:00 – Final thoughts: get off your phone, meet people29:40 – Outro & gratitude