Howbout

Howbout is a social calendar app that lets close friends share what they're up to, see when each other are free and make plans together. The premise — that time itself can be the core content of a social network, the same way photos are for Instagram or short videos for TikTok — has resonated with a Gen Z audience seeking more authentic ways to keep in touch as social platforms drift towards entertainment over connection.

The app was founded in 2020 by Neil Tanna, Jake Jenner and Duncan Cowan — three university friends who left careers in corporate law, investment banking and spacecraft engineering respectively. It launched into a pandemic and grew over 600% in its first year. The product is now used by 5 million people across more than 150 countries, with over 100 million events added and roughly 2 million new events per week. Howbout consistently ranks in the top 10 social app charts in over 30 countries.

The company has raised approximately $13 million in total funding, including an $8 million Series A in 2024 led by Goodwater Capital — an early backer of Facebook, Spotify and Monzo. Other investors include FJ Labs, Sequel, Boost VC, ACF Investors, Supernode Global, footballer Harry Maguire and Snapchat's Claire Valoti. The company employs around 17 people and has been listed by Culture100 as one of the Best Companies to Work For in 2024.