Outernet App Turns Online Saves into Offline Adventures

Danielle Egan and Athena Leong have launched Outernet, an app designed to motivate users to engage with the world offline. Inspired by the concept of using the internet to encourage outdoor activity, the app allows users to save online content like local events or places they wish to visit.

Outernet differentiates itself by its founders' focus on playfulness. The app captures attention through unexpected means, acting as a "motivation engine for IRL" by reducing the friction between intention and action. It solves the common problem of saving content online but forgetting about it later.

The app utilizes AI to extract key information such as dates, times, and locations from saved items. Events are displayed chronologically, while other places are organized into separate tabs. Users can also sync events with their calendars and receive proactive reminders.

The idea for Outernet originated from the founders' experience organizing a large-scale citywide scavenger hunt in San Francisco. This experience revealed a significant public appetite for real-world adventures and a desire for excuses to go outside.

Launched approximately two months ago, Outernet is already profitable through its premium subscription model. It has garnered around 18,000 users, and the team is actively experimenting with new features, including a "passport" concept for tracking completed activities and gamification elements. The founders are seeking investors who align with their whimsical approach to business.