ConnectAround

Jan 22, 2014

Tapestry buys US social startup ConnectAround Social networks for seniors join forces Tapestry connects seniors on tablets. Credit: Tapestry Adam Bender (Techworld Australia) 22 January, 2014 11:02 - Comments Australian startup Tapestry has acquired ConnectAround, a US-based social network for residents of retirement communities. Tapestry, profiled last year in Techworld Australia’s startup snapshot series, is the Sydney-based developer of an app that aims to connect seniors to social media. Built for tablets, the app makes it simple for seniors to receive updates and photos from Facebook and similar services. Tapestry said the acquisition of ConnectAround will help it expand from private senior users into the aged care sector, as well as into the US market. It follows a successful trial in Sydney that resulted in an enterprise agreement for aged care facilities. “This acquisition not only provides a massive step up for our offering into active adult living communities in the US, but also the rapidly growing 55 plus market more broadly,” said Tapestry CEO Andrew Dowling. ConnectAround was founded in 2011 and has a user base in Los Angeles, San Francisco and the Bay Area. The startup’s founder Marcie Rogo will become head of operations for Tapestry in the US. “Tapestry and ConnectAround are clearly aligned in our goals,” Rogo said in a statement. “We are both committed to providing seniors with user-friendly technology that helps them stay in touch with their community, and to reducing the feelings of isolation and loneliness that have become all too common in this generation. “I truly believe our combined assets will ensure Tapestry is wildly successful in the US and global enterprise markets.” Tapestry and ConnectAround did not disclose the financial terms of the deal. Follow Adam Bender on Twitter: @WatchAdam Follow Techworld Australia on Twitter: @Techworld_AU