Startup helps solo adults find community

Find. Mix. Repeat. Mixolo (mixolo.io) , an innovative new social networking company that offers events and experiences for solo adults to mix and mingle,

has launched its Beta phase in Baltimore and is looking to launch in other cities, including Washington, D.C., soon. Founded by entrepreneur and Baltimore resident, Carolyn Walton Lynch , Mixolo offers its members carefully curated events designed to ensure that anyone without a plus-one will feel welcomed.

“There is so often a stigma attached to going out alone,” says Lynch, a business consultant and CPA, who co-founded an IT services company. “And when people

do, they are often greeted with a patronizing look, or words like, ‘Just one?’” Lynch’s goal is to disrupt that stigma, while at the same time creating fun events

for solos who want go out and connect and engage with other like-minded adults.

Mixolo is designed to bring together two groups: members who want to meet others with similar interests, and the organizations – including restaurants, cultural venues, sporting events and more – that have something to offer.The website (mixolo.io) has been live since February with a mobile app coming

soon. Visitors can sign up by filling out user surveys indicating their interests and such details as size and price points of events they’d like to attend.

With minimal publicity, Mixolo’s March pre-launch events filled up quickly. “It’s clear that solo adults are excited about the opportunity to get out and enjoy new

experiences,” says Lynch. “Our market is anyone who has ever considered opting out of a fun experience because they didn’t want to go alone.”

Event organizers and venues are also invited to join via the Mixolo Beta website today by indicating what they have to offer members. “Mixolo isn’t just a way for

venues to fill seats or sell tickets,” Lynch cautions. “We want our events to be personal.” In the soon to be released app, Mixolo aims to democratize event

planning by allowing hosts to design their own Mixolo experiences to accommodate groups of solos coming together, likely for the first time.

In addition to adding several new Baltimore events during the coming weeks and months, Lynch has set her sights on launching Mixolo in other cities, including

Washington, D.C. Studies have shown that social interaction is a key to a longer and more fulfilling life, Lynch points out. “With the population of solo adults growing, Mixolo fills an important need,” she says. “We provide a way for anyone – regardless of relationship status – to get out and mix it up with other adventurous individuals.”

To join Mixolo as a member or as an event host, go to mixolo.io. You’ll be glad you did.