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SYNK - LOI & Feedback

Problem: Professional online events suck

When COVID-19 forced much of the world to go remote, platforms like Zoom, Discord, and Google Meet quickly emerged as go-to solutions for video conferencing, online classes, and virtual social gatherings. While these tools effectively connect people in basic ways, they fall short for online events—think career fairs, networking mixers, and industry conferences—that rely on spontaneity, free movement, and organic conversation.

Two years ago, I was invited to present research at a virtual conference. I was incredibly excited to join PhD’s and professors from around the world. However, my enthusiasm quickly faded as I stared at a grid of lifeless faces, a conference reduced to a series of dull Google Slide presentations, with each speaker taking their turn in a monotonous procession. There was no opportunity to engage with fellow researchers, discuss ideas, or build relationships. Instead, I found myself trapped in a virtual hell, an online format stripped away from the very essence of what made academic conferences so valuable, the opportunity to connect.

In an online event, there’s no “walking up” to a booth or striking up an impromptu conversation. Rather, attendees take turns asking questions through the chat, hop in and out of breakout rooms, or much more commonly, not speak at all.  

It’s because having dozens or hundreds of attendees in a single meeting means that only a few people can speak at once, while everyone else is in a passive “audience” role. This quickly devolves into a “YouTube video” effect, where people tune out or multitask in the background.

Furthermore, research shows that these video-conferencing limitations lead to mental and physical exhaustion. Studies have found that participants experience awkward turn-taking, inhibited spontaneity, restricted movement, and heightened self-awareness, which impairs satisfaction, performance, collaboration, and productivity(Kock, 2004; Kock, 2009a). 

Solution

We are building SYNK, a platform that enables users to host events and 24/7 spaces in a virtual 3D environment, accessible from any device. SYNK brings natural and immersive communication to online interactions with proximity-based voice chat and avatars.

Examples

In a networking event, entrepreneurs stroll through conversation clusters, eavesdrop for a moment, and then join in naturally.

At a SYNK career fair, job seekers can walk up to any job recruiter that catches their eye, instead of spending a lot of time deciding and signing up for which recruiter they're going to join before the Zoom call. 

In a SYNK college admissions info session, admissions officers from different institutions can break off into separate areas after their presentations, allowing attendees to walk up and ask questions freely.

Online hackathons are often isolating. However, a SYNK environment would enable shared coworking spaces between teams—much like the in-person atmosphere where companies bring participants together to network and compete.

Imagine trying to hold a virtual alumni reunion on Zoom with dozens of people joining and leaving breakout rooms. It’s awkward and barely replicates the real thing. In contrast, a reunion on SYNK would let alumni move around freely, mingle, and reconnect with old friends naturally.

A real-estate YouTuber wants to create a 24/7 interactive space where followers can drop in anytime to discuss market trends, share insights, and network—turning his casual followers into an active community.

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3D-Modeled + AI Generated

Do you see yourself ever using something like this?

Do you see yourself ever using something like this?
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