Wrinkles: Unveiling the World's Hidden Stories
In the bustling world of technology, where apps come and go, Wrinkles stands out as a unique and captivating venture. This innovative app, co-founded by David Stemler and Ryan Hansan, is on a mission to bring the hidden stories and local lore of places to life, all while you're on the move. But what makes Wrinkles truly fascinating is not just its functionality, but the personal journey and vision behind it.
A Personal Journey of Curiosity
Stemler and Hansan's friendship, spanning decades, has been deeply intertwined with travel. From their teenage years to the present, they've embarked on countless adventures together, with their families joining in more recently. It's during these travels that many of their business ideas have taken shape. Wrinkles, as the name suggests, is a product of their shared curiosity about the world around them.
The idea for Wrinkles was born from a personal frustration. Stemler, while visiting the British Museum, found himself engrossed in a self-guided tour app, only to realize it hindered his ability to truly experience the museum. This led him to question why we can't seamlessly integrate technology with our surroundings, allowing us to learn about places without being glued to our phones.
A Global Network of Stories
Wrinkles has built an extensive global network of 1.3 million points of interest, covering 177 countries. These points are not just random locations but are carefully curated to offer a rich tapestry of stories. Historians, museums, creators, and brands can contribute their own narratives, making each place come alive with history and local lore.
The app's interactive nature allows users to ask questions about the stories they're hearing. For instance, while learning about the Trevi Fountain, one can inquire about the source of the water, adding an engaging layer of interactivity.
Social and Personal Connections
Wrinkles goes beyond being a mere travel app. It fosters a sense of community, allowing users to follow friends, family, creators, and organizations. Users can also save and share their Wrinkles experiences, creating personalized maps and guides. This social aspect adds a layer of depth, making the app more than just a tool for learning.
One of the most heartwarming features is the ability for users to attach personal memories, photos, videos, and recordings to specific places. Families can collaborate on these histories, preserving stories tied to significant locations, such as a childhood home or a first date spot.
More Than a Travel App
Hansan and Stemler envision Wrinkles as a companion for daily life, not just for travelers. It can be used on commutes, during visits to botanical gardens or zoos, and even for leaving a lasting legacy for loved ones. The app's versatility and personal touch make it a valuable tool for anyone interested in learning more about their surroundings.
A Free and Sustainable Model
Wrinkles operates on a freemium model, but the founders are committed to keeping the app free for users. The revenue comes from the supply side, with museums, tourism boards, universities, and hotels using Wrinkles to create location-based experiences for visitors. Partners can build sponsored guides and promote businesses, with Wrinkles earning a share of transactions, ensuring a sustainable and mutually beneficial model.
The Future of Navigation
The long-term vision for Wrinkles is to become an integral part of how people navigate their surroundings. Whether it's discovering the history of a college campus, learning about one's city, planning a trip, or gaining a deeper understanding of a new city, Wrinkles aims to be the go-to companion for all things related to place and history.
In conclusion, Wrinkles is not just an app; it's a portal to the world's hidden stories, a tool for personal growth, and a community-building platform. It invites users to explore, learn, and connect with their surroundings in a way that is both engaging and deeply personal.
