Time Left

Founded by Brian Leff, Time Left is a unique app that organizes weekly dinner gatherings for strangers, matched based on personality traits and interests. Users pay a subscription fee and are then paired with others for an evening of dining and connection in various cities across the globe.

Why It Works

The concept taps into a pressing societal issue: loneliness. By leveraging the universal appeal of dining and the human desire for connection, Time Left offers an engaging solution that resonates with many, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revenue & Traction

In just 10 months, Time Left achieved an impressive annual recurring revenue (ARR) of over $10 million, with monthly revenue surpassing $1 million. The app now operates in 300 cities and organizes approximately 18,000 dinners weekly.

Founding Story

Brian Leff, previously a nightlife promoter and media entrepreneur, faced challenges after his media company was acquired under unfavorable conditions. After a period of reflection and travel during the pandemic, he recognized the need for connection and launched Time Left. Starting with a manual process, he quickly pivoted to a scalable model by organizing group dinners instead of one-on-one meetings, which proved more effective and safer.

Business Playbook

1. Find 10 potential customers for Time Left and interview them about their pain points. 2. Create a simple prototype or mockup based on the feedback gathered. 3. Test your prototype with 5 of the interviewed customers to validate your solution. 4. Develop a minimum viable product with core features only. 5. Launch to a small group of early adopters and collect testimonials.

Additional Information

Time Left uses existing restaurant booking platforms to streamline operations and has automated much of its matching process. The app has gained traction by aligning with current societal trends, such as the increasing loneliness epidemic and the desire for in-person connections post-pandemic.