Current & Critical - Hafiz Mitha, Start-up Passion - How to build what you care about

In this episode, you’ll be reminded about the joys of recess and play with PlayCity Founder & CEO, Hafiz Mitha. After exiting a role and moving back to Calgary, Hafiz stared at tennis courts outside of his condo day after day, pining for a partner to play with. But he didn’t know anyone and felt some anxiety about showing up and standing around, hoping someone might play tennis with him. Around the same time, dating apps were incredibly popular, which sparked Hafiz’s idea - instead of matching someone for a romantic date, why couldn’t you match someone who shares the same activity interests, skill level, and availability as yourself? After that a-ha moment, PlayCity was born.

A great idea needs a great team to bring it to life, and Hafiz was able to get an introduction to the right developers who took payment in equity due to their love of sports and passion for the problem PlayCity is solving. Despite quick user uptake, the team noticed users weren’t matching and had to iterate their app to reduce barriers to connection. This episode will demonstrate how to take an idea to a product, including tips on building a team, testing your idea, the benefits of accelerator programs, and the never-ending inspiration experienced by entrepreneurs who create multiple companies. No matter what problem you’re experiencing, this episode will inspire you to get out there and solve it (or get outside, play, and forget your problems for a little while).