In April 2015, three Black co-founders launched the social/dating app “Bae” at Howard University. Some of you might have seen the Swag Surf video from their launch which went viral on Complex…it was LIT. Four months later, they’ve had over 100k downloads and are now kicking off a nationwide HBCU tour. We had the chance to chop it up with Alexis Jones, a sophomore at Howard University and the Social Media Intern for Bae.
So what is Bae?
Bae stands for Before Anyone Else. We are a mobile social/dating app for OUR community. It’s FREE for iPhone and Android, and a great way to meet new people around you as the new school year starts and to connect with fellow HBCU grads.
What is the Bae HBCU College Tour all about?
The Bae tour is all about making it easier and fun to meet new people! Whether you want to find out who the new girls/guys are before anyone else, or want to find out who is feeling you on campus, Bae is the app to make it happen.
We’ll be touring a bunch of HBCUs this year, so if you are a student who is interested in entrepreneurship, hosting parties/events on campus, and turning up with the Bae Team, just email our CMO at justin@baeapp.co to apply to be an ambassador. Make sure you include your Name/School/Class year in the email.
What made the founders decide to make the app?
There really just wasn’t any app out there for Black people to connect. We talked to guys and girls across ten’s of HBCUs, and they all said they would definitely use an app to meet new people at their campus and the neighboring schools. Thanks to Bae, we had a lot of guys/girls matching and meeting people ahead of the classics and homecomings!
How does graduating from an HBCU play a part in your life?
Graduating from an HBCU puts me in a network of people unlike any other. So far Howard has made me feel support in everything I do from academics to internships. This support system has presented me the tools to become the best at what I want to be and accomplish more than I imagined. Going to an HBCU creates many experiences and opportunities for you that most PWIs could never offer and for that, I am extremely grateful for my HBCU.
What was your favorite experience while at Howard?
One of my favorite experiences at Howard so far was experiencing my first Howard Homecoming. It may not have been the same as previous years’ yardfest and other organized events, but I enjoyed it and truly felt the presence of the community Howard is and creates. I felt at home and instantly knew that I would enjoy the rest of my years here at the Mecca.
