Collab

A mobile-first platform connecting tech professionals for short-term project collaborations through mutual matching — where conversation unlocks only when both parties signal interest.

problem

This project started with a problem I'm living right now. As a developer entering the market after a career in product management, I kept hitting the same wall: I needed collaborators, and there was no efficient way to find them. A frontend dev needs a database collaborator for a side project. A designer needs someone who understands motion engineering for a portfolio piece. A founder needs a technical co-builder for two weeks, not a full-time hire. These aren't hiring problems. They're discovery problems. And existing platforms can't solve them. LinkedIn optimizes for passive browsing — connections rarely convert to collaboration. Freelance marketplaces are client-contractor, not peer-to-peer. Job boards optimize for full-time employment, not "I need a backend dev for two weeks." I built the platform I wished existed.

solution

Swipe-based discovery that surfaces skill-matched peers and gig opportunities. Two-screen onboarding gets users swiping in under 60 seconds — no lengthy profile setup before value delivery. The core mechanic borrows from dating apps not because it's trendy, but because it solves a specific information problem: both parties signal interest independently, and conversation unlocks only on mutual match. This eliminates cold outreach entirely and creates a psychologically safe discovery environment. Completed collaborations generate verified trust signals: peer ratings, skill endorsements, and a "Proven Collaborator" badge. Your track record is built from real work, not self-reported claims. A daily deck limit of 15 cards prevents doom-swiping and forces quality engagement. The peer-to-peer flywheel addresses the retention problem that kills most professional networking apps — even employed users return for collaborator discovery, because the need for project partners doesn't end when you have a job.

Story

year

2026

timeframe

In progress, expected Spring 2026

tools

Frontend: React Native (cross-platform mobile) Backend: Firebase (auth, real-time database, cloud functions) Real-Time: WebSocket for chat and match notifications APIs: REST APIs for matching algorithm and user management Design: Figma

category

Full-Stack

.say hello

i'm open for freelance projects, feel free to email me to see how can we collaborate

.say hello

i'm open for freelance projects, feel free to email me to see how can we collaborate