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.
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