Next on the Mic: Mary & Brandon, Bindr & Cold Start
In the latest episode of Next on the Mic, Charles Mansfield sat down with Mary Richardson and Brandon Teller, co-founders of Bindr and Cold Start, for a discussion about building meaningful ventures, how PIttsburgh embraced them as queer founders, and the importance of knowing and flexing your teams strengths. Their journey offers practical lessons and inspiration for founders navigating the complexities of creating impactful businesses in a competitive and evolving landscape.
Bindr, a dating app designed with inclusivity at its core, stands out as a space where LGBTQ+ individuals can feel safe and celebrated. Meanwhile, Cold Start focuses on empowering businesses to reach their audiences more effectively with practical marketing solutions. Both were born out of personal experiences and the drive to find a solution, not just to fill gaps in their respective markets.
For both founders, community wasn’t just a buzzword; it was a foundational principle. “I really do believe in in the community. I'm part of it, I want to make this safer place. I have a lot of long life term goals for helping queer people," Mary shared during the interview. Similarly, they explained Cold Start can level the playing field for small businesses that don’t have access to massive marketing budgets, providing solutions at a fraction of the cost that typical SEO companies are charging for just strategies.
Launching a startup is no easy feat, but doing so as queer founders brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. For Mary and Brandon, Pittsburgh provided a unique backdrop to their entrepreneurial journey. They highlighted the supportive nature of the city’s startup ecosystem and the sense of belonging they’ve found within it.
“Pittsburgh believed in Bindr. When other people were hesitant. They weren’t scared by the fact that we were saying LGBTQ bisexual fluid, you know, no labels . It didn’t scare them away. Pittsburgh accepted us as queer founders, for who we are, and believed in us as founders. And were the first ones to really write us a big check and give us a chance.”
The journey from concept to startup success is filled with twists and turns. For Bindr and Cold Start, understanding market needs and staying adaptable were key to turning their ideas into impactful businesses.
This conversation with Mary and Brandon is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and community in building successful startups. Their stories serve as a reminder that inclusive design and thoughtful execution can drive both business success and social impact. To hear more about their journey and insights, watch the full interview here.