In a captivating session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, held in San Francisco, Tade Oyerinde, founder of CampusWire, and Teddy Solomon, a notable community-building expert, took the stage to discuss strategies for creating deeply engaged audiences.
Their talk, which drew a packed crowd of startup founders and tech enthusiasts, focused on the importance of fostering genuine connections over mere follower counts in today’s digital landscape.
Why Audience Engagement Matters More Than Ever
The duo emphasized that in an era of information overload, authentic engagement is the key differentiator for startups looking to stand out.
Oyerinde, drawing from his experience with CampusWire—a platform connecting students and educators—shared how prioritizing user feedback helped shape a loyal community from the ground up.
Solomon complemented this by highlighting historical shifts in audience dynamics, noting that past decades focused on mass marketing, whereas today’s success hinges on personalized interactions.
Lessons from the Past: Building Communities That Last
Reflecting on the history of digital communities, both speakers pointed to early internet forums as precursors to modern engagement strategies, underscoring the timeless value of listening to users.
They also addressed the impact of their insights on current startups, suggesting that companies ignoring community-building risk high churn rates and diminished brand loyalty.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Audience Engagement
Looking to the future, Oyerinde predicted that advancements in AI and data analytics will enable even deeper personalization, making user-centric design non-negotiable for tomorrow’s businesses.
Solomon added that the rise of niche platforms could further fragment audiences, urging founders to focus on micro-communities for sustained growth.
Both speakers agreed that their strategies, when applied thoughtfully, can transform startups into movements, creating ripple effects across industries.
The session, part of TechCrunch Disrupt’s broader theme of innovation and connection, left attendees inspired to rethink their approach to audience-building.
For more details on the event, visit the official TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 page.
Alfred Lee
