Our Story
How 8PM came to be.
An idea from Buenos Aires, three twenty-somethings from Germany, and one shared question: What does a social network look like that people are happy to open — and just as happy to close again?
The Beginnings.
In the fall of 2025, Paul spent a semester abroad in Buenos Aires. The months in Argentina were among the most formative and vibrant of his life. New people, new friendships, new experiences every day. Life happened on the streets, in bars, parks, and within Argentine culture.
At the same time, he noticed something. Many of these moments were accompanied by a familiar reflex: reaching for a smartphone. People sat together while scrolling through feeds. They were physically present, yet often in different worlds.
This observation stayed with Paul. He began exploring media behavior. He read studies, talked to people, and tried to understand why digital products have such a strong influence on our everyday lives.
"I had the feeling that social networks once started with a very simple idea: connecting people. At some point, something was lost along the way."
In the process, it became increasingly clear to him how strongly many platforms are optimized for attention. Every additional minute on the screen increases reach. Reach creates advertising space. Products are getting better and better at keeping people occupied.
The question that occupied Paul, however, was a different one: What would a social network look like that gives people real value? One that strengthens friendships. One that makes beautiful experiences visible. One that young people are happy to open — and just as happy to close again.
Three friends, one idea.
Around the same time, Paul met Saskia through the Startup in School initiative. During the founding week in November 2025, the initiative brought over 100 founders into classrooms across Germany. Young people were meant to experience that entrepreneurship can be a realistic path.
Saskia led the organization in Germany. Paul supported from Argentina. A close exchange developed early on.
At that point, Saskia was already working on a startup together with Tobias. Tobias, who lived and worked in Norway, brought extensive experience from product and technology development.
When Paul returned to Germany at the end of the year, he and Saskia met in person. He told her about the idea that had occupied him for months. One conversation turned into many. Initial thoughts became concepts. Concepts became a shared venture.
And so in February 2026, Paul, Saskia, and Tobias decided to build 8PM together.
"The idea was bigger than an app from the very beginning. We were excited by the question of how social networks can bring people closer together again."
From four cities to Munich.
The idea was born in Buenos Aires. Tobias developed large parts of the product from Norway. Paul spent time in New York in the spring and brought new perspectives with him. Munich became the home of the company. From different places, a shared vision emerged.
In the months that followed, the team developed the first versions of the app, spoke with users, tested new features, and discarded ideas again.
Every decision started with the same question: Does this make the experience better for people?
"We're building the kind of social network we would gladly use ourselves every day."
Today, the team consists of seven young people. Together, they are building a platform that helps people share their best moments with friends, preserve memories, and make the most of their lives. True to the motto: One Life. Make it count.
This is the story of 8PM. And it has only just begun.
