Hey everyone! For those who don't know me: I'm Demian, co-founder of Betterness. Some of you know me from our Augmented Wellness podcast or from our events around Miami. I've led tech teams for about 30 years, and now I'm putting all of that into building something I really believe in.
Starting today, every Friday you'll get a note from me. Fridays are when the week slows down a little. I usually code through the weekend, but on Fridays I try to step back and think (I know, hard to do these days!). I'll share what we're building at Betterness, what's on my mind, and some things from my personal life too. More of those in future letters.
We've been building Betterness for about two years. In today's world that feels like an eternity, but it's been incredible to build a company in the middle of the transition we're all living through, as technologists and as a society. Many of us went from non-coders to coders. For me it's been personal: after years of a quiet imposter complex leading tech teams, today I can honestly say I know exactly what's going on in our code. Or at least I think I do!
It has definitely taken a toll on my wellness, especially my sleep. But overall I'm doing well, partly thanks to a GLP-1, and I know because I measure everything (with Betterness, of course). But that's a story for another letter.
Which brings me to this week. Right before the biggest launch we've had since we started the company, I got kidney stones. It wasn't the first time, so I knew the pain was coming. I had to cancel meetings, and for a couple of days I couldn't think straight. It took me right back to the first time, almost 20 years ago, just after I launched my first startup in Miami from a little office in Coral Gables. Yes, there was Miami tech back then! But I really didn't know what I was doing. Twenty years later I think I know exactly what we're building, but the pain of the stones, and of building a startup? Exactly the same.
But it reminded me why we do this at Betterness. Without your health, you can't make the decisions that lead to a better life, and most of us need some help along the way. That's what Better Health. Better Life. Together. means to us.
So honestly, I couldn't be more excited about what's happening at Betterness, and to share this week with all of you.
This week: the Miami Worldcenter Space is open
We opened it this week, and more than 30 health and wellness businesses joined in a matter of days. People who live, work or visit the district find every perk downtown in one place, and new perks are added every day. Join the Miami Worldcenter Space, and check out our other Spaces too.
Why Miami Worldcenter
Because they believed in this from day one. About a year and a half ago, at our first event with Flow, Miami Worldcenter jumped right in to support us and introduced us to their tenants. Have you walked through it lately? The plants from all over the world, the Apple Store, the shops, the Night Market. It's a thriving ecosystem, and it's perfect for what we're building.
Thirty businesses in a few days. I think it will be hundreds soon, and thousands as we take this to Miami Beach and other cities, all working together through Betterness.
Our seed round is now $3.5 million
This week we also extended our seed round with $1 million, bringing it to $3.5 million (the release). It pays for more places, starting with Miami Beach; free tools for the studios, gyms, coaches and clinics around you; and health services: lab tests today, and we're working on telemedicine.
And a big shout-out to Riley Kaminer at Refresh Miami for another great article. Refresh has been there for the Miami tech community, and for us, for a long time, and they always capture the essence of what's going on. Thank you!
Run a business? Founder?
If you run a studio, gym, clinic or wellness brand, join the Worldcenter Perk program or create a free Betterness One account. If you're building a startup in South Florida, email me: I'd love to have you at our meetups, in Miami Tech Life and on the boat.
Better Health. Better Life. Together.
Demian · Instagram · LinkedIn · Augmented Wellness podcast
