Founder and CEO Holly Fowler created Wable, a first-of-its kind social networking app, after becoming inspired to create a space for meaningful connections between neurodivergent people.

The idea for her entrepreneurial venture was sparked while watching the popular reality TV show Love on the Spectrum, which follows a cast of young neurodivergent people navigating the world of dating and relationships.

“What I loved about the show was that [it got] more people talking about autism and the challenges facing the [neurodivergent] community,” Fowler tells Women’s Agenda, adding that it felt like the show “sparked a bit of a movement, particularly here in Australia”.

Fowler’s love for the show’s positive impact inspired her to think even bigger about what could better support the neurodivergent community in the complicated world of dating apps, as well as making friends and relationships of all kinds.

“There aren't enough safe spaces for neurodivergent people to find one another,” Fowler says about her thought process at the time.

“Neurodivergent people don't want to scroll through traditional dating apps with a bunch of people that potentially they won't connect with, or that don't understand their everyday life and challenges,” she says. “How much better would it be if neurodivergent people could just cut to the chase.”

Wable does exactly that. The social networking app contains tools to help neurodivergent people initiate conversation and build all kinds of meaningful relationships, including friendship, dating and even finding jobs. It helps neurodivergent people to safely connect with like-minded individuals and develop lasting relationships.

“Neurodivergent people don't want to scroll through traditional dating apps with a bunch of people that potentially they won't connect with, or that don't understand their everyday life and challenges."
- Holly Fowler, Founder and CEO, Wable

Based in Melbourne, Wable launched in late February 2024, with one of the stars of Love on the Spectrum, Michael Theo, coming on-board as an ambassador for the brand.

Fowler had admired how resilient Michael had been when it came to the complexities of dating as an autistic person, and she had reached out to him and his mum, who told her Wable was a brilliant idea to support the community.

Leadership built on empathy and passion

With a background in marketing and PR, Fowler hadn’t thought she’d ever be an entrepreneur until the idea for Wable struck.

“I'm ADHD, so when I have an idea and I'm passionate about something, I get really obsessed with things,” she says about what drives her entrepreneurship.

It’s this passion to make a positive social impact through Wable that’s led to her success.

Recently, Fowler completed her second capital raise of $1.5 million in a Series A funding round that has streamlined Wable’s international expansion into the UK, the US, New Zealand and Canada.

When it comes to maintaining this success and momentum, Fowler says she’s learned how important it is to back your ideas and your vision.

“I'm getting better at looking at challenges in front of me now, “Fowler says, adding that she can “see a wider lens and a bigger vision for Wable” and knows “that all the little pieces along the way are part of a larger story.”

Impact-driven business

While leading a business that has the potential for such a large impact, Fowler says she wears her heart on her sleeve and strives to have an open-minded leadership style.

“In impact-based businesses, having empathy for others is much more powerful than people may realise,” says Fowler, adding that empathy can be “your greatest tool as a leader”.

“When something means so much to you, it’s easier to see things through and weather the storms when they come,” she adds, noting that all the hard work that’s gone into Wable leaves her with nothing but passion to continue its momentum.

“I worked on Wable in the middle of the night for two years with no help, wondering how I was going to keep going. So, it means a great deal to have come this far,” she says.

As for what’s next, Fowler is currently hiring and building up the Wable team to “see what more minds and people” can bring to the table.

“I worked on Wable in the middle of the night for two years with no help, wondering how I was going to keep going. So, it means a great deal to have come this far."
- Holly Fowler, Founder and CEO, Wable

“I'm all for bringing in new ideas, and I’m particularly excited our new social media role has received so many applicants from talented neurodivergent people,” she says.

“We want neurodivergent people in and around every corner of our business, which is really important to me.” 

This article was written in partnership with and originally published by Women's Agenda.