Interview: Zach Schleien

What is the most complex thing you’ve had to do?

• Get my startup off the ground from 0 users to over 100K
• Raise money from investors
• Build a product that people love.

What is the most outstanding achievement you’ve ever accomplished?

I left my 9–5 at Johnson & Johnson to start a video speed dating app called Filteroff. I have successfully raised $2.4 million with the lead investor being Anhesuer-Busch, ZX Ventures. I’ve grown Filteroff to over 100K users and have helped create countless marriages.

What are your long-term goals?

Grow Filteroff to a billion dollar company and help create millions of marriages around the world. I strive to change how people date in a positive, authentic, and healthy way. My dream is that true connection becomes the norm that Filteroff will spearhead in the dating world.

What is the biggest mistake you have made within your career?

Not being careful enough with people that I work with which led to a couple of my businesses to fail. I’ve realized team and sharing similar values is essential to run a company and also have peace of mind. Having stable and a positive partnership is the key to business success.

What is one message that you would like to give the world?

Life is short. The message I’d leave to the world is to strive for authentic and true connections. Having people in your life helps with your business and peace of mind. Also you should never settle for less than your goals.

Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

Filteroff is the leading innovator for human connection. I will be helping underprivileged children with the necessary skill sets to have successful lives. I am helping fund initiatives to bring people together in more authentic ways, having people feel less alone.

If you could take back one thing you did wrong, what would it be and why?

I would draft better legal agreements with my cofounders. I would be more selective with who I chose to run businesses with. I would spend less effort on customers that didn’t align with my values. These mistakes have led to failures.