The Founder’s Path
Hi, I’m Manish. By day, I’m a Product Owner in tech, but I’ve always been guided by a deep passion for health, wellbeing, and the transformative power of the outdoors.
In 2019, I founded OZ Outdoors, which grew from a weekend hobby into a thriving, top-rated community of over 2,800 members. After personally leading more than 300 hikes—from city trails to alpine summits—one thing became painfully clear:
The experiences we shared are magical. The tools we use to organise them are a mess.
We’re still piecing together adventures with a digital patchwork: one app for organising and attending events, another for chats, a third for navigation, and a fourth to track our progress. We force technology to fit our world when we deserve a tool that truly understands it.
That’s why I’m building TrekMeet. It isn’t a business plan; it’s a deeply personal solution to a problem I live with every single hike. It’s the app I always wished existed, resting on three simple pillars:
- Intuitive Technology: Seamless planning and stress-free logistics, so you can focus on the trail, not the tech.
- Genuine Community: Tools designed to foster safety, trust, and a true sense of belonging.
- A Respect for Nature: A platform built with sustainability and environmental awareness at its core.
I believe the best technology doesn’t just connect us—it helps us grow. TrekMeet is being built with that belief at its very heart.
The Trail Ahead
Phase 1: The Foundation Q2 2025
Laying the groundwork with research, strategy, and community-focused design.
- Completed market research and competitor audit.
- Solidified the TrekMeet brand identity and core concept.
- Blueprinted the MVP architecture and user journeys.
- Secured domain, hosting, and launched the pre-launch site.
- Filed for Trademark protection with IP Australia.
- Established early community feedback channels.
- Finalised key UI mockups and design workflow.
Phase 2: MVP Build & Beta Q3 2025
Bringing the core features to life and preparing for early testing with our founding members.
- Finalising the technical architecture for scale.
- Developing the initial Flutter prototype.
- Structuring the Firebase backend.
- Event Engine & Group Creation
- Integrated Safety Tools
- Member Profiles & RSVP System
- Closed Beta Onboarding
Phase 3: Public Launch Q4 2025
Releasing to the world on iOS & Android with a focus on smart discovery and performance.
- App Store Beta Release (Australia first)
- AI-Powered Event Discovery
- Pro Tier for Organisers
- Community Reviews & Ratings
Phase 4: Scaling the Summit Q1 2026+
Building reach, deepening features, and establishing TrekMeet’s outdoor-first identity.
- Global & Regional Expansion
- Advanced Pro Toolkit for Organisers
- Effortless Community Migration
- Ethical Brand & Wellness Partnerships