Live in the Room with Shreya Murthy, cofounder and CEO of Partiful
In the Room with Shreya Murthy, CEO and Co-Founder of Partiful
Welcome to a special bonus episode of The Room Podcast, recorded live at New York Tech Week this June! We were thrilled to sit down with Shreya Murthy, co-founder and CEO of Partiful, the modern social events platform that is revolutionizing how we make plans and build real-world relationships. Since launching in 2021, Partiful has scaled to millions of users and earned major accolades, including Google’s Best App of 2024, Apple’s Editor Choice, recognition as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for 2025, and most recently on Time’s 100 Most Influential Companies. With its SMS-based approach and frictionless event creation, Partiful has become the go-to platform for gathering people together so much so that “to partiful” has become a verb!
Catch up on our conversation with Shreya, on her first ever podcast, where we delved deep into Lean Startup Principles, GTM Strategies and Monetizing Partiful, and launching and scaling a consumer business amidst global pandemic and the onset of AI.
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T1: Staying True to Lean Startup Principles
Shreya emphasized the importance of being lean in the early stages of a startup. Partiful’s journey began with a focus on removing friction from the user experience. Instead of launching a full-fledged app, Shreya and her co-founder Joy opted for a web-based platform that allowed for rapid iteration and deployment. This decision was rooted in the understanding that app development can be time-consuming and may introduce unnecessary barriers for users.
By prioritizing a simple, frictionless experience, Partiful was able to gather valuable user feedback early on. Shreya noted that the luxury of being at the beginning of their journey meant that “no one cares,” allowing them to experiment and learn without the pressure of a large audience. This approach aligns with lean startup principles, which advocate for building a minimum viable product (MVP) to test hypotheses and iterate based on real user feedback.
T2: Virality and Knowing When to Monetize
Partiful has rapidly become the go-to platform for event organization, hosting everything from intimate gatherings and corporate events to live podcast recordings. Founded during the pandemic in 2020, Partiful’s go-to-market strategy has been instrumental in driving the app’s viral growth. Shreya shared that Partiful’s initial focus was on growth rather than immediate monetization. They recognized that throwing up a paywall too soon could hinder their ability to learn about user needs and preferences, especially with the added friction of adding another app to users’ home screens. Instead, they aimed to create a product that users loved and wanted to engage with.
Partiful’s monetization strategy evolved as they gained traction. Shreya explained that they wanted to solve real problems related to event planning before introducing any costs. Their recent partnership with Instacart to facilitate group orders for events is a prime example of how they are integrating monetization into the user experience without compromising the core value of the platform. Users who are 21+ can order alcoholic beverages for their parties using InstaCart’s new partnership with Fizz. This thoughtful approach to monetization reflects a deep understanding of their user base and the importance of timing in the startup lifecycle.
T3: Launching a Consumer Product in a Pandemic…
Launching a consumer product during a global pandemic presented unique challenges for Partiful. Shreya recounted how they officially started their fundraising journey just before the world shut down in March 2020. The initial excitement of building a platform for social gatherings quickly turned into uncertainty as in-person events were canceled.
Despite these challenges, Shreya and Joy remained committed to their vision. They used the time to refine their product and focus on building a community around it. The pandemic underscored the importance of real-world connections, which aligned perfectly with Partiful’s mission to combat social isolation. This adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity are crucial traits for any entrepreneur navigating uncertain times.
T4: …and Scaling a Consumer Business in the Age of AI in 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Shreya discussed the evolving landscape of consumer businesses, particularly in the context of AI. She noted that while many companies are leveraging AI to create new forms of entertainment and utility, Partiful’s focus remains on fostering real-world connections. The platform aims to create a space where users can build meaningful relationships, rather than just serving as another social media outlet.
As AI continues to shape consumer behavior and expectations, Shreya emphasized the need for businesses to adapt and innovate. The key to success will be understanding how to integrate AI in a way that enhances user experience without losing sight of the core mission. For Partiful, this means continuing to prioritize community and connection, even as technology evolves.
We’ll be back later this summer with more episodes, content, and conversations. Until then, cheers for team TRP!
Special thanks to our Season 12 sponsors, Perkins Coie and Mercury, and to JLL and Level Ten for providing us with an amazing venue to host our live recording!
Mercury is the fintech ambitious companies use for banking* and all their financial workflows. With a powerful bank account at the center of their operations, companies can make better financial decisions and ensure that every dollar spent aligns with company priorities. That’s why over 200K startups choose Mercury to confidently run all their financial operations with the precision, control, and focus they need to operate at their best.
*Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC.
Perkins Coie is a leading full-service, international law firm known for providing high-value, strategic solutions for startups and investors. Lawyers in Perkins Coie’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice support the most innovative entrepreneurs and investors in fast-moving and high-growth sectors across the country, addressing the myriad legal needs that arise when fundraising and scaling their businesses. The firm’s tailored legal services are informed by an understanding of each client’s discrete needs.
