Andy Dunn’s New Venture: Bonobos Founder Launches In-Person Social Platform While Championing Mental Health

Bonobos Founder Andy Dunn Launches New Social Media Platform, Advocates for Mental Health in Entrepreneurship

Andy Dunn, the founder of the menswear brand Bonobos, is making waves in the tech industry with his latest venture, Pie, an in-person social media platform. However, Dunn’s entrepreneurial journey has been significantly shaped by his experiences with bipolar disorder, a condition he was diagnosed with in college but only began treating seriously in 2016 following a severe manic episode.

In his book, “Burn Rate: Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind,” Dunn explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and mental health. He highlights that mental health issues are prevalent among entrepreneurs, with higher incidence rates compared to the general population. Dunn points out a correlation between neurodivergence and creativity, noting a cyclical relationship between entrepreneurship and mental health challenges.

Dunn discusses the impact of hypomania, a state associated with bipolar disorder, on entrepreneurship. While hypomania can enhance creativity and rapid ideation, beneficial traits for entrepreneurs, Dunn acknowledges the personal toll, including periods of severe depression and mania. He reflects on the difficulties of leadership during hypomanic states, particularly struggles with irritability and collaboration.

As an advocate for mental health awareness in the startup community, Dunn supports initiatives like the Founder Mental Health Pledge, which encourages investors to prioritize founders’ mental well-being. Despite the stigma surrounding mental health issues, Dunn’s openness about his condition hasn’t hindered his fundraising efforts, as evidenced by Pie’s recent $11.5 million Series A funding round.

Dunn approaches managing bipolar disorder as an ongoing regimen, similar to an athlete’s training. With Pie, he aims to build a successful company without compromising his mental stability or that of his team. He promotes transparency with job candidates about work expectations and available support, fostering a balance between hard work and mental health.

Reflecting on his time at Bonobos, Dunn emphasizes the importance of self-care alongside professional dedication. He challenges the notion that working harder is the sole solution to business challenges, advocating for a more balanced approach to entrepreneurship in the fast-paced startup world.