Kinsome app launched to connect kids and grandparents amid Alzheimer"s challenge

Eben Pingree, a former Session M executive, faced a personal challenge when both his mother and father-in-law were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease over a year ago. This prompted him to create Kinsome, a communication platform aimed at bridging the gap between children and their grandparents. Officially launched just before Grandparents Day, the app has been in public beta and has successfully secured $1.2 million in pre-seed funding from notable investors, including individuals with backgrounds in major tech companies. Kinsome is designed to facilitate meaningful interactions between kids and grandparents, especially those who may not see each other frequently. The app includes engaging features such as warm-up activities, icebreakers, and interactive games. One of the standout features, "Emoji Chronicles," allows children to express their daily experiences through emojis, prompting further conversation with their grandparents. The platform also enables grandparents to receive recorded messages from their grandchildren, fostering a two-way communication channel. Grandparents can respond via voice recordings, which are then shared with the kids through an in-app messenger. The design of the app prioritizes accessibility for older users, ensuring that they can easily navigate the platform. Future updates will introduce new features, including the ability for kids to upload photos from family albums, enhancing conversation starters. Additionally, Kinsome plans to offer multilingual support, broadening its reach and usability for diverse families. This innovative approach aims to strengthen family bonds and preserve cherished memories despite the challenges posed by Alzheimer's.