Tapestry Lets Seniors Connect to Their Friends and Family Using a Simple App

Tapestry is an Australian startup whose mission is to “enrich the lives of older users” by offering a product suite especially designed for them. The Tapestry app for Android tablets makes it easy for seniors to connect to the people they love without having to sign up for a host of social networks. Whether family members share via Facebook, Google+, or email, users will receive everything via Tapestry. All photos are automatically backed up online as well.

Tapestry's home screen is fuss-free and easy to use. Aside from the family photo album, there's weather and email. The latter, which is specifically created for Tapestry users, is full-featured but super simple. Built from the ground up with privacy and security in mind, Tapestry is 100 percent ad-free. Pricing begins at $0 for two family members. For more family members, paid plans start at $10 per month.


Tapestry is the brainchild of Andrew Dowling, an innovator in Australia's technology industry. He got the idea for Tapestry in 2010 when he was studying population demographics for his master's degree in China. He realized that China's next biggest challenge will be the same one faced by all developed nations worldwide – the aging population. That was also the year he first discovered the emerging field of social entrepreneurship.

Months after obtaining his master's degree, Dowling founded Tapestry, and today, the tech startup is pursuing its “grand vision of enriching the lives of people of all ages across the world” by helping them stay connected to their friends, families, and communities.

Tapestry recently received a $400,000 grant from Commercialisation Australia. The company will use the funds to expand to iOS and other devices, add more community features, and launch in the US. Tapestry had previously raised $600,000 from Sydney Angels in November – investors included Su-Ming Wong, Brand Hoff, and David Greatorex.