Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erik Poldroo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Erik, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

As a former student-athlete, I faced the immense challenge of balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of athletic performance. Navigating stress and anxiety was a constant struggle, and there was little guidance on managing these pressures. This experience highlighted a critical gap in the education system: the need for more comprehensive life skills education, real-world experiences, and robust mental health support.

If I could change the education system, I would incorporate life skills training into the curriculum, such as stress management, financial literacy, and effective communication. Introducing real-world experiences earlier, such as internships and hands-on projects, would better prepare students for their future careers. Most importantly, I would ensure that mental health and well-being are prioritized, with accessible resources and support systems in place for all students.

One story that underscores this need comes from my own journey. As a student-athlete, I often felt overwhelmed by the expectations placed on me. There were times when the stress and anxiety became so intense that it affected my performance and overall well-being. Unfortunately, there were limited resources available to help me navigate these challenges. This experience drove me to co-found The Zone, a mental wellness app for student-athletes, to provide the support I wish I had. By making these changes, we can create a more supportive and fulfilling educational experience for all students.

Erik, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m the co-founder of The Zone, a mental wellness app dedicated to supporting athletic staff and the student-athletes they care for. My journey into this industry stems from my own experiences as a student-athlete, where I faced significant challenges in balancing academic pressures with the demands of athletics. Navigating stress and anxiety was a constant battle, and the lack of adequate mental health resources made it even harder. This personal struggle inspired me to create a solution that could help others in similar situations.

The Zone provides a comprehensive mental performance system that equips athletic staff with the tools and resources necessary to provide better care for their student-athletes. Our app offers personalized mental performance resources, data insights, and support tools to help athletic staff manage and address the mental health challenges their athletes face. By delivering comprehensive training and data-driven insights, we empower clinicians and athletic administrators to create a more supportive environment. This holistic approach ensures that staff can effectively address the mental health needs of their athletes, fostering a culture of well-being and peak performance.

What sets The Zone apart is the focus on helping athletic staff, and giving them the tools and infrastructure to best support their student-athletes. By providing tailored resources and fostering a supportive community, we help athletic staff enhance their care for student-athletes, enabling both to thrive on campus.

One of my proudest achievements is seeing the positive impact The Zone has had on the lives of both athletic staff and their student-athletes. Hearing their stories of how our software has helped them manage and improve their overall care system on campus has been incredibly rewarding.

I want people to know that The Zone is more than just technology, it’s a commitment to supporting our communities and helping people thrive. Our mission is to provide the support that people need to succeed in all aspects of their roles. By partnering with athletic programs and organizations, we aim to create a culture where mental health is prioritized, and every staff member and athlete has the support they need to excel.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met my co-founder, Ivan, during our college years. Ivan was a member of our college’s basketball team, and we both lived on the same floor in the dorms. During this time, Ivan was navigating his own mental health struggles, compounded by a severe injury that left him uncertain about how to cope. This shared proximity and our experiences as student-athletes formed a bond that would later become the foundation of our business partnership.

A few short years after our college days, Ivan and I reconnected and decided to start The Zone. Our shared experiences and understanding of the unique challenges faced by student-athletes inspired us to create a solution that could make a real difference.

In addition to Ivan, Janaya has been an incredible piece of our founding team. I met Janaya through Ivan, and she has significantly contributed to our venture by leading our product experience and technology. Her expertise and dedication have been instrumental in rounding out our team and bringing our vision to life. Together, we are committed to making a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of athletic staff and student-athletes.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

In the earlier years of The Zone, we bootstrapped the business, relying on our own resources and a family and friends investment round to get us to a proof of concept. This initial support was crucial in developing the foundation of our mental wellness app and allowed us to start demonstrating its potential impact.

As we began to close early sales and secure partnerships with institutions such as Lehigh University and Seton Hill University, our traction started to catch the attention of several venture capital firms. This early success validated our vision and opened the door to more significant investment opportunities.

We were fortunate to receive investment from venture capital firms including a16z and their TxO program, 3LS Ventures and others. This funding has enabled us to expand our reach, enhance our product offerings, and continue our mission of supporting athletic staff and student-athletes in managing their mental health and well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itsthezone.com
• Instagram: Poldroo24
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-poldroo-638b15120/
• Other: https://www.bigeast.com/news/2023/2/22/general-big-east-names-the-zone-its-official-mental-wellness-partner.aspx