In a world where scrolling replaces socializing and “we should link soon” rarely ever happens, one young visionary in Birmingham, Alabama decided enough was enough. Kenneth McQueen, the mind behind Companion, the city’s newest and most-needed app designed to help millennials actually meet people again. Not just follow them. Not just like their photos. Not just DM them. But truly connect, vibe, network, and build community.

In a tech landscape often dominated by big names and even bigger noise, McQueen stands out as a grounded, brilliant young Black tech founder who knew exactly what his peers were missing: a space where genuine connection meets curated experiences. And Birmingham is quickly becoming the blueprint for how millennials can build community in a way that is intentional, fun, and culturally forward.

Today, Companion has grown into the go-to platform for curated social and networking events in the city. If you’re a millennial in Birmingham, chances are you’ve either attended a Companion event, seen one go viral, or thought about pulling up because all your friends won’t stop talking about it. And that’s exactly the magic Kenneth set out to create.

Solving a Problem Millennials Know All Too Well

Like many great innovations, Companion started with a moment of frustration.

“What inspired me to create Companion was the lack of social media platforms aimed at curated events specifically for networking… When I was a transplant in different cities, I felt like my problem was meeting new people and also learning the city,” said McQueen.

And if we’re being real, that’s a universal millennial struggle. New city. New job. New routine. But no real way to find your people. McQueen realized that millennials needed more than flyers and event bulletins they needed a platform that understood loneliness, transition, and the desire for meaningful community.

That’s why Companion was intentionally built to support different archetypes.

“The overarching problem is loneliness… You should never feel lonely with Companion in your city,” he said.

Whether you’re the single friend, the empty nester, the new-to-town transplant, or simply tired of doing the same things with the same people every weekend, Companion has something for you.

What Makes Companion Different? Everything.

Where other platforms leave the planning (and the stress) up to you, Companion does the opposite. It creates the entire experience from the venue to the vibe to the crowd.

McQueen explains it perfectly:
“We do the hard work for you… We have the space, the vibe, the food. All you gotta do is show up!”

Companion isn’t just an app. It’s a highly curated gateway to new friendships, business connections, shared experiences, and maybe even your next creative collaborator.

And millennials are loving it.

Consistency & Community: The Secret Sauce

One of the biggest gaps McQueen noticed in social spaces was inconsistency. A networking event here… a social mixer there… and tons of missed opportunities because people simply didn’t know what was happening.

“People don’t hear about a lot of these events until the last minute,” said McQueen.

Companion changes that by offering reliability, visibility, and a dedicated monthly event schedule that people can count on.

Add in strong influencer partnerships, strategic marketing, and beautifully branded events,and you get the momentum Companion is known for.

Starting From Zero, Now Birmingham Can’t Stop Talking

McQueen reflects on the early days with gratitude:
“We started at zero across the board… zero downloads, zero revenue, zero event attendees. Looking back and seeing how much traction and love we’ve gotten shows there’s a real need.”

And the growth is undeniable. Companion events consistently trend on social media, pull in huge crowds, and set the tone for what young, active social communities can look like.

The User Experience: Simple, Smooth, Social

From download to first event, the app is designed to make community building effortless.

Users typically find Companion on social media, set up their profile, explore curated events, and show up, often walking away with new connections.

With messaging features, add-a-friend options, and even a subscription tier that offers event perks, the app is as functional as it is fun.

Not Just Social, Intentional

McQueen knew he didn’t want to create just another “let’s-go-out” platform.

“I didn’t want Companion to be a happy-hour type of app. I wanted it to be valuable in the sense of the connections you can make.”

Every event brings a certain caliber of people, creatives, entrepreneurs, thinkers, and professionals who are ready to network without the stiffness or pressure of traditional networking environments.

Imagine meeting people who actually want to connect with you. That’s Companion.

Diverse, Fun, and Safe Events Millennials Actually Enjoy

Companion events range from professional mixers to concerts to wellness gatherings, and every single one includes moments of genuine networking.

“We make networking fun… We don’t do suit-and-tie style events,” McQueen laughs.

Security, structure, and intention ensure that the environments are safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for all.

The Long-Term Vision: A National Movement

McQueen has bold, necessary goals for the future of the platform.

“I want Companion to be the go-to platform for everything social and professional. People crave genuine connection, and Companion can help them step outside their routines.”

With expansion planned for several cities and new features coming in 2026, Companion is on track to become more than an app, it’s becoming a lifestyle.

What’s Next? Bigger, Brighter, and Even More Community-Centered

Kenneth says 2025 exceeded expectations, and 2026 is about elevation.

“We’re rolling out new features, expanding to new cities, and forming new partnerships. We’re about to take Companion to the next level.”

And based on the energy in Birmingham right now, that next level is closer than we think.

McQueen has successfully tapped into one of the biggest millennial needs of our generation: community with purpose. Through Companion, he’s building spaces where people feel seen, supported, connected, and inspired, one curated event at a time.

Whether you’re new to the city, seeking professional growth, craving new friendships, or simply wanting something fun to do on a Friday night, Companion is the platform you’ve been waiting for.

Birmingham has embraced it. Millennials swear by it. And the movement is only getting started.