by:
Sion Yehuda
(BiOn Management Alumni)

Right after I got my graduation letter, I jumped into the job market. I sent over 200 applications. More than 120 times I saw a rejection email. Seventy companies never replied. Each “no” felt like a locked door, but I kept knocking until I found a new path.

One night I decided to write a cold email to a Singaporean founder, explaining how I could add value to her team. A few days later, she invited me to join her company remotely. Working from Indonesia and flying to Singapore only for key meetings taught me that clear communication and trust can turn distance into strength.

While helping that team, I noticed how most social networks use our data without our real consent—and how people still feel lonely online. I wanted to change that. Imagine a social media that feels like a private gathering, where small circles share real moments and your content stays under your control.

This wasn’t my first startup ride. Before, I co-founded a medtech solution and a laundry-service app. I’ve reached competition finals in both local and international competitions, but stopped due to lack of startup launchpad, and bootstrap fund running out. Those early failures taught me to test ideas fast, find the right partners, and plan for real-world costs.

Today I’m moving this new idea forward. I’ve been accepted and considered to join into Founder Institute (remote) and Founders Inc. in San Francisco, and waiting for YCombinator’s decision. Each step brings fresh feedback and sharper focus.

In May 2025, I finally walked the stage and tossed my graduation cap—celebrating not just a ceremony, but a journey from endless rejections to a clear mission: build a social world where your data belongs to you, and real connections matter.

If this speaks to you, join our beta waiting list at https://brand.site/Sanct  and follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanctsocial/ . The first 100 people to sign up after reading this will get a free early-tester badge.

Connect with me on LinkedIn to share your thoughts or just say hello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sionabednego/
Let’s build a more caring, secure social space—together.