Cadence

Cadence is a San Francisco, California-based enterprise that provides specialized virtual team-building events designed specifically for remote companies and distributed workforces. The organization focuses on facilitating structured online experiences that help geographically dispersed employees connect and build stronger professional relationships outside of standard operational workflows. Operating currently with a core staff of two employees, the firm targets remote-first organizations and corporate human resources departments seeking dedicated virtual engagement platforms. Although specific details regarding their proprietary event formats and underlying revenue model are not publicly disclosed, the company operates exclusively within the corporate culture sector. By addressing the isolation often experienced in decentralized work environments, the service attempts to replicate the social dynamics of traditional physical corporate office spaces through digital mediums. Cadence was officially established in 2019 by co-founders Melissa Du and Eric Park.

High-Level Overview

Cadence is a remote-first team-building and company events platform designed to strengthen culture and connection in distributed organizations. The company builds delightful, software-driven experiences that help remote and hybrid teams bond, collaborate, and feel more engaged—whether through virtual events, recurring team-building activities, or custom-branded company gatherings. Cadence serves remote-first companies, startups, and enterprises seeking to foster a sense of community and continuity across geographies, solving the challenge of isolation and fragmentation that often plagues distributed teams. By automating event logistics, enabling personalized social interactions, and supporting both virtual and in-person formats, Cadence has become a go-to solution for organizations prioritizing culture and employee engagement in a remote world.

Origin Story

Founded in 2019 by Melissa Du and Eric Park, Cadence emerged from firsthand experience with the challenges of building culture in remote teams. Both founders had worked in distributed environments and recognized the gap in tools that could replicate the organic, spontaneous connections found in traditional office settings. Their vision was to create a platform that could deliver the “delight” of in-person events and team-building moments, but at scale and with the flexibility required by modern remote companies. Early traction came from startups and tech companies in the Bay Area, drawn to Cadence’s ease of use and focus on meaningful, low-friction engagement. The company was accepted into Y Combinator’s Winter 2020 batch, further validating its approach and accelerating its growth.

Core Differentiators

• End-to-End Event Management: Cadence handles everything from planning and branding to execution and follow-up, reducing the burden on HR and team leads.
• Customization & Branding: Companies can tailor the platform’s look, feel, and functionality to match their own culture and brand, with no coding required.
• Social Features: Built-in tools like internal social media, interest-based matching, and custom competitions foster organic connections and friendships.
• Flexible Formats: Supports virtual, in-person, and hybrid events, making it adaptable to any team structure or location.
• Seamless Integration: Integrates with HR, CRM, and registration systems, and offers SSO, calendar sync, and push notifications for a smooth user experience.
• Scalability: Designed for organizations of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises with global teams.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Cadence is riding the wave of the remote work revolution, a trend accelerated by the global shift to distributed teams and the ongoing evolution of workplace culture. As more companies embrace remote-first or hybrid models, the need for intentional, scalable solutions to build and sustain culture has become critical. Cadence sits at the intersection of HR tech, event management, and social engagement, addressing a growing pain point for organizations that want to maintain cohesion and morale without relying on physical proximity. The platform’s success reflects a broader market shift: companies are investing more in employee experience, recognizing that culture is a key driver of retention, productivity, and innovation. Cadence’s influence extends beyond individual events—it’s helping shape how remote teams connect, collaborate, and thrive in the new world of work.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Cadence is well-positioned to continue expanding its footprint as remote and hybrid work become the norm. The company’s focus on delightful, frictionless experiences will remain a key differentiator as organizations seek to balance productivity with human connection. Future growth may come from deeper integrations with HR and collaboration platforms, expansion into new verticals (such as education or non-profits), and the development of AI-driven personalization to further enhance engagement. As the lines between work and social life continue to blur, Cadence’s role in fostering meaningful connections will only grow in importance. In a world where culture is no longer defined by a physical office, Cadence is helping companies build communities that feel authentic, inclusive, and resilient.