TeeBeeDee Launches Free Online
Community Where People
Age 40+ Share Experience to Thrive
Robin Wolaner Inspires Her Generation to
Keep on Growing
San Francisco, CA - September 17, 2007 – TeeBeeDee (www.TBD.com),
a new community for active baby boomers, launched today under
the leadership of Robin Wolaner, founder of Parenting Magazine,
serial entrepreneur, and bestselling author. TeeBeeDee is an
“experience network” where people in mid-life can exchange
information, learn from each other; and connect to like-minded
people. The name stands for “to be determined,” suggesting that
the next phase of
life is full of opportunity.
“Baby boomers are a vital generation with 4 billion years of
experience. And now we’ve entered another life stage. The kids
are leaving home, we’re dealing with aging parents, and we have
a desire or need to change the focus of our relationships and
careers,” Ms. Wolaner said. “TeeBeeDee enables members to
share experiences and information about everything from
relationships to work, families, hobbies, and passions.”
TeeBeeDee has dozens of unique features, including career
reinvention tools to help users map out their next work move and
“Real Life Scripts.” The scripts offer solutions on how to start
a conversation in many difficult situations, from what to say to
a teen when you think you’ve smelled pot on their clothing to
what to say to a boss who’s promoting other people ahead of you.
TeeBeeDee’s “Boot Camps” are free, intensive workshops on
subjects such as writing or dating, where users can join in,
interact, and get expert advice. The Write Away camp, starting
today, features the topic of friendship and is moderated by
prize-winning author Adair Lara. Next week begins TeeBeeDee’s
Online Dating Makeovers with Trish McDermott, former VP of
romance at Match.com and known as the “diva of dating.” Trish
will provide useful tips and pointers, while
members tap into the experience and knowledge of fellow campers.
“TeeBeeDee is for the same generation that originally read
Parenting, but their kids aren’t babies anymore,” said the
53-year-old Wolaner. “I’ve joked that it should be called ‘Post
Parenting.’”
Shasta Ventures led TeeBeeDee’s Series A funding in August 2007,
along with participation by Monitor Ventures. Earlier financing
was provided by a small group of individual investors. The board
includes Shelby Bonnie, co-founder and former CEO of CNET
Networks, and Tod Francis, Managing Director, Shasta Ventures,
in addition to Robin Wolaner.
About TeeBeeDee (www.tbd.com):
TeeBeeDee is an experience network providing a platform for
those 40+ to learn, exchange information, and connect with each
other. The website (www.tbd.com) includes features such as
discussions, questions and answers, member profiles, and more.
The company was started by
Robin Wolaner, an entrepreneur who is the founder of Parenting
Magazine, former executive of CNET Networks, and author of Naked
in the Boardroom: A CEO Bares Her Secrets So You Can Transform
Your Career (Simon & Schuster, 2005). The name TeeBeeDee is a
derivative of the
acronym for “to be determined,” suggesting that the next phase
of life is full of opportunity. More information is available at
www.tbd.com.