Alexander Abell

Alexander Abell is an entrepreneur and innovator who co-founded and serves as the CEO of Lunchpool, a company focused on fostering meaningful connections in the digital age.1 His official title at Lunchpool includes the playful designation "Lunch Break Enforcer," reflecting the company's mission to encourage social interaction during lunch breaks.4

Background and Career

Alex Abell has a diverse background in business and technology:

• He founded Lunchpool approximately two years before the COVID-19 pandemic.1
• Prior to Lunchpool, he was a member of the Executive Leadership Team at Ad 2 Tampa Bay, working closely with the Board of Directors.2
• More recently, Alex has taken on the role of Group Leader for Web Services at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), where he applies his expertise in digital strategy, innovation, and community engagement.3

Lunchpool: Mission and Evolution

Lunchpool was born out of Alex's personal experience and observation of workplace isolation:

• The idea came when he noticed colleagues eating alone at their desks, often scrolling through social media during lunch breaks.1
• Initially, Lunchpool developed an app for closed social networks within companies to facilitate connections.1
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company pivoted to virtual gathering technologies, expanding beyond lunch breaks to meet broader social needs.1

Philosophy and Values

Alex Abell's approach to technology and social connection is characterized by:

• A mission to use technology intentionally to create genuine human connections.1
• A belief in the power of diverse perspectives and open-minded conversations, especially over meals.1
• A commitment to combating loneliness and social isolation through innovative tech solutions.1

Knoxville Connection

While Lunchpool was launched in Tampa Bay, Alex credits much of the company's success to its relocation to Knoxville, Tennessee:

• He refers to Knoxville as the "Collaboration Capital of the Southeast" due to its supportive business environment.1
• The move to Knoxville coincided with Lunchpool beginning to generate revenue.1
• Alex appreciates the collaborative spirit and networking opportunities in Knoxville, which he believes have been instrumental in Lunchpool's growth.1

Alexander Abell's LinkedIn username is alexanderabell, where more information about his professional journey and accomplishments can be found.2