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In an age where making meaningful connections as an adult can feel increasingly elusive, a new concept emerging out of Bengaluru is offering a refreshing way to bring people together—offline.
HighTable is a social networking platform designed to foster real human connection, not through apps or algorithms, but through intimate dinners that prioritize conversation over curation. Set in warm, thoughtfully chosen spaces across the city, each gathering brings together a small group of individuals who are looking to engage beyond surface-level interactions.
The idea was born from a simple insight: genuine friendships don’t need prompts or pitches. Co-founded by Sanjeev Shenoy, Anil Shetty, and Asha Bhat, HighTable aims to create space for unfiltered dialogue—where people show up as themselves and leave with something more lasting than a business card or social media follow.
Reflecting on the changing nature of how we connect today, Sanjeev Shenoy, Co-founder and CEO of HighTable, said, “The best conversations don’t happen in comment sections—they happen across the table. We started HighTable because we saw a growing loneliness in a hyper-connected world. Since launching in Bengaluru, it’s been incredible to see how something as simple as sharing a meal can spark something as powerful as a real friendship.”
Anil Shetty, Co-founder and Director, added, “We didn’t set out to build a networking platform—we set out to bring back human connection. In just a few months, we’ve seen over 10,000 minutes of real, uninterrupted conversation and more than 1,500 connections formed, all without anyone reaching for their phone. That tells us we’re on to something people are truly craving.”
For Asha Bhat, Co-founder and Director, the idea taps into something deeper. “There’s something beautiful about being in a space where you’re not performing or posturing—just being. HighTable gives people that space. The fact that we’ve partnered with over 50 restaurants and hosted 200+ intimate dinners shows how hungry people are for connection that feels honest and unforced. We’re proud of what we’ve built so far, and we’re just getting started.”
Backed by $200K in pre-seed funding, HighTable is now taking its vision beyond Bengaluru. Currently hosting experiences in select cities, the platform plans to expand further—offering what many adults in urban spaces are quietly seeking: real people, real conversations, and real friendships.
