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Devin: What is your superpower?
Darren: I think I think it’s a recipe. There are different parts to the recipe because I think it’s one part fearlessness—I don’t know if it’s fearlessness or stupidity—and one part persistence and sprinklings of resilience and sensitivity and compassion.
We live in an era of unprecedented digital connection, yet loneliness and isolation continue to rise. Darren Mark, Founder and CEO of hūmNET, has set out to change that. His innovative platform is designed to foster real, meaningful connections through shared moments of focus and empathy. Rather than scrolling endlessly through divisive social media feeds, hūmNET users can create and participate in “hums”—synchronized moments of contemplation, prayer, or reflection—with others across the globe.
Darren describes hūmNET as “the worldwide web of empathy,” an alternative to traditional social media platforms that often prioritize engagement over well-being. “We’ve all got these devices in our pockets that promise connection,” Darren said. “And yet, with the loneliness epidemic and isolation, we feel less connected than ever. hūmNET is really looking to solve the problem of how we help people feel connected more deeply.”
At the heart of hūmNET is a simple but powerful experience. Users can create a hum—a designated time when they and others focus their thoughts on a common theme. Participants see glowing beacons on a map, visualizing who is joining them in that moment. A gentle vibration increases as more people join, reinforcing the sense of collective presence.
“Imagine my daughter, standing outside in the cold during a climate protest, wondering if anyone else cares. Now, she can open hūmNET and see that 87,000 others are thinking about climate change with her,” Darren explained. “That’s super empowering.”
hūmNET is raising capital through regulation Crowdfunding on Funding Hope, a platform aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This strategic choice reflects the company’s mission-driven approach, allowing its users to participate not just in the platform but in its Growth and success. “There’s something so organically intrinsic about what hūmNET is and raising Money from the crowd,” Darren noted. “It aligns perfectly with our mission.”
In a world craving genuine connection, hūmNET offers a hopeful vision for the future—one where Technology enhances empathy rather than eroding it. Darren’s passion for building a more connected, compassionate world is evident, and with the support of a like-minded community, hūmNET has the potential to transform the way we engage with one another online.
hūmNET, founded by Darren Mark, is an innovative platform designed to foster real, meaningful connections through shared moments of focus and empathy.
Darren shared how his past experiences in tech, marketing, and empathy-building shaped hūmNET’s unique approach to digital connection.
The company is raising capital via regulation crowdfunding on Funding Hope to align with its mission-driven approach.
Darren discussed his superpower of fearless initiative, highlighting bold actions that have led to pivotal opportunities.
The episode concluded with practical advice on cultivating courage, persistence, and human connection to drive positive change.
Darren describes his superpower as a combination of fearlessness, persistence, resilience, sensitivity, and compassion. At its core, however, his defining strength is courage—the audacity to take bold actions others might hesitate to attempt.
“I don’t know if it’s fearlessness or stupidity, but I’ve always just rolled up my sleeves and figured things out,” Darren shared. His approach to challenges involves diving in headfirst, fueled by a belief in his mission and an unshakable determination to make an impact.
One story exemplifies this superpower: While running a Kickstarter campaign for a previous startup, Darren realized he wasn’t gaining enough traction. Determined to change that, he took a leap of faith—literally. Spotting billionaire investor Mark Cuban on the streets of Brooklyn Heights, Darren seized the moment. He grabbed his product, ran up to Cuban, and attempted to engage him. While Cuban didn’t personally respond, Darren’s effort wasn’t wasted. His flyer landed in the hands of Cuban’s limo driver, which eventually led to an invitation to pitch on Shark Tank.
Darren’s experience provides key lessons for developing fearlessness as a personal strength:
Act Quickly on Opportunities – When an opportunity presents itself, hesitation can mean missing out. Darren’s success often stems from his willingness to seize the moment.
Embrace Rejection as a Stepping Stone – Facing rejection is part of the process. Darren has learned that persistence often turns initial failures into eventual victories.
Believe in Your Mission – Conviction in one’s purpose fuels the courage to take risks, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Be Willing to Learn and Adapt – Every experience, whether successful or not, provides valuable insights that can be applied in the future.
Leverage Human Connection – People appreciate sincerity and determination. Approaching others with respect and authenticity makes bold actions more likely to succeed.
By following Darren’s example and advice, you can make fearlessness a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Darren Mark (he/him):
Founder & CEO, hūmNET
About hūmNET: Loneliness is a staggering issue affecting millions. Amid our rapid technological advancements, individuals are more isolated than ever. Enter hūmNET—a beacon of human connection. This platform isn’t just an app, it’s a movement to convert emotional isolation into collective power.
THE PROBLEM:
In the US alone, the cost of loneliness is a staggering $106 Billion annually. Yet pervasive loneliness remains unaddressed. How is it that in one of the wealthiest nations on Earth, we still find ourselves disconnected and yearning for genuine connection? It’s time to confront this empathy deficit head-on.
THE SOLUTION:
hūmNET offers hope by transforming solitude into solidarity. Our easy-to-use platform bridges gaps through real-time, purpose-driven gatherings—humns—that become glowing beacons of connection. Whether you’re seeking support or offering your presence, hūmNET empowers users to weave a worldwide web of empathy.
Website: humnet.live/funding-hope
X/Twitter Handle: @humnet9
Company Facebook Page: fb.com/humnet.live
Instagram Handle:@humnet.live/
Other URL: invest.fundinghope.com/offering/humnet
Biographical Information: Darren is a purpose-driven entrepreneur with a proven track record of leadership, having successfully guided conscious brands to success. Passionate about the intersection of technology, empathy, and creative Innovation, Darren is dedicated to revolutionizing human connection and mental well-being through hūmNET. His vision for the platform is to create shared micro-gatherings where people can come together in meaningful ways, from Grief to gratitude, while fostering global impact and raising awareness for critical social issues.
Before founding hūmNET, Darren served as VP & Creative Director for Tree-Free Greetings, where he built the best-selling sustainable greeting card line in Whole Foods, as well as creating an “empathy database”—a collection of thousands of personal stories about how people wish to be acknowledged. This work inspired the creation of hūmNET, a platform designed to address the challenges of human connection.
X/Twitter Handle: @darrenwmark
Personal Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/darren.mark.338/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenmark/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/h%C5%ABmnet/
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If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
Special Live Episode of Superpowers for Good Show on e360tv with Jonathan Cohen, CEO of 20/20 GeneSystems, at 6:30 PM Eastern Time (3:30 PM Pacific). Watch live. Ask the CEO questions and see them answered on TV. Tune in here.
Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on February 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowdHour, February 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe will be leading a session on “Calculating Your Funding Needs,” providing essential guidance for entrepreneurs and impact-driven businesses to determine the right amount to raise for sustainable growth. Whether you’re preparing for your first crowdfunding campaign or planning to scale, this is a must-attend! Don’t miss it!
Superpowers for Good Live Pitch for Q1-25, March 12, 2025 at 8:00 PM ET. The application window for the 1st quarter live pitch event is now open. Apply here.
SuperCrowdLA: we’re going to be live in Santa Monica, California, May 1-3. Plan to join us for a major, in-person event focused on scaling impact. Sponsored by Digital Niche Agency, ProActive Real Estate and others. This will be a can’t-miss event. Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!
Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET – Click on Events
Kingscrowd Meet Up in Portsmouth, NH – February 11 at 4:00 PM ET
Kingscrowd Meet Up in Denver, CO – February 12th at 4:30 PM MT
Kingscrowd Meet Up in Seattle, WA – February 13th at 5:00 PM PT
Kingscrowd Meet Up in Salt Lake City, UT – February 17th at 4:30 PM MT
Kingscrowd Meet Up in Los Angeles, CA – February 19th at 5:00 PM PT
Kingscrowd Meet Up in West Hartford, CT – February 24th at 5:30 PM ET
Capital Raise Strategies for Purpose Driven Enterprises, hosted by PathLight Law, February 25 at 1:00 PM ET.
Kingscrowd Meet UP in San Francisco, CA – February 27th at 5:30 PM PT
Igniting Community Capital to Build Outdoor Recreation Communities, Crowdfund Better, Thursdays, March 20 & 27, April 3 & 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET.
NC3 Changing the Paradigm: Mobilizing Community Investment Funds, March 7, 2025
Asheville Neighborhood Economics, April 1-2, 2-25.
Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.
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