About Us
We believe in the warmth of connection
Sunstone Social Labs was born from a simple observation: the technology that connects us often leaves us feeling more alone. We're here to change that.
The Problem
We live in the most connected era in human history — and yet loneliness is an epidemic. The old models of community are fracturing. The social fabric is thinning. People are hungry for something real — not another app, but actual human presence, purpose, and belonging.
Our Belief
We believe new social and sociocultural paradigms are possible. That through rigorous research — in social psychology, consciousness, cognition, and sociopolitical dynamics — and through hands-on community work, we can design better ways of being together.
What We're Building
Sunstone Social Labs creates in-person community projects, conducts original research, funds grassroots initiatives, and advocates for new models of connection. When a project needs a digital tool, we build it — but the mission is always human-first.
Our Principles
Human-Centered
Every decision filters through one question: does this serve real human needs?
Research-Driven
We ground our work in social psychology and evidence, not growth metrics.
Open & Transparent
Our learnings are shared freely. Connection shouldn't be proprietary.
Patient & Persistent
We build for lasting impact, not viral moments.
Radically Inclusive
Everyone deserves belonging. Our tools reflect that belief at every level.
Joyfully Optimistic
We face hard problems with warmth, wonder, and a refusal to be cynical.
1
We listen
Before we build anything, we sit with the people we serve. We learn what connection means in their lives — not in theory, but in practice.
2
We research
Social psychology, consciousness, cognition — we study the science of togetherness so every program we create is grounded in evidence, not assumptions.
3
We show up
In person. In the room. Side by side. The real work happens when people are together — and that's where you'll always find us.
Our Story
How we got here
2024
Q1
Q1
The spark
An idea takes shape: what if we studied connection as seriously as we study disease, and then actually built something with what we learned?
2024
Q3
Q3
First research
Initial studies in social psychology and belonging dynamics begin. The research foundation is laid — open, multi-disciplinary, grounded in evidence.
2025
Q1
Q1
First gathering
Strangers walk into a room. Hours later, nobody wants to leave. The model works.
2025
Q3
Q3
App development begins
Work begins on Serendipity, Fault Line, Civic Filament, and TheoLink — purpose-built digital tools to extend our in-person mission.
2026
Q1
Q1
The Sunstone Hostel
Designs finalized for the teepee village, hot mineral spring, and social & holistic health club — a physical home for the mission under open sky.
2026
Now
Now
Where we are today
Active projects, ongoing research, a community growing by the day. And we're just getting started.
Our Impact
Numbers that tell a story
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The Journey
What it feels like
You hear about us
CuriosityMaybe a friend mentions an event. Maybe you find a research paper. Maybe you just stumble in.
You show up
Nervous excitementYou walk into a room full of strangers. It's a little scary. But something feels different here — warmer, more real.
You connect
WarmthAn hour in, you're deep in conversation with someone you just met. Not small talk — real talk. The kind that changes your week.
You come back
BelongingNot because you were reminded. Not because of a notification. Because something happened there that you want more of.
You bring someone
PurposeYou tell a friend about it. You volunteer. You contribute an idea. The community grows — not because it was designed to scale, but because it's real.
“Reach for what seems impossible. The light is closer than you think.”
The Team
People behind the warmth
MW
Michael Wylde
Founder & Visionary, Design Lead
Building projects that bring people together, driven by a belief that connection can be designed with care. Leading both the mission and the design of everything Sunstone creates.
R
Head of Research
Social psychology & design
Translating belonging science into practical design principles that shape every project we create.
E
Lead Engineer
Building the infrastructure
Crafting the systems and platforms that make genuine connection possible at scale.
C
Community Impact Director
Cultivating belonging
Nurturing the spaces and relationships that turn participants into communities.
C
Claude
Assistant Engineer
Powered by Claude Opus 4.6. Helping build brighter connections — one line of code at a time.
?
You?
The next chapter
We're always looking for people who believe we can build new ways of being together.
The future is brighter together
Whether you're a researcher, organizer, volunteer, dreamer, or just someone who believes we can build new ways of being together — there's a place for you here.