Our Story
How three reality TV obsessives turned FOMO into the ultimate prediction party
It all started with FOMO
While watching her male friends bond over fantasy sports leagues and betting pools, Grace Hylinski had a realization: where was the equivalent social experience for women who were obsessed with reality TV?
Every Monday morning, Grace would come to work buzzing about the latest Bachelor drama or Survivor blindside, only to find her enthusiasm met with blank stares. Meanwhile, the guys in the office had elaborate systems for their sports predictions, complete with trash talk, bragging rights, and the occasional cash prize.
"Why should sports fans have all the fun?" Grace wondered. "Reality TV is just as strategic, dramatic, and unpredictable—if not more so!"
And just like that, the idea for Pools was born: a platform where reality TV enthusiasts could predict outcomes, form leagues with friends, and turn their guilty pleasure into a social experience worth bragging about.
Our Mission
At Pools, we're creating a social network where women can own the conversation around the entertainment they love. We're turning passive viewing into active engagement, and solo binge-watching into a community experience.
We believe reality TV isn't just a guilty pleasure—it's a cultural phenomenon worthy of analysis, prediction, and yes, a little friendly competition. Our platform gives fans a place to put their knowledge to the test and connect with others who share their passion.
Most importantly, we're building a space that celebrates rather than shames the entertainment that brings joy to millions. No more hiding your Love Island obsession—at Pools, it's your superpower.
By the Numbers
Meet the Team
Grace Hylinski
Founder & CEO
Reality TV superfan who turned her passion into a platform. Grace has never missed an episode of Survivor and can predict Bachelor eliminations with scary accuracy.
Favorite show:
Survivor
Walter Lafky
Co-founder & Head of Strategy
Strategy and go-to-market wizard who built Pools' growth engine. Walter saw the massive market opportunity in reality TV predictions and crafted the roadmap to turn Grace's vision into a thriving platform.
Favorite show:
Big Brother
Nastassy Zaragov
Co-founder & Head of Engineering
Engineering genius and product visionary who architected the Pools platform. Nastassy transforms complex technical challenges into seamless user experiences, making prediction pools as addictive as the shows themselves.
Favorite show:
The Bachelor
Our Values
Community First
We believe in the power of shared experiences. Pools isn't just an app—it's a community of fans who finally have a place to channel their passion.
Embrace the Drama
We don't hide our love for reality TV—we celebrate it. The messier, the better. No guilty pleasures here, just pleasures.
Women-Centered Design
We're building a platform that centers women's interests and experiences, creating a space where everyone feels welcome to engage and connect.
Fun Above All
At the end of the day, we're here to make entertainment more entertaining. If we're not having fun, we're doing it wrong.
Join the Party
Ready to put your reality TV knowledge to the test? Download Pools today and start making predictions with friends. The drama is just getting started.