NicLie Ventures
Experience Never Gets Old, Neither Does Innovation.
The Big Picture
The Changing Face of Aging
Aging today looks nothing like it even a single generation ago. Older women are living longer, staying healthier, and embracing independence in ways that are redefining what it means to grow older. No longer content with outdated narratives of retirement and slowing down, they are seizing opportunities to explore, connect, and invest in experiences that enrich their lives.
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The over-60 demographic holds an astonishing $17 trillion in spending power, controlling 83% of household wealth in the U.S. They are channeling their resources into the things that truly matter to them. More than ever, they are prioritizing travel, leisure, and meaningful experiences over material possessions. Women are pivotal in the travel industry, making 82% of all travel decisions. Their influence is expected to grow, with projections indicating they will control 75% of discretionary spending by 2028.
​What the Data Says: Older Women and Travelling
One of the most striking trends in this demographic shift is the rise of older women traveling alone—not because they have to, but because they choose to. Freedom, flexibility, and self-discovery are key motivations, and their travel habits reflect this. In the U.S., over 60% of older travelers plan 3–4 trips per year, with many seeking international destinations. They are exploring new cultures, pursuing personal passions, and crafting travel experiences on their own terms
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The Future of Aging is Independent, Connected, and Bold
The changing face of aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about embracing freedom, adventure, and choice. Older women are rewriting the rules on travel, wealth, and connection, proving that the best years aren’t behind them; they’re happening right now. With the right tools and the right community, the world is theirs to explore—on their terms.
Real Connections for Real Women - meet ConnectHer
More and more older women are traveling solo—not because they have to, but because they want to.
Whether it’s exploring a new city, revisiting a favorite place, or setting off on an adventure, solo travel is a choice that brings freedom, excitement, and self-discovery.
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But sometimes, even the most independent traveler wants a great dinner companion or someone to share an experience with.
That’s where ConnectHer comes in. Our app makes it easy to connect with other women wherever you are—whether you’re looking for a dinner partner, a museum buddy, or just a friendly chat over coffee.
Travel solo, connect when you want.
With ConnectHer, you’re never alone—unless you choose to be.
Our Story
Founded by sisters Nicola Le Roux and Liesl Gerntholtz, NicLie is grounded in the simple truth that connection isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. No nonsense. No fuss. Just real connections for real women in a world that needs them more than ever.
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But just as important as the connections NicLie fosters is the fact that it was built by older women, for older women. Too often, technology is designed with younger users in mind, leaving older women to adapt to tools that don’t fully consider their needs, preferences, or lived experiences. NicLie changes that.
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When older women create technology for themselves, they bring firsthand understanding of what truly matters—intuitive design, practical features, and a focus on meaningful interactions rather than fleeting engagement. They know that connection isn’t about algorithms or endless scrolling—it’s about shared experiences created on their own terms.
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Nicola and Liesl have spent their lives problem-solving, managing complexities, and leading in their fields. Now, they are applying that expertise to reshape how older women interact with technology, ensuring that no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world.
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At NicLie, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge. A bridge to friendships, opportunities, and the freedom to stay engaged, explore new horizons, and live fully—on your terms.
Liesl Gerntholz
Liesl Gerntholtz is a South African human rights lawyer and she has spent her career working across the globe, advocating for human rights. She has traveled extensively, witnessing firsthand the power of connection—how women, no matter where they are, seek community, support, and a voice in shaping their lives.​Through her travels, she saw that older women were often overlooked, despite their wisdom, experience, and desire to stay engaged with the world. NicLie was born from this insight—a way to use technology to bring women together.​Now, as co-founder of NicLie, Liesl is turning her passion for justice and connection into a platform that empowers older women to build meaningful relationships, wherever life takes them.
Nicola le Roux
With over 20 years of experience leading high-performance software teams, Nicola Le Roux knows how to turn vision into reality. Her expertise lies in creating clarity, streamlining processes, and balancing big-picture thinking with meticulous attention to detail. From managing complex projects to building efficient systems, she has a talent for making things work—seamlessly and effectively.​At NicLie, Nicola brings this same focus to a different kind of challenge: using technology to connect older women in meaningful ways. She understands that connection isn’t just about having the right tools—it’s about making those tools intuitive, accessible, and truly useful. By combining her technical expertise with a deep commitment to community, Nicola is helping to build a platform where older women can navigate life with confidence, supported by the power of real connections.