Student Entrepreneur Builds EdTech Company That Gives Highschoolers The Inside Scoop On Colleges From Real Students

Nicholai Williamson, a student at the University of Delaware, is revolutionizing how high school students research colleges with his platform Bonafyde.

By Nicholai Williamson, Founder & CEO · April 10, 2025

Student Entrepreneur Builds EdTech Company That Gives Highschoolers The Inside Scoop On Colleges From Real Students

Choosing the right college is one of the most significant decisions a high school student will make. Yet, many students rely on impersonal campus tours, outdated brochures, and generic online resources that fail to provide authentic insights into what campus life is really like.

Nicholai Williamson, a student entrepreneur at the University of Delaware, recognized this problem and created Bonafyde, an innovative platform that connects prospective students with current college students for authentic, personalized insights about campus life.

The Problem with Traditional College Search

"When I was looking at colleges, I realized there was a huge gap between the polished marketing materials schools provide and the real student experience," says Williamson. "I wanted to know what daily life was actually like from people who were living it, not from admissions officers with a script."

This sentiment resonates with many high school students. According to a recent survey, 78% of prospective college students say that hearing from current students is more valuable than official university information when making their decision.

The Bonafyde Solution

Bonafyde addresses this need by creating a platform where verified college students can share their authentic experiences with prospective students. The platform offers:

  1. One-on-one video sessions with current students from target colleges
  2. Verified student ambassadors who provide honest insights
  3. Gamified college research that makes the process engaging
  4. Points-based rewards system that incentivizes thorough research

"We're not replacing college counselors or admissions offices," Williamson explains. "We're complementing them by providing the peer perspective that's currently missing from the college search process."

Gaining Traction

Bonafyde has already gained significant recognition in the startup community:

  • Semi-finalist in TCU Ventures and Values 2025
  • Finalist in Hen Hatch 2024
  • Winner of the "Most Promising Venture Award" at Blue Hen 17&43
  • Semi-finalist in Hen Hatch 2023
  • Participant in Summer Founders 2022 business accelerator cohort

The platform is currently piloting with several high schools, with plans to expand nationwide in the coming year.

Building a Community

We here at Bonafyde Official Inc. will continue to build a powerful community of driven, innovative and mission-oriented supporters, advocates and believers.

Please continue to:

  • Invest in students' academic future via WeFunder —> www.wefunder.com/bonafydeofficialinc
  • Reshare and spread the news to your other communities and spaces
  • Give us feedback via our website or DM us!

The Future of College Search

As Bonafyde continues to grow, Williamson envisions a future where every high school student has access to authentic college insights, regardless of their background or resources.

"Our mission is to empower students to make more confident and informed college decisions," says Williamson. "By connecting them with real college students who've walked the path before them, we're helping create better matches between students and institutions."

Stay Bonafyde!

Picture with Ericka Alexander and Bonafyde's Founder and CEO Nicholai Williamson

To learn more about Bonafyde or to sign up as a student or ambassador, visit bonafydeofficial.com.