Paddy Douglas’ NightPulse app set to breathe new life into Adelaide’s pitiful party scene

Is Adelaide’s night-life scene really dead? Meet the passionate South Aussie friends dedicated to reigniting its vibrancy.

It’s the app bringing the party back to Adelaide’s night-life scene.

Four South Australian mates combined their knowledge of business, marketing, technology and hospitality to create NightPulse, an application committed to taking the guesswork out of a good night on the town.

With features allowing users to pre-check line lengths, gain access to exclusive deals and submit door lists to popular bars and clubs across the city, co-founder Paddy Douglas said NightPulse is an “exploratory experience”.

Mr Douglas founded the app alongside his brother, Oliver Douglas and friends Jared Waterman and Mani Draper just over a year ago.

The app already has over 6,000 users.

What originally started as an idea for tracking line lengths at local cafes turned into a nightclub specific app inspired by Mr Douglas’ experience in the industry.

“I was seeing operational hazards by the doorlist submissions (while working in a nightclub), you would put names down that get submitted or sent to a venue or promoter and then a staff member has to spend two hours of just typing names into an iPad, which is a waste of salaries,” the 22-year-old said.

“Going through NightPulse … the whole point is that we can make it easier for venues and easier for users.”

Mr Douglas said supporting local businesses, especially during the cost-of-living crisis is at the heart of NightPulse’s ethos.

Venues can sign up to be featured on the app for a small fee and market their exclusive offerings to “night-life enjoyers”, helping them get more people through the door.

“This is a seamless addition to their operations,” the young entrepreneur said.

“We provide the platform and an array of tools … and a really engaged audience.”

NightPulse promises savings for users and venues. Image/Russell Millard Photography

Paddy Douglas, co-founder of NightPulse app helping rejuvenate Adelaide's night life, photographed in Hindley street. Image/Russell Millard Photography

The app also provides users with bang-for-their-buck exclusive drink and food deals, making socialising more accessible during a time when a simple beverage can cost upwards of $15.

“People don’t have as much expendable income anymore to be able to go out and actually have a fun time,” Mr Douglas said.

“So I think being able to provide a tool that enables someone to stretch however much budget they have is beneficial.”

Mr Douglas said these features along with “educating” users about venues that they may not be familiar with is the key to rejuvenating Adelaide’s night-life scene.

“There’s so many good venues out there that don’t get the publicity they need because they don’t get enough traction...they’re positioned slightly off Hindley Street,” the psychology student said.

“If you understand what’s happening more than you don’t have the prejudice of ‘Adelaide is dead’ … it’s actually got a night-life.”