Rebecca Lang, at one time and without a doubt, was the most reserved founder I have ever encountered throughout a decade of supporting founders. The entrepreneurial journey is often described as one of the toughest yet most rewarding experiences, particularly in terms of personal growth, and Rebecca is a shining example of that.
Meeting her nearly two years ago has been an incredibly rewarding experience, as I've had the privilege to witness her transform into a confident startup founder. I vividly recall a breathless moment when she first took the stage with a microphone, yet now she stands as a bold female entrepreneur, ready to grab a microphone in any room she steps into.
I love that Rebecca isn't afraid to connect with others, ask for help, and go all in on the idea of Buhz that she believes in so deeply. She's quickly become one of Columbia's most inspiring and go-to founders for mentorship, and I'm so grateful she chose to start her journey at the BIC and still makes time to #GiveFirst.
What is your story?
The idea for Buhz sparked from a simple but powerful realization. I was sitting in a restaurant, looking at a handwritten sign advertising a special drink. Despite the restaurant’s strong social media presence, most people driving by on the interstate would never know about the offer. That’s when it clicked—what if businesses could integrate their social media content into a searchable map? Instead of relying on static reviews or outdated photos, customers could see short, dynamic videos that bring businesses to life.
With a background in marketing and interior design, I’ve always been drawn to creativity and problem-solving. Developing an app was entirely new territory for me, so I took the initiative to learn. I connected with an ad agency in Wisconsin to grasp the basics of app design and wireframing, which led me to start networking with industry professionals. That journey ultimately brought me to the Boyd Innovation Center, where I found a support network and programs like the pre-accelerator program to turn my concept into a tangible product.
The support I received from the pre-accelerator program is difficult to quantify, but there's no doubt we wouldn’t be where we are today without it. The program helped us refine our focus and reinforced the importance of trusting a proven system, one that has benefited countless startups. Building a startup demands time, patience, and resilience, and the accelerator program at BIC provided crucial insights into navigating this journey. Their commitment to Columbia’s startup community is evident, not just in words but in the programs they continue to offer.
What is your biggest win as of late?
One of the most exciting milestones for Buhz has been bringing Leland Long, a highly skilled app developer based in Charleston. His expertise and leadership have played a pivotal role in transforming Buhz from an initial concept into a functioning app now in test flight, actively being tested and refined ahead of launch. Expanding the team with the right people, those who not only bring the necessary skills but also believe in the vision, has been critical. There’s still plenty of work ahead, but with his guidance, we’re closer than ever to delivering a product that reflects our original vision.
How do you #GiveFirst to the BIC community?
The BIC community has played an invaluable role in my journey, and I love finding ways to give back. I regularly volunteer as a mentor for ColaStarts Pitch Night, helping fellow founders sharpen their presentations and marketing strategies. Drawing from my own experiences, I offer insights on storytelling, branding, and making a lasting impact in front of an audience.
Share a core memory from an experience at the BIC.
I’ll never forget my first introduction to the Boyd Innovation Center. When I arrived at my first-ever Pitch Night, I thought I might have to pitch Buhz on the spot, which was both intimidating and exciting. While that didn’t happen that night, local founder Jeff Spencer, Caroline Crowder, and the rest of the BIC team were immediately welcoming and encouraged me to share the vision behind Buhz and how I hoped it would make an impact. Their support, patience, and guidance led to an invitation to pitch at Tech Beans and eventually helped me apply for gALPHA (now ColaStarts). More than anything, the BIC has played a huge role in pushing me outside my comfort zone, giving me the confidence to share my story, improve my public speaking, and embrace every opportunity to grow as a founder.
What is your biggest challenge right now?
Like many startup founders, I’m constantly balancing multiple responsibilities. Running my marketing business while building Buhz has been a challenge, and finding the time and resources to scale the app requires careful prioritization. Right now, I’m focused on managing growth strategically, ensuring Buhz gets the attention it needs while keeping my existing business strong.
Where are you finding success?
One of the most rewarding aspects of building Buhz has been the overwhelming enthusiasm from small business owners. Every time I present the app, they immediately recognize its potential. Embedding their social media videos onto a map is a game-changer, allowing them to showcase their businesses in a way that’s far more engaging than traditional directories. This concept has particularly resonated with younger entrepreneurs and college students, who have become some of Buhz’s strongest advocates.
What are you excited about?
Right now, my biggest focus is launching Buhz this spring—a milestone I describe as cautiously exciting. While there are still hurdles ahead, I feel confident about the momentum behind the platform. I envision Buhz evolving into a go-to discovery tool for small businesses, spanning everything from restaurants and boutiques to auto shops and food trucks.
My long-term goal is to make Buhz a staple for local discovery, helping people find and connect with businesses in a way that feels authentic, personal, and engaging. The journey is just beginning, but with my passion for small businesses, my background in marketing, and the support of the Boyd Innovation Center, I know Buhz is on track to make a lasting impact.
Big things are coming—stay tuned!
After many years in construction and interior design in Colorado, Rebecca switched careers, joining a family business and entering marketing in South Carolina. That career change inspired the idea of Buhz, which Rebecca and her team have been working to get going ever since. With an appreciation of small businesses and what they mean to their community, Rebecca has been a champion for their success and hopes that Buhz can be a part of them being able to tell their story. When she is not working on Buhz and marketing, Rebecca enjoys quiet time outdoors, where she feels most at home.
