Daze is a software development company that reinvents the calendar to be more fun, expressive, and social.
Daze is the social calendar for friends to plan events and use creative tools to more vividly capture their time spent together. It’s a social calendar with powerful creative tools for scheduling your future and documenting your past with friends. They hope to unlock creativity, foster intimacy, and inspire self-reflection by reimagining the format of time.
Founded by Willem Simons in 2021 and is located in Brooklyn, New York, United States.
Here Not There Labs
Series A in 2024
Here Not There Labs is a web3-focused software company building Towns, a blockchain-based messaging protocol and web app for online communities. The Towns platform enables self-owned and self-governed conversations by running on an on-chain protocol, designed to connect the right people at the right time to discuss topics and minimize meetings. The product aims to improve collaboration by linking conversations about work and facilitating decentralized, topic-centered discussions. The company is led by CEO Ben Rubin and comprises web3 creators who build decentralized communication tools for communities.
Haz
Pre Seed Round in 2024
Haz is an AI-driven social commerce software that facilitates connections among friends based on personal possessions. The platform is designed to track and unlock the resale value of items users own, utilizing artificial intelligence to automatically digitize these possessions from the point of purchase. This innovative approach allows users to receive offers for items they have not actively listed for sale, enabling them to monetize unwanted goods. In doing so, Haz creates a unique environment for users to engage with friends and like-minded individuals, promoting a new avenue for social interaction through the exchange of goods.
Airmart
Venture Round in 2023
Airmart is a company that offers a social commerce platform designed to assist merchants in establishing online shops and selling products through social groups, communities, and social media channels. The platform enables merchants to efficiently manage their products and inventory, process orders and payments, fulfill and ship orders, and acquire new customers. Additionally, Airmart provides tools for sourcing products from wholesalers, leveraging analytics, and accessing financing options. By simplifying the e-commerce process, Airmart empowers retailers to effectively plan deliveries and manage their sales operations, making it easier for them to engage with customers in a digital marketplace.
Jianjian
Angel Round in 2023
Jianjian (见见/八千里网络) is a Chinese mobile dating application.
The application helps users automatically record the roads they have walked down, people whom they have met, analyze the connection between them, and finally, receive the accuracy of the relationship and fate index.
Jianjian is attached to Xi'an 8000m Network Technology Limited Company.
Roboto Games
Series A in 2022
Roboto Games, Inc. is a game development studio based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2013 by Curt Bererton and Mathilde Pignol. The company specializes in creating mobile and computer games, focusing on synchronous multiplayer action games that are designed to be engaging and fun. Roboto Games aims to connect friends and family through its casual multiplayer offerings, while also catering to a broader audience with mid-core games that provide solo gameplay experiences. The studio is composed of experienced professionals from the gaming industry and has a history of innovation, having previously founded ZipZapPlay, a web and Facebook games company sold to PopCap in 2007.
Metatheory
Series A in 2022
Metatheory Inc. is an interactive technology and entertainment company focused on the development of Web3 games and community-driven experiences. It aims to inspire imagination by connecting people worldwide through immersive virtual worlds. The company specializes in creating interactive content that allows users to engage in audience-driven story development, enjoy enjoyable gameplay, and experience digital ownership through blockchain technology. By leveraging cross-generational intellectual property, Metatheory seeks to empower gamers and foster social connections within its innovative environments.
Fanhouse is a social platform designed to facilitate connections between content creators and their most dedicated fans. It enables creators to establish alternate accounts where they can share original and unfiltered content, fostering personal brand development. By providing tools for monetization, Fanhouse allows creators to earn revenue on their own terms, enhancing their engagement with followers while maintaining control over their content.
Mainframe Industries
Series B in 2021
Mainframe Industries is a game development company founded in 2019, with headquarters in both Helsinki, Finland, and Reykjavik, Iceland. The company specializes in creating an open-world, social sandbox MMO designed for cloud gaming, which enables cross-platform play across mobile devices, PCs, and televisions. By leveraging the expertise of teams with backgrounds in AAA, MMO, and mobile gaming, Mainframe aims to enhance the gaming experience through friction-free access from social networks and streaming platforms. This innovative approach is intended to broaden the creative possibilities for game developers and provide players with immersive gaming experiences.
Mem Protocol
Seed Round in 2021
Mem Protocol is a company focused on enhancing social media services through decentralized architectures. It develops a human-centric tool that securely stores information about network participants, including their social media history and professional experience, in cryptographically protected vaults. The platform allows users to engage by asking and answering questions on a wide range of topics, facilitating access to important articles and providing a personalized feed of insightful responses. By prioritizing user control and privacy, Mem Protocol aims to create a more meaningful social layer for the web3 ecosystem.
Intro is a platform that connects users with experts via personalized one-on-one video calls. Users can seek curated advice on topics such as health, fashion, and home decor, while experts can engage in online mentoring.
Singularity 6
Series B in 2021
Singularity 6, Inc. is an online game development company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2018. The company focuses on creating multiplayer games that aim to foster deeper, more meaningful experiences for players. By exploring innovative game design and addressing complex technical challenges, Singularity 6 develops intricate virtual worlds that prioritize community building and social interaction. Their approach enables players to form meaningful relationships with in-game characters, enhancing the overall gaming experience beyond mere entertainment.
Airmart
Venture Round in 2021
Airmart is a company that offers a social commerce platform designed to assist merchants in establishing online shops and selling products through social groups, communities, and social media channels. The platform enables merchants to efficiently manage their products and inventory, process orders and payments, fulfill and ship orders, and acquire new customers. Additionally, Airmart provides tools for sourcing products from wholesalers, leveraging analytics, and accessing financing options. By simplifying the e-commerce process, Airmart empowers retailers to effectively plan deliveries and manage their sales operations, making it easier for them to engage with customers in a digital marketplace.
BeReal is a photo-sharing application that aims to foster genuine connections among users. The app operates by sending a simultaneous notification to all users on a selected list at a random time, prompting them to capture and share a photo within a limited timeframe. This unique approach encourages users to present authentic moments from their daily lives, distinguishing BeReal from traditional social media platforms that often emphasize curated content. By focusing on spontaneity and realism, BeReal seeks to enhance interpersonal relationships and provide a fresh perspective on friendship in the digital age.
turntable.fm
Venture Round in 2021
Turntable.fm is a project of [Seth Goldstein](http://www.crunchbase.com/person/seth-goldstein) and [Billy Chasen](http://www.crunchbase.com/person/billy-chasen), the two guys who brought us [Stickybits](http://www.crunchbase.com/organization/stickybits).
Users in each dance room has an avatar and can chat with each other. Users can create their own playlist and get up in the DJ booth to battle it out.
Turntable.fm a social music platform that encourages hanging out with people and discovering music. If a DJ is playing a song you like, you can add it to your playlist, buy it on iTunes, find it on Last.fm, or launch Spotify.
In November 2013, Turntable announced they would be shutting down turntable.fm to focus on their live events platform.
Beacons
Seed Round in 2021
Founded in 2019, Beacons is a platform that enables creators to build mobile-friendly websites with extensive customization options. It supports various monetization methods such as donations, e-commerce, and affiliate marketing, serving hundreds of thousands of creators across social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.
Clubhouse
Series C in 2021
Clubhouse is an audio-based social media platform that facilitates casual conversations and connection-building among users. It is designed for live, audio-only interactions where individuals can join group chats, engage in discussions, and discover new topics and people through their networks. Users can drop into conversations with friends or others they follow, providing a space for spontaneous dialogues and connection. The platform emphasizes the value of authentic communication, enabling individuals to connect with both familiar and new voices in an informal setting.
Clubhouse
Series B in 2021
Clubhouse is an audio-based social media platform that facilitates casual conversations and connection-building among users. It is designed for live, audio-only interactions where individuals can join group chats, engage in discussions, and discover new topics and people through their networks. Users can drop into conversations with friends or others they follow, providing a space for spontaneous dialogues and connection. The platform emphasizes the value of authentic communication, enabling individuals to connect with both familiar and new voices in an informal setting.
Lowkey.gg is a company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that develops a desktop application aimed at gaming creators. Founded in 2018, the platform allows players to automatically record their gameplay, capturing highlights and full sessions for sharing with friends and communities. It caters to a wide range of gamers, from casual players to professional esports athletes, enabling them to save and distribute their best gaming moments easily. By facilitating the sharing of video clips, Lowkey connects gamers aged eighteen and older, fostering a community where users can showcase their gaming skills and establish esports squads.
Caffeine Inc. operates a live social broadcasting and streaming platform that focuses on gaming and entertainment. Founded in 2016 and based in Redwood City, California, the company allows users to broadcast a variety of content, including esports, video gaming, and creative shows, while facilitating real-time interaction through chat and sharing features. Caffeine's platform is designed to enhance viewer engagement with a social-driven recommendation system, making it easier to navigate and discover new content. The company partners with notable entities like FOX Sports, ESPN, and Riot Games to provide a diverse range of interactive programming. Caffeine is committed to maintaining a safe environment, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against bullying, hate speech, and racism.
Whatifi
Seed Round in 2020
Whatifi develops an interactive video-streaming platform that enables users to watch movies together on their phones, making decisions that shape the story's outcome. It combines elements of user-generated filmmaking with high-quality production values.
Clubhouse
Series A in 2020
Clubhouse is an audio-based social media platform that facilitates casual conversations and connection-building among users. It is designed for live, audio-only interactions where individuals can join group chats, engage in discussions, and discover new topics and people through their networks. Users can drop into conversations with friends or others they follow, providing a space for spontaneous dialogues and connection. The platform emphasizes the value of authentic communication, enabling individuals to connect with both familiar and new voices in an informal setting.
Mainframe Industries
Series A in 2020
Mainframe Industries is a game development company founded in 2019, with headquarters in both Helsinki, Finland, and Reykjavik, Iceland. The company specializes in creating an open-world, social sandbox MMO designed for cloud gaming, which enables cross-platform play across mobile devices, PCs, and televisions. By leveraging the expertise of teams with backgrounds in AAA, MMO, and mobile gaming, Mainframe aims to enhance the gaming experience through friction-free access from social networks and streaming platforms. This innovative approach is intended to broaden the creative possibilities for game developers and provide players with immersive gaming experiences.
Buck Stash
Series A in 2020
Buck Stash is a venture capital firm that specializes in seed, early, mid, and late stage investments. It prefers to invest in the social media business and technology sector, with a focus on software, back-end infrastructure, Internet infrastructure, cloud computing, enterprise software and services, consumer, business Internet, mobile Internet, consumer Internet, cloud computing, data-storage, social network browsers data-storage, consumer electronics, networking functions, software related biology, biotech, and medicine companies at the intersection of computer science and medicine
E-Pal is a dedicated social networking platform designed specifically for gaming enthusiasts. It facilitates skill-based matching among users, allowing gamers to connect with like-minded individuals, find teammates, and engage in shared interests while playing.
Singularity 6
Series A in 2019
Singularity 6, Inc. is an online game development company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2018. The company focuses on creating multiplayer games that aim to foster deeper, more meaningful experiences for players. By exploring innovative game design and addressing complex technical challenges, Singularity 6 develops intricate virtual worlds that prioritize community building and social interaction. Their approach enables players to form meaningful relationships with in-game characters, enhancing the overall gaming experience beyond mere entertainment.
Overtime is a digital-first sports network targeting the next generation of fans. Based in New York City, it produces original content across various platforms, including YouTube, Snapchat, IGTV, Instagram, and TikTok. The company generates revenue through sponsorships, advertising, media rights, and merchandise sales.
Caffeine
Corporate Round in 2018
Caffeine Inc. operates a live social broadcasting and streaming platform that focuses on gaming and entertainment. Founded in 2016 and based in Redwood City, California, the company allows users to broadcast a variety of content, including esports, video gaming, and creative shows, while facilitating real-time interaction through chat and sharing features. Caffeine's platform is designed to enhance viewer engagement with a social-driven recommendation system, making it easier to navigate and discover new content. The company partners with notable entities like FOX Sports, ESPN, and Riot Games to provide a diverse range of interactive programming. Caffeine is committed to maintaining a safe environment, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against bullying, hate speech, and racism.
Caffeine Inc. operates a live social broadcasting and streaming platform that focuses on gaming and entertainment. Founded in 2016 and based in Redwood City, California, the company allows users to broadcast a variety of content, including esports, video gaming, and creative shows, while facilitating real-time interaction through chat and sharing features. Caffeine's platform is designed to enhance viewer engagement with a social-driven recommendation system, making it easier to navigate and discover new content. The company partners with notable entities like FOX Sports, ESPN, and Riot Games to provide a diverse range of interactive programming. Caffeine is committed to maintaining a safe environment, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against bullying, hate speech, and racism.
Rabbit, Inc. is a technology company based in San Mateo, California, that specializes in developing a web and mobile application designed for shared viewing experiences. Founded in 2011, Rabbit enables users to connect with friends through video chat and content sharing, allowing them to watch shows, movies, and videos together in real-time, regardless of their physical location. The platform supports interactions such as creating personalized rooms for group chats, discovering new content, and listening to music collaboratively. By integrating with social media, users can invite friends and engage in shared entertainment experiences, enhancing communication and connection through video and multimedia.
All Def Digital, Inc., established in 2013 and headquartered in Los Angeles, is a multi-platform media company specializing in the curation, development, and distribution of content centered around hip-hop culture and related art forms. It manages and supports a diverse range of talent, including social video stars, writers, actors, and hip-hop artists, providing them with platforms for expression and growth. All Def produces and distributes original content across various media, including its own properties, social channels, television, movies, live events, and brand partnerships. As of December 19, 2019, the company operates as a subsidiary of Culture Genesis Inc.
500px Inc. is a global online photography community that serves both professional and amateur photographers, allowing them to upload, share, and sell their work. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, 500px connects over 15 million creatives from 195 countries, providing a platform for users to discover and share high-quality photography while gaining global exposure. The community facilitates recognition and financial rewards for photographers, enabling them to showcase their portfolios and participate in themed photo quests. In early 2018, 500px became a subsidiary of Visual China Group, further expanding its reach and resources in the photography marketplace.
Rabbit, Inc. is a technology company based in San Mateo, California, that specializes in developing a web and mobile application designed for shared viewing experiences. Founded in 2011, Rabbit enables users to connect with friends through video chat and content sharing, allowing them to watch shows, movies, and videos together in real-time, regardless of their physical location. The platform supports interactions such as creating personalized rooms for group chats, discovering new content, and listening to music collaboratively. By integrating with social media, users can invite friends and engage in shared entertainment experiences, enhancing communication and connection through video and multimedia.
Stack Exchange
Venture Round in 2015
Stack Exchange Inc. operates a network of question-and-answer sites that cater to a diverse range of topics, including software programming, cooking, photography, and gaming. The platform enables users to ask and answer questions without the need for registration, facilitating open knowledge sharing among its community. A key feature of the company is Stack Overflow for Teams, which assists development teams in addressing their queries effectively. The company serves a wide audience, including programmers, researchers, photographers, and experts across various fields. Originally founded as Stack Overflow in 2008, it rebranded to Stack Exchange Inc. in March 2011 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Teespring
Series B in 2014
Teespring, now known as Spring, offers a comprehensive platform for creators to design and sell both physical and digital products. The company provides tools and services that enable users to develop products that resonate with their audiences, facilitating the monetization of content. Spring supports creators by integrating with popular social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, Discord, and Streamlabs, allowing them to market their products directly to their followers. In addition to design assistance, Spring manages order production, shipping, and customer service, allowing creators to concentrate on building their brands and expanding their businesses. For organizations and clubs placing bulk orders, Spring also offers competitive pricing and design support.
Glow, Inc. is a company focused on women's health, particularly in the areas of fertility, pregnancy, and reproductive well-being. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, it develops and operates mobile applications designed to offer information and support throughout various phases of women's reproductive health. Its primary offerings include Ruby By Glow, which provides period and ovulation tracking alongside health and sex education; Glow, an ovulation calculator; and Glow Nurture, a pregnancy tracking solution. Additionally, Glow offers a community fund program aimed at making infertility treatment more accessible through collective risk pooling among couples. This non-profit initiative also provides financial assistance to accredited infertility clinics for couples who do not achieve pregnancy. Glow's applications utilize data analysis to help users track their cycles and enhance fertility outcomes, offering resources and support for those experiencing pregnancy loss as well.
BuzzFeed
Secondary Market in 2014
BuzzFeed, Inc. is a tech-driven media company that specializes in delivering breaking news, original reporting, and entertainment content across various digital platforms. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in New York, BuzzFeed engages a global audience with its diverse offerings, which include articles, quizzes, videos, and lifestyle content through well-known brands such as Tasty. The company also emphasizes investigative journalism through BuzzFeed News and produces original content for multiple formats via BuzzFeed Studios. Additionally, BuzzFeed Commerce focuses on social commerce products, licensing, and strategic partnerships. With a reach of over 200 million users, BuzzFeed aims to create shareable content that resonates across the social web.
Genius Media Group, Inc. operates an online platform that focuses on music intelligence, originally starting as a site for annotating rap lyrics. Founded in 2009 and based in Brooklyn, New York, Genius has evolved to serve a broader audience, providing insights into various music genres beyond hip-hop. The platform attracts over 100 million users monthly, enabling contributors, editors, and musicians to engage in discussions about songs and share their interpretations with a global fan base. In addition to lyrics, Genius features charts and videos, offering a comprehensive view of music and its cultural significance. Renowned artists, including Frank Ocean and Lin-Manuel Miranda, also participate in the platform, contributing their perspectives and enhancing the storytelling aspect of music.
Julep Beauty, Inc. is an ecommerce beauty products company based in Seattle, Washington, that offers a wide range of beauty items, including makeup, skincare, and nail care products. Known for its innovative approach, Julep leverages crowdsourced feedback from social media platforms to inform product development, allowing it to create over 300 new products annually. The company operates an online subscription community, Mavens, which enables rapid product launches and subsequent distribution through its website and retail partners such as Sephora, QVC, and Nordstrom. In addition to its ecommerce operations, Julep also runs boutique nail salons in Bellevue and Seattle. Originally established as Julep Nail Parlor Company in 2006, it rebranded to Julep Beauty, Inc. and has since become a subsidiary of Glansaol.
Imgur, Inc. is an online platform that specializes in image hosting and sharing services, founded in 2009 and based in San Francisco, California. The platform allows users to share a variety of visual content, including photos, memes, GIFs, and visual stories, fostering engagement with social networks and online communities. Imgur's services are designed to entertain and inspire users, providing an endless stream of humorous, informative, and creative images from around the globe. The company focuses on delivering a user-friendly experience that promotes visual storytelling and community interaction.
Teespring
Series A in 2014
Teespring, now known as Spring, offers a comprehensive platform for creators to design and sell both physical and digital products. The company provides tools and services that enable users to develop products that resonate with their audiences, facilitating the monetization of content. Spring supports creators by integrating with popular social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, Discord, and Streamlabs, allowing them to market their products directly to their followers. In addition to design assistance, Spring manages order production, shipping, and customer service, allowing creators to concentrate on building their brands and expanding their businesses. For organizations and clubs placing bulk orders, Spring also offers competitive pricing and design support.
MediaSpike
Series A in 2013
MediaSpike, Inc. operates an online platform specializing in in-game product placement, primarily targeting social and mobile games. Founded in 2011 and based in Mountain View, California, the company serves as a monetization solution for both brands and game developers. Through its user-friendly dashboard, brands can search for suitable advertising placements based on specific criteria, while developers can integrate MediaSpike's SDKs to manage placements effectively. The process involves selecting available placements, uploading assets, and submitting them for developer approval. MediaSpike also provides analytics for live placements, enabling brands to track performance and engagement in real-time. The platform supports a range of applications, including virtual reality content, allowing for diverse advertising opportunities across popular games on iOS and Android platforms.
App.net is an ad-free, subscription-based social networking and development platform that was launched in August 2012. Owned and operated by Mixed Media Labs, which was founded by CEO Dalton Caldwell and CTO Bryan Berg, the company aims to serve as the backbone of the social web. App.net provides a robust infrastructure that enables developers to create various social applications, including group messaging, photo and document sharing, and microblogging. The platform focuses on facilitating meaningful interactions among its members while maintaining a commitment to an uninterrupted user experience free from advertisements.
Glow, Inc. is a company focused on women's health, particularly in the areas of fertility, pregnancy, and reproductive well-being. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, it develops and operates mobile applications designed to offer information and support throughout various phases of women's reproductive health. Its primary offerings include Ruby By Glow, which provides period and ovulation tracking alongside health and sex education; Glow, an ovulation calculator; and Glow Nurture, a pregnancy tracking solution. Additionally, Glow offers a community fund program aimed at making infertility treatment more accessible through collective risk pooling among couples. This non-profit initiative also provides financial assistance to accredited infertility clinics for couples who do not achieve pregnancy. Glow's applications utilize data analysis to help users track their cycles and enhance fertility outcomes, offering resources and support for those experiencing pregnancy loss as well.
500px Inc. is a global online photography community that serves both professional and amateur photographers, allowing them to upload, share, and sell their work. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, 500px connects over 15 million creatives from 195 countries, providing a platform for users to discover and share high-quality photography while gaining global exposure. The community facilitates recognition and financial rewards for photographers, enabling them to showcase their portfolios and participate in themed photo quests. In early 2018, 500px became a subsidiary of Visual China Group, further expanding its reach and resources in the photography marketplace.
Swell is a voice-based social platform that facilitates asynchronous audio conversations, allowing users to engage in discussions without the need for simultaneous online participation. The application enables listeners to share ideas, ask questions, and tell stories through audio posts, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Users can respond with their own audio contributions, promoting a dynamic exchange of perspectives and experiences. The platform supports posts that can include links, photos, and audio clips of up to five minutes, encouraging authentic conversations and community building.
NationBuilder
Series B in 2013
NationBuilder is a software platform for leaders and organizations to power campaigns, movements, and communities. The platform unifies website content, email communications, live programming, social insights, and people management in one system, enabling real-time data-driven decision making and simpler operations. By consolidating several tools into a single scalable platform, it supports advocacy groups, nonprofits, and political campaigns in engaging supporters, coordinating volunteers, and tracking performance across channels. The company is headquartered in downtown Los Angeles and maintains offices in New York, Washington, DC, Vancouver, and London.
YesGraph
Seed Round in 2013
YesGraph is a developer of a referral recruiting platform that focuses on enhancing company growth through effective invite and referral flows. The platform utilizes machine learning and social graph analysis to optimize user acquisition, allowing enterprises to generate private-referral leads from their networks. By providing a user-friendly interface, YesGraph enables organizations to attract high-quality new users, streamlining the recruitment process and improving overall performance.
MessageMe
Series A in 2013
MessageMe is a mobile messaging application designed to enhance communication through personalized and emotionally engaging interactions. The platform focuses on creating a fun and lightweight user experience, encouraging users to send and respond to messages in a dynamic manner. By applying techniques from social gaming, MessageMe aims to enrich the emotional context of messaging, thereby increasing user engagement and excitement. The company has attracted interest from major players in the tech industry, including Snapchat and Truecaller. Ultimately, MessageMe was acquired by Yahoo for a sum estimated between $30 million and $40 million, reflecting its potential in the competitive messaging app landscape.
MessageMe
Seed Round in 2013
MessageMe is a mobile messaging application designed to enhance communication through personalized and emotionally engaging interactions. The platform focuses on creating a fun and lightweight user experience, encouraging users to send and respond to messages in a dynamic manner. By applying techniques from social gaming, MessageMe aims to enrich the emotional context of messaging, thereby increasing user engagement and excitement. The company has attracted interest from major players in the tech industry, including Snapchat and Truecaller. Ultimately, MessageMe was acquired by Yahoo for a sum estimated between $30 million and $40 million, reflecting its potential in the competitive messaging app landscape.
Toro, founded in March 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, is a company that specializes in providing marketing services for app developers. Established by former developers and product managers from popular social games, Toro focuses on equipping app companies with essential tools for mobile marketing. The company's mission is to democratize access to effective marketing strategies, thereby enabling developers to optimize their campaign setups. Toro's marketing plans are primarily executed through the Facebook advertising platform, ensuring that clients can leverage one of the largest social media networks to reach their target audience effectively.
Julep Beauty, Inc. is an ecommerce beauty products company based in Seattle, Washington, that offers a wide range of beauty items, including makeup, skincare, and nail care products. Known for its innovative approach, Julep leverages crowdsourced feedback from social media platforms to inform product development, allowing it to create over 300 new products annually. The company operates an online subscription community, Mavens, which enables rapid product launches and subsequent distribution through its website and retail partners such as Sephora, QVC, and Nordstrom. In addition to its ecommerce operations, Julep also runs boutique nail salons in Bellevue and Seattle. Originally established as Julep Nail Parlor Company in 2006, it rebranded to Julep Beauty, Inc. and has since become a subsidiary of Glansaol.
Tomfoolery
Seed Round in 2013
Tomfoolery is a mobile app lab founded by ex-Yahoo and AOL execs committed to making enterprise solutions more consumer-friendly. Its debut app is the conversation platform Anchor.
Anchor allows users to share files from Box.com and Dropbox, syncs with Evernote, and lets companies create company directories on the platform — a listing of all employees who are on Anchor — which can be used to find email and phone details, as well as link for chatting.
BeatDeck
Seed Round in 2013
BeatDeck is a big data music analytics platform founded in January 2013 by Josh Mangel and Avi Zolty at Y Combinator in Mountain View, California. The platform enables musicians to evaluate key performance metrics, analyze social signals, and track how their music is being shared and received by audiences. BeatDeck provides a comprehensive dashboard that allows users to connect and analyze audio content, helping artists understand their overall influence in the music industry. By offering these insights for free, BeatDeck aims to empower musicians to make informed decisions about their work and enhance their engagement with fans.
8tracks
Seed Round in 2012
8tracks is an internet radio and social network that streams user-curated playlists of at least eight tracks. Users upload songs from their own collections to create virtual mixtapes that can be shared, and the platform enables discovery and interaction through a community-based playlist network. It offers subscription-based access to explore playlists by artist, genre, or activity. Founded in 2006, 8tracks is based in San Francisco, with offices in New York and Los Angeles.
Genius Media Group, Inc. operates an online platform that focuses on music intelligence, originally starting as a site for annotating rap lyrics. Founded in 2009 and based in Brooklyn, New York, Genius has evolved to serve a broader audience, providing insights into various music genres beyond hip-hop. The platform attracts over 100 million users monthly, enabling contributors, editors, and musicians to engage in discussions about songs and share their interpretations with a global fan base. In addition to lyrics, Genius features charts and videos, offering a comprehensive view of music and its cultural significance. Renowned artists, including Frank Ocean and Lin-Manuel Miranda, also participate in the platform, contributing their perspectives and enhancing the storytelling aspect of music.
Magnet Beauty
Series B in 2012
Magnet Beauty is a developer of a digital sales engagement platform that connects consumers with licensed and brand-trained virtual beauty advisors. The company's software-as-a-service platform enables beauty brands to engage online visitors by providing instant, personalized beauty advice from a network of certified makeup artists, estheticians, and cosmetologists. This innovative approach enhances consumer engagement, boosts conversion rates, and fosters brand loyalty, ultimately driving revenue for beauty brands. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Magnet Beauty combines advanced technology with an emphasis on user experience, positioning itself as a leader in the beauty industry by leveraging digital tools to meet the evolving expectations of consumers. Founded in 2008, the company has established itself as a key player in the market by delivering solutions that enhance the online beauty shopping experience.
Airtime is a social platform designed to foster genuine online interactions, aiming to create a welcoming environment for users. Founded by Sean Parker, the platform offers various virtual "rooms" where individuals can engage in live conversations about diverse interests, from music to art and comedy. Unlike traditional social networks that often promote isolation, Airtime encourages community building and real-time engagement. The company is supported by prominent investors, including Accel, Andreessen Horowitz, and Google Ventures, and operates with a dedicated team of over 100 employees across three locations. Airtime focuses on enhancing the quality of online social experiences through its innovative video conversation features.
NationBuilder
Series A in 2012
NationBuilder is a software platform for leaders and organizations to power campaigns, movements, and communities. The platform unifies website content, email communications, live programming, social insights, and people management in one system, enabling real-time data-driven decision making and simpler operations. By consolidating several tools into a single scalable platform, it supports advocacy groups, nonprofits, and political campaigns in engaging supporters, coordinating volunteers, and tracking performance across channels. The company is headquartered in downtown Los Angeles and maintains offices in New York, Washington, DC, Vancouver, and London.
Rockmelt was a social web browser developed on Chromium technology, offering seamless integration with Facebook and Twitter through its unique "Edges" feature, displaying real-time updates from friends and followed feeds. It introduced an innovative search function that displayed complete results as dropdowns over webpages, facilitating easy navigation between different results. The browser also featured its own URL shortener, me.lt, and was supported on Windows and OS X platforms. Backed by notable Silicon Valley figure Marc Andreessen, Rockmelt's principal engineer was Robert John Churchill, previously the principal engineer for Netscape Navigator.
Canvas Networks
Series A in 2011
Canvas Networks operates as an online community platform that facilitates image sharing and collaboration among users. The platform allows individuals to submit, edit, and share images, fostering a creative environment for users to engage with visual content. Through its software application, Canvas Networks enhances the user experience by enabling easy interaction with various images, promoting a community-driven approach to digital creativity.
Magnet Beauty
Series A in 2011
Magnet Beauty is a developer of a digital sales engagement platform that connects consumers with licensed and brand-trained virtual beauty advisors. The company's software-as-a-service platform enables beauty brands to engage online visitors by providing instant, personalized beauty advice from a network of certified makeup artists, estheticians, and cosmetologists. This innovative approach enhances consumer engagement, boosts conversion rates, and fosters brand loyalty, ultimately driving revenue for beauty brands. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Magnet Beauty combines advanced technology with an emphasis on user experience, positioning itself as a leader in the beauty industry by leveraging digital tools to meet the evolving expectations of consumers. Founded in 2008, the company has established itself as a key player in the market by delivering solutions that enhance the online beauty shopping experience.
X (formerly Twitter)
Secondary Market in 2011
Twitter is a social networking platform that facilitates the exchange of micro-blogs, known as "tweets," which can be up to 280 characters in length. Launched in 2006, it allows users to send and read tweets through various means, including web browsers, SMS, and mobile applications. With over 400 million monthly visitors and 255 million active users, Twitter serves as a global real-time communications platform. Its diverse user base includes world leaders, athletes, entertainers, and news organizations, contributing to its role as a significant source of information and engagement. The platform is available in more than 35 languages and has a strong presence in major cities worldwide, with headquarters in San Francisco and offices across the United States and internationally.
Tasty Labs
Series A in 2010
Tasty Labs is a startup founded by Joshua Schachter, known for creating Delicious, alongside Paul Rademacher, a former Google employee, and Nick Nguyen, the former Director of Add-Ons at Mozilla. The company focuses on enhancing social software by facilitating connections between users and problem solvers. Tasty Labs offers a social recommendation service that aims to integrate practical utility into social interactions, allowing users to navigate challenges collaboratively.
Instagram
Seed Round in 2010
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing platform founded in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. It enables users to capture, edit with custom filters, and share content on various social networks. The platform facilitates user-generated content and targeted advertising, helping businesses connect with younger demographics.
Canvas Networks
Seed Round in 2010
Canvas Networks operates as an online community platform that facilitates image sharing and collaboration among users. The platform allows individuals to submit, edit, and share images, fostering a creative environment for users to engage with visual content. Through its software application, Canvas Networks enhances the user experience by enabling easy interaction with various images, promoting a community-driven approach to digital creativity.
Rockmelt was a social web browser developed on Chromium technology, offering seamless integration with Facebook and Twitter through its unique "Edges" feature, displaying real-time updates from friends and followed feeds. It introduced an innovative search function that displayed complete results as dropdowns over webpages, facilitating easy navigation between different results. The browser also featured its own URL shortener, me.lt, and was supported on Windows and OS X platforms. Backed by notable Silicon Valley figure Marc Andreessen, Rockmelt's principal engineer was Robert John Churchill, previously the principal engineer for Netscape Navigator.