Discourse
Series A in 2021
Discourse is an open-source discussion platform designed to enhance online communication in an evolving digital landscape. By integrating features of mailing lists, discussion forums, and long-form chat rooms, Discourse provides a comprehensive solution for hosting searchable discussions. The platform emphasizes community engagement through tools that support a trust system, notifications, and community moderation. This allows users to connect with one another effectively and fosters meaningful conversations among participants. Discourse aims to redefine online discourse by creating a modern, user-friendly environment that caters to the needs of users in a world dominated by social media and instant communication.
Telepath
Seed Round in 2020
Telepath provides a social network application that enables users to discuss their interests. Its platform is secure and easier, enabling users to connect with each other very easily.
Squad is a San Francisco-based company that offers a web-based platform designed to facilitate social interaction among users. The platform allows friends to connect and spend time together by enabling video and audio chats while sharing their screens. Users can showcase various content from their devices, including messages and videos from apps like TikTok, creating an immersive shared experience. Additionally, Squad features an AMA (ask me anything) function, which aggregates information from various online profiles, making it easily accessible in one central location. This blend of social engagement and information sharing positions Squad as a versatile tool for enhancing digital interactions.
Mighty Networks
Series A in 2019
Founded in 2017, Mighty Networks is a SaaS platform that enables creators and brands to build, engage, and monetize their online communities. It offers customizable tools for creating private spaces, facilitating member engagement, and integrating with other services, all under the creator's brand and available on every platform.
Snackpass
Seed Round in 2018
Snackpass is a social food app founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. It provides a platform that enhances the convenience and affordability of ordering food from local restaurants through mobile order pickup. Users can access a contactless digital menu, utilize self-service kiosks, and benefit from loyalty rewards that encourage repeat business. The app also fosters social interaction by allowing users to unlock discounts with friends, send gifts, and collect points, thereby enhancing the overall dining experience. Snackpass aims to bridge the gap between offline and digital interaction for food purchasers while helping businesses reduce labor costs.
Vidme is a startup video lab that operates a video-sharing platform aimed at fostering a community for expressing and sharing ideas. The platform allows users to upload videos across various categories, including gaming, animation, movies, and entertainment. Users can share their content within relevant community sections, and notably, Vidme enables uploads without requiring users to create an account. This accessibility encourages broader participation and engagement within its community, making it a versatile space for video content creators.
Mighty Networks
Series A in 2016
Founded in 2017, Mighty Networks is a SaaS platform that enables creators and brands to build, engage, and monetize their online communities. It offers customizable tools for creating private spaces, facilitating member engagement, and integrating with other services, all under the creator's brand and available on every platform.
Relay Network
Series B in 2016
Relay Network, LLC is a technology company headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, specializing in customer engagement through a private messaging application. Founded in 2009, Relay Network enables businesses to send proactive and personalized communications to their customers, enhancing the way companies interact with their clientele. The platform supports various industries, including healthcare, financial services, insurance, cable, energy, travel, and hospitality, by allowing customers to opt-in for messages from their service providers. The company's innovative approach empowers businesses to design and automate customer engagement, helping them scale their support efforts and meet the growing demand for personalized service.
Curalate, Inc. is a technology company that operates an online platform focused on enhancing the connection between visual content and e-commerce. Founded in 2011 and based in Philadelphia, with additional offices in New York, Seattle, and London, the company enables brands to convert images and videos into interactive digital storefronts across various online channels, including social media and advertisements. Curalate's platform offers tools for brands to automate content posting, track social media engagement, and gain insights into campaign performance, competitors, and influencers. By leveraging image recognition algorithms, Curalate facilitates a seamless transition from consumer discovery of products to actual purchases, working with prominent brands such as Gap, Neiman Marcus, and Sephora to drive revenue through visual-driven commerce. Curalate, previously known as Storably, became a subsidiary of Bazaarvoice in July 2020.
Squad is the new way to go out with your friends and meet fun new people tonight.
1. Make a squad with your friends.
2. Swipe through other squads nearby. (Everyone in the squad gets to swipe!)
3. Match when there's interest on both sides!
4. Message your matches in a group chat and meet up in real life!
ModCloth is a retailer based in Tustin, California, specializing in vintage-inspired women's fashion and accessories. Founded by Eric and Susan Koger in a Carnegie Mellon University dorm room, the company has grown to employ over 400 individuals and operates offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh. ModCloth offers a curated selection of exclusive indie and vintage-inspired clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories from numerous independent designers, allowing women to express their unique style. The company leverages innovative technology and social media to enhance the shopping experience, positioning itself as a leader in social commerce within the fashion industry.
Vidme is a startup video lab that operates a video-sharing platform aimed at fostering a community for expressing and sharing ideas. The platform allows users to upload videos across various categories, including gaming, animation, movies, and entertainment. Users can share their content within relevant community sections, and notably, Vidme enables uploads without requiring users to create an account. This accessibility encourages broader participation and engagement within its community, making it a versatile space for video content creators.
Swipe Labs
Series A in 2015
Swipe Labs, founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing mobile communication applications that enhance the intimacy and privacy of user interactions. Their primary product allows users to share private photos and videos with select groups of friends, providing a more personal and secure way to communicate compared to public social media platforms. The company focuses on experimenting with new social products to improve mobile communication experiences for its users.
ShareThis
Series C in 2014
ShareThis, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing a social data platform aimed at enhancing consumer engagement and content sharing for publishers, advertisers, and data-driven businesses. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, ShareThis offers a suite of tools that enable real-time processing of first-party data, allowing users to drive engagement, optimize content, and personalize experiences across various digital channels. The company's offerings include share buttons for multiple social media platforms, reaction buttons, and tools for Social A/B testing to improve content effectiveness. Additionally, ShareThis provides a Real-Time Marketing Engine that helps brands activate their audiences across different screens and digital formats. By analyzing user behavior across millions of global domains, ShareThis synthesizes social share, interest, and intent data to deliver actionable insights for customer targeting and acquisition. The company also maintains offices in several key U.S. cities, including Chicago, New York City, Boston, and Manhattan Beach.
Curalate, Inc. is a technology company that operates an online platform focused on enhancing the connection between visual content and e-commerce. Founded in 2011 and based in Philadelphia, with additional offices in New York, Seattle, and London, the company enables brands to convert images and videos into interactive digital storefronts across various online channels, including social media and advertisements. Curalate's platform offers tools for brands to automate content posting, track social media engagement, and gain insights into campaign performance, competitors, and influencers. By leveraging image recognition algorithms, Curalate facilitates a seamless transition from consumer discovery of products to actual purchases, working with prominent brands such as Gap, Neiman Marcus, and Sephora to drive revenue through visual-driven commerce. Curalate, previously known as Storably, became a subsidiary of Bazaarvoice in July 2020.
Soldsie is a technology company that facilitates social commerce. It enables businesses to sell products directly through Facebook comments. Customers can securely register payment details with Soldsie and then purchase items by commenting on the business's posts. Merchants use Soldsie's dashboard to manage inventory, track sales, and monitor shipping processes. This system increases user engagement, views, and shares for merchants while providing a convenient shopping experience for customers.
Relay Network
Series A in 2014
Relay Network, LLC is a technology company headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, specializing in customer engagement through a private messaging application. Founded in 2009, Relay Network enables businesses to send proactive and personalized communications to their customers, enhancing the way companies interact with their clientele. The platform supports various industries, including healthcare, financial services, insurance, cable, energy, travel, and hospitality, by allowing customers to opt-in for messages from their service providers. The company's innovative approach empowers businesses to design and automate customer engagement, helping them scale their support efforts and meet the growing demand for personalized service.
Path is a mobile photo-sharing and messaging service designed to foster personal social networks with a limit of up to 150 contacts. The platform allows users to capture and share significant life moments with close friends and family, emphasizing simplicity, quality, and privacy. Path enables group messaging and facilitates the importation of photos and graphics to various social networks. The company aims to enhance personal connections through its user-friendly interface and features, reflecting the belief that mobile technology can transform social interactions.
Swipe Labs
Seed Round in 2013
Swipe Labs, founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing mobile communication applications that enhance the intimacy and privacy of user interactions. Their primary product allows users to share private photos and videos with select groups of friends, providing a more personal and secure way to communicate compared to public social media platforms. The company focuses on experimenting with new social products to improve mobile communication experiences for its users.
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.
ShareThis
Series C in 2013
ShareThis, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing a social data platform aimed at enhancing consumer engagement and content sharing for publishers, advertisers, and data-driven businesses. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, ShareThis offers a suite of tools that enable real-time processing of first-party data, allowing users to drive engagement, optimize content, and personalize experiences across various digital channels. The company's offerings include share buttons for multiple social media platforms, reaction buttons, and tools for Social A/B testing to improve content effectiveness. Additionally, ShareThis provides a Real-Time Marketing Engine that helps brands activate their audiences across different screens and digital formats. By analyzing user behavior across millions of global domains, ShareThis synthesizes social share, interest, and intent data to deliver actionable insights for customer targeting and acquisition. The company also maintains offices in several key U.S. cities, including Chicago, New York City, Boston, and Manhattan Beach.
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.
Curalate, Inc. is a technology company that operates an online platform focused on enhancing the connection between visual content and e-commerce. Founded in 2011 and based in Philadelphia, with additional offices in New York, Seattle, and London, the company enables brands to convert images and videos into interactive digital storefronts across various online channels, including social media and advertisements. Curalate's platform offers tools for brands to automate content posting, track social media engagement, and gain insights into campaign performance, competitors, and influencers. By leveraging image recognition algorithms, Curalate facilitates a seamless transition from consumer discovery of products to actual purchases, working with prominent brands such as Gap, Neiman Marcus, and Sephora to drive revenue through visual-driven commerce. Curalate, previously known as Storably, became a subsidiary of Bazaarvoice in July 2020.
Discourse
Seed Round in 2012
Discourse is an open-source discussion platform designed to enhance online communication in an evolving digital landscape. By integrating features of mailing lists, discussion forums, and long-form chat rooms, Discourse provides a comprehensive solution for hosting searchable discussions. The platform emphasizes community engagement through tools that support a trust system, notifications, and community moderation. This allows users to connect with one another effectively and fosters meaningful conversations among participants. Discourse aims to redefine online discourse by creating a modern, user-friendly environment that caters to the needs of users in a world dominated by social media and instant communication.
RebelMouse
Seed Round in 2012
RebelMouse, Inc. is a social media aggregator and digital publishing platform founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York City. The platform enables brands, media companies, and individuals to create engaging content experiences that foster community building and audience growth across various social media channels. RebelMouse's innovative approach transcends conventional content management by liberating content across multiple sites, apps, and advertisements. It enhances audience engagement through intelligent recommendations, real-time trending alerts, and social calls to action. The company has been instrumental in generating significant online traffic for various publishers, including Axios and The Dodo, while also revitalizing established brands like PAPER Magazine. Additionally, RebelMouse assists organizations, such as United Airlines, in adopting media-centric strategies to enhance their online presence.
9GAG, Inc. is an online platform and social media website that specializes in user-generated content, primarily focused on humor. Founded in 2008 and based in Mountain View, California, the company allows users to post and comment on a wide array of entertaining media, including funny pictures, videos, memes, and various categories such as gaming, anime, movies, and sports. The site features daily updates of user-generated videos encompassing themes like comedy, pranks, and cute moments, creating an engaging environment for users to connect and share their interests. Through its vibrant community, 9GAG fosters conversation and interaction among its users, making it a popular destination for humor and entertainment on the Internet.
33Across Inc. is a New York-based company that operates a social sharing and content discovery platform designed to enhance programmatic advertising in a cookieless environment. Founded in 2007, the company provides innovative marketing technologies such as SocialDNA Targeting, which helps clients identify and engage with social networks related to their brands. Its offerings include the BRAND GRAPH, which predicts consumer behavior to deliver brand and direct response ROI, Social Personas for real-time audience insights, and the Real Platform, which ensures the quality of ads by verifying viewability and mitigating fraudulent traffic. 33Across aims to empower marketers by helping them identify high-potential prospects connected to existing customers and brand loyalists. The company also has offices in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Salt Lake City, and Chicago, further extending its reach in the advertising ecosystem.
Rewind Me
Seed Round in 2012
Rewind Me Inc., established in 2005 and headquartered in New York City, specializes in aggregating data from various digital tracking and sharing platforms such as Foursquare, Facebook, TripIt, Fitbit, RunKeeper, and Netflix. The company's primary service, The Rewind.Me App for iOS, transforms users' check-in activities into a personal tool and facilitates social interaction by unlocking the value of this aggregated data. By doing so, Rewind Me enables individuals to manage and monetize their digital history as a new personal asset on their iPhones.
Wanelo
Venture Round in 2012
Wanelo, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that operates a social media shopping platform designed to transform the online retail experience. Founded in 2010, Wanelo offers users a mobile app where they can discover, buy, and sell a vast array of products from over 350,000 stores, ranging from well-known brands to unique independent boutiques. The platform allows users to curate their shopping experience by following their favorite stores and sharing products with a community of millions. Launched in 2012 by Deena Varshavskaya, Wanelo addresses the needs of shoppers seeking diverse and personalized styles, moving beyond traditional retail formats. Today, the company employs a dedicated team and continues to facilitate the discovery of innovative and appealing products in a socialized shopping environment.
ModCloth is a retailer based in Tustin, California, specializing in vintage-inspired women's fashion and accessories. Founded by Eric and Susan Koger in a Carnegie Mellon University dorm room, the company has grown to employ over 400 individuals and operates offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh. ModCloth offers a curated selection of exclusive indie and vintage-inspired clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories from numerous independent designers, allowing women to express their unique style. The company leverages innovative technology and social media to enhance the shopping experience, positioning itself as a leader in social commerce within the fashion industry.
Curalate
Seed Round in 2012
Curalate, Inc. is a technology company that operates an online platform focused on enhancing the connection between visual content and e-commerce. Founded in 2011 and based in Philadelphia, with additional offices in New York, Seattle, and London, the company enables brands to convert images and videos into interactive digital storefronts across various online channels, including social media and advertisements. Curalate's platform offers tools for brands to automate content posting, track social media engagement, and gain insights into campaign performance, competitors, and influencers. By leveraging image recognition algorithms, Curalate facilitates a seamless transition from consumer discovery of products to actual purchases, working with prominent brands such as Gap, Neiman Marcus, and Sephora to drive revenue through visual-driven commerce. Curalate, previously known as Storably, became a subsidiary of Bazaarvoice in July 2020.
SchoolFeed
Seed Round in 2012
schoolFeed, a San Mateo, CA-based classmate network online. Launched in July 2011 by Lance Tokuda, schoolFeed connects online users between the ages of 35-55, who didn’t have social networks while in school, and may have difficulty locating classmates today. The classmate network offers an online yearbook and class directory with news feed, interest subscriptions and virtual currency. It is already used by over 7 million users
turntable.fm
Series A in 2011
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.
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.
Relay Network
Series A in 2011
Relay Network, LLC is a technology company headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, specializing in customer engagement through a private messaging application. Founded in 2009, Relay Network enables businesses to send proactive and personalized communications to their customers, enhancing the way companies interact with their clientele. The platform supports various industries, including healthcare, financial services, insurance, cable, energy, travel, and hospitality, by allowing customers to opt-in for messages from their service providers. The company's innovative approach empowers businesses to design and automate customer engagement, helping them scale their support efforts and meet the growing demand for personalized service.
Adaptly, Inc. is a digital advertising solutions provider based in New York City, with additional offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, and London. Established in 2010, the company specializes in enabling large advertisers to effectively scale their campaigns across various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Pinterest. Adaptly offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes personalized planning and strategy, media buying, campaign execution, and performance analysis. Utilizing proprietary technology, the firm provides real-time insights and automated optimization to help clients achieve their advertising goals. As of December 2018, Adaptly operates as a subsidiary of Accenture plc and employs over 120 professionals dedicated to enhancing digital marketing effectiveness for its clientele.
StumbleUpon
Series B in 2011
StumbleUpon is a content discovery platform designed to help users find new and interesting web and mobile content tailored to their preferences. With a user base exceeding 25 million, the platform allows individuals to share their favorite webpages, submit ratings and reviews, and receive personalized recommendations. StumbleUpon also offers a Paid Discovery service, utilized by over 80,000 brands and marketers to promote their products and services effectively. By combining user engagement with innovative content curation, StumbleUpon aims to enhance the online experience, making it easier for users to explore a diverse range of information and entertainment.
Path is a mobile photo-sharing and messaging service designed to foster personal social networks with a limit of up to 150 contacts. The platform allows users to capture and share significant life moments with close friends and family, emphasizing simplicity, quality, and privacy. Path enables group messaging and facilitates the importation of photos and graphics to various social networks. The company aims to enhance personal connections through its user-friendly interface and features, reflecting the belief that mobile technology can transform social interactions.
33Across Inc. is a New York-based company that operates a social sharing and content discovery platform designed to enhance programmatic advertising in a cookieless environment. Founded in 2007, the company provides innovative marketing technologies such as SocialDNA Targeting, which helps clients identify and engage with social networks related to their brands. Its offerings include the BRAND GRAPH, which predicts consumer behavior to deliver brand and direct response ROI, Social Personas for real-time audience insights, and the Real Platform, which ensures the quality of ads by verifying viewability and mitigating fraudulent traffic. 33Across aims to empower marketers by helping them identify high-potential prospects connected to existing customers and brand loyalists. The company also has offices in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Salt Lake City, and Chicago, further extending its reach in the advertising ecosystem.
GroupMe Inc. is a New York-based company that develops and operates a group messaging application designed to facilitate communication among users, including those without smartphones. Launched in 2010, the platform allows users to easily connect with friends, family, and coworkers through push notifications or SMS. GroupMe's services include group messaging, conference calling, and location and photo sharing, enabling seamless interaction within social networks. Since its inception, the company has experienced significant growth, processing billions of messages and expanding its team to 25 employees. Acquired by Skype Global, GroupMe operates with a degree of autonomy, maintaining an entrepreneurial culture while aiming to become a primary communications provider for a large user base.
Gnip
Venture Round in 2010
Gnip is a data provider specializing in social media analytics, serving a diverse clientele that includes sectors such as social media monitoring, business intelligence, government, and finance. Founded in March 2008 by Eric Marcoullier and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Gnip operates additional offices in San Francisco, New York, and Washington. The company delivers over 120 billion real-time social media data activities each month, offering customers access to a wide array of data sources. Its services empower businesses to enhance their analytics capabilities, with clients that include more than 95% of the Fortune 500. Gnip's on-demand messaging platform facilitates the integration of social and business data, allowing companies to streamline their operations and identify new opportunities.
FanBridge
Series A in 2010
FanBridge, Inc. is a fan relationship management platform that integrates email marketing and social networking to help artists, brands, and influencers manage fan acquisition, retention, and engagement. Established in 2006 and based in New York, the company serves a diverse clientele, including musicians, comedians, YouTubers, and major brands. FanBridge facilitates the growth and monetization of fan bases through direct engagement tools, allowing clients to connect with their audiences across multiple digital channels. The platform supports over 600 million fan relationships, enabling users to craft targeted marketing campaigns and foster meaningful interactions. Additionally, FanBridge offers integrated advertising solutions that align brand messages with entertainment influencers, providing a measurable approach to audience outreach.
OneTrueFan
Seed Round in 2010
OneTrueFan is an online service designed for web publishers that fosters deeper engagement with site visitors. The platform allows users to earn points and badges for engaging with content by reading, sharing links, and driving web traffic. It tracks user interactions across various pages, enabling them to see who else has engaged with the same content. Only a small percentage of web traffic consists of regular visitors, typically defined as those who return at least once a week. OneTrueFan aims to convert casual visitors into loyal readers by encouraging more frequent visits and content sharing. The service is available as both a website widget and a browser plugin. It will also include a dashboard for web publishers to gain insights into reader behavior, along with APIs that allow for customization and targeted incentives for their true fans. In the long run, OneTrueFan aspires to evolve into a marketplace that connects virtual currency providers with passionate readers across major websites and media outlets.
GroupMe Inc. is a New York-based company that develops and operates a group messaging application designed to facilitate communication among users, including those without smartphones. Launched in 2010, the platform allows users to easily connect with friends, family, and coworkers through push notifications or SMS. GroupMe's services include group messaging, conference calling, and location and photo sharing, enabling seamless interaction within social networks. Since its inception, the company has experienced significant growth, processing billions of messages and expanding its team to 25 employees. Acquired by Skype Global, GroupMe operates with a degree of autonomy, maintaining an entrepreneurial culture while aiming to become a primary communications provider for a large user base.
ModCloth is a retailer based in Tustin, California, specializing in vintage-inspired women's fashion and accessories. Founded by Eric and Susan Koger in a Carnegie Mellon University dorm room, the company has grown to employ over 400 individuals and operates offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh. ModCloth offers a curated selection of exclusive indie and vintage-inspired clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories from numerous independent designers, allowing women to express their unique style. The company leverages innovative technology and social media to enhance the shopping experience, positioning itself as a leader in social commerce within the fashion industry.
Stickybits
Series A in 2010
Stickybits operates as a social object network, bridging the gap between the digital and physical realms. The company offers unique barcodes known as "stickybits," which can be scanned using iPhone or Android devices. These codes allow users to augment their experiences with user-generated content, enabling them to receive notifications when their codes are scanned, modified, or relocated by others. Stickybits also provides a product line that includes a pack of aesthetically designed stickers available for purchase on Amazon, alongside the option for users to print their own codes at home through the company's website.
Xobni, founded in 2008, specializes in enhancing email productivity by making inboxes and address books smarter. It offers products like Smartr for Gmail, Android, iPhone, Outlook, and BlackBerry, which automatically create comprehensive profiles for contacts using email history and data from social networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, and Hoovers. These profiles are instantly searchable and include a photo, job title, company details, and updates from the contact's social media presence.
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.
Sofa Labs
Series A in 2009
Sofa Labs, Inc. is a technology company based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2009. It specializes in developing social web platforms and applications. Notably, the company created Thread, a social application designed to facilitate connections among users by allowing them to meet new friends through their existing social networks. This innovative platform emphasizes relationship building and community engagement, particularly in the context of fashion. Sofa Labs has gained recognition in the tech industry, having been a winner of the fbFund REV 2009, highlighting its impact and contributions to the social application landscape.
CoTweet is a business front-end for Twitter, enabling companies to engage in proactive marketing and response-oriented customer service activities.
On March 2, 2010 CoTweet was acquired by ExactTarget.
StumbleUpon
Series A in 2009
StumbleUpon is a content discovery platform designed to help users find new and interesting web and mobile content tailored to their preferences. With a user base exceeding 25 million, the platform allows individuals to share their favorite webpages, submit ratings and reviews, and receive personalized recommendations. StumbleUpon also offers a Paid Discovery service, utilized by over 80,000 brands and marketers to promote their products and services effectively. By combining user engagement with innovative content curation, StumbleUpon aims to enhance the online experience, making it easier for users to explore a diverse range of information and entertainment.
Xobni, founded in 2008, specializes in enhancing email productivity by making inboxes and address books smarter. It offers products like Smartr for Gmail, Android, iPhone, Outlook, and BlackBerry, which automatically create comprehensive profiles for contacts using email history and data from social networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, and Hoovers. These profiles are instantly searchable and include a photo, job title, company details, and updates from the contact's social media presence.
33Across
Seed Round in 2009
33Across Inc. is a New York-based company that operates a social sharing and content discovery platform designed to enhance programmatic advertising in a cookieless environment. Founded in 2007, the company provides innovative marketing technologies such as SocialDNA Targeting, which helps clients identify and engage with social networks related to their brands. Its offerings include the BRAND GRAPH, which predicts consumer behavior to deliver brand and direct response ROI, Social Personas for real-time audience insights, and the Real Platform, which ensures the quality of ads by verifying viewability and mitigating fraudulent traffic. 33Across aims to empower marketers by helping them identify high-potential prospects connected to existing customers and brand loyalists. The company also has offices in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Salt Lake City, and Chicago, further extending its reach in the advertising ecosystem.
Rockmelt
Seed Round in 2009
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.
Xobni, founded in 2008, specializes in enhancing email productivity by making inboxes and address books smarter. It offers products like Smartr for Gmail, Android, iPhone, Outlook, and BlackBerry, which automatically create comprehensive profiles for contacts using email history and data from social networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, and Hoovers. These profiles are instantly searchable and include a photo, job title, company details, and updates from the contact's social media presence.
SocialBomb
Seed Round in 2008
SocialBomb is a technology company that specializes in creating a platform connecting various digital devices, such as mobile phones and computers, to enhance social interaction and engagement. The company facilitates the development of applications that foster conversations across major social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. By offering a unified API, SocialBomb enables developers to integrate multiple social services into their applications, allowing them to focus on core functionalities rather than individual integrations. The platform's RESTful API dynamically exchanges data with select services to enrich user experiences and improve analytics. Additionally, SocialBomb provides a web-based administration and analytics suite, enabling clients to manage their applications effectively, customize publication channels, and monitor user engagement metrics. Through its innovative services, SocialBomb bridges the gap between digital experiences and real-life interactions.
Gnip is a data provider specializing in social media analytics, serving a diverse clientele that includes sectors such as social media monitoring, business intelligence, government, and finance. Founded in March 2008 by Eric Marcoullier and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Gnip operates additional offices in San Francisco, New York, and Washington. The company delivers over 120 billion real-time social media data activities each month, offering customers access to a wide array of data sources. Its services empower businesses to enhance their analytics capabilities, with clients that include more than 95% of the Fortune 500. Gnip's on-demand messaging platform facilitates the integration of social and business data, allowing companies to streamline their operations and identify new opportunities.
MeetMe is a social networking company focused on meeting new people, primarily in the United States. It originated as MyYearbook and now operates MeetMe.com and a suite of iOS and Android apps, available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The platform monetizes through advertising and virtual currency and has a strong mobile presence. It also provides livestreaming video and creator economy solutions to help brands monetize and engage audiences, supported by a portfolio of mobile apps and services designed to foster connection and community.
Modcloth
Seed Round in 2008
ModCloth is a retailer based in Tustin, California, specializing in vintage-inspired women's fashion and accessories. Founded by Eric and Susan Koger in a Carnegie Mellon University dorm room, the company has grown to employ over 400 individuals and operates offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh. ModCloth offers a curated selection of exclusive indie and vintage-inspired clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories from numerous independent designers, allowing women to express their unique style. The company leverages innovative technology and social media to enhance the shopping experience, positioning itself as a leader in social commerce within the fashion industry.
Gnip is a data provider specializing in social media analytics, serving a diverse clientele that includes sectors such as social media monitoring, business intelligence, government, and finance. Founded in March 2008 by Eric Marcoullier and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Gnip operates additional offices in San Francisco, New York, and Washington. The company delivers over 120 billion real-time social media data activities each month, offering customers access to a wide array of data sources. Its services empower businesses to enhance their analytics capabilities, with clients that include more than 95% of the Fortune 500. Gnip's on-demand messaging platform facilitates the integration of social and business data, allowing companies to streamline their operations and identify new opportunities.
Xobni, founded in 2008, specializes in enhancing email productivity by making inboxes and address books smarter. It offers products like Smartr for Gmail, Android, iPhone, Outlook, and BlackBerry, which automatically create comprehensive profiles for contacts using email history and data from social networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, and Hoovers. These profiles are instantly searchable and include a photo, job title, company details, and updates from the contact's social media presence.
MeetMe is a social networking company focused on meeting new people, primarily in the United States. It originated as MyYearbook and now operates MeetMe.com and a suite of iOS and Android apps, available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The platform monetizes through advertising and virtual currency and has a strong mobile presence. It also provides livestreaming video and creator economy solutions to help brands monetize and engage audiences, supported by a portfolio of mobile apps and services designed to foster connection and community.
RockYou Media
Series A in 2007
RockYou, Inc. is an interactive media and entertainment company that specializes in in-game video advertising and the development of social games. Founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco, the company operates a video advertising platform that connects premium brands with users across various digital environments, including Facebook, the web, and mobile devices. RockYou's advertising network reaches approximately 68 million monthly viewers, providing brands and publishers with engaging content tailored for a multicultural audience. The company's portfolio includes a diverse range of free-to-play games spanning multiple genres and platforms, aimed at entertaining users while facilitating connections in an online networking space. However, in February 2019, RockYou, Inc. filed for voluntary liquidation under Chapter 7 in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
Snapvine is a provider of voice and mobility solutions that enables users to leave voicemails online. The process involves contacting a central Snapvine number and entering a specific code to direct the message to the intended recipient, or alternatively, using a microphone connected to a computer. The voicemails can be shared through simple embeddable widgets, allowing for either public access, where anyone can listen to the messages, or private access, restricted to the intended recipient. This service has gained popularity on social networks, particularly among artists and celebrities, facilitating communication with their fans.
Wikia is the developer of Fandom, a global entertainment media platform that serves as a hub for fans to explore and celebrate various aspects of pop culture. The platform enables users to engage with content related to games, movies, television, and anime, as well as contribute to fandom wikis. Fandom provides a centralized space for pop culture news, discussions, and discovery, fostering a strong community among enthusiasts. Additionally, it hosts D&D Beyond, a direct-to-consumer service that supports the community of Dungeons & Dragons players and fans.
StumbleUpon
Seed Round in 2005
StumbleUpon is a content discovery platform designed to help users find new and interesting web and mobile content tailored to their preferences. With a user base exceeding 25 million, the platform allows individuals to share their favorite webpages, submit ratings and reviews, and receive personalized recommendations. StumbleUpon also offers a Paid Discovery service, utilized by over 80,000 brands and marketers to promote their products and services effectively. By combining user engagement with innovative content curation, StumbleUpon aims to enhance the online experience, making it easier for users to explore a diverse range of information and entertainment.