Foxy
Venture Round in 2024
Foxy is a startup dedicated to creating a comprehensive ecosystem for new-age brands within lifestyle categories, particularly in the beauty sector. The company has developed a social engagement platform designed to connect beauty influencers and artists with leading brands. By establishing influencer networks and commerce platforms, Foxy aims to enhance social infrastructure that fosters growth in online communities, facilitating stronger connections between influencers, brands, and consumers. The venture is led by Kartik Sheth and Chandranshu Sinha and is backed by three prominent venture capital firms, providing sufficient funding for its operations over the next two to three years.
ShareChat
Debt Financing in 2024
ShareChat is an Indian social media startup founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka. It provides a content consumption and sharing platform specifically designed for the diverse vernacular audience in India, supporting 15 Indian languages. The platform caters to over 1.17 billion wireless network users in the country, allowing them to share videos, jokes, songs, and other social content. ShareChat includes features for private messaging and tagging, making it easy for users to connect and communicate in their preferred language.
CharacterX
Seed Round in 2024
CharacterX is a Stanford-led decentralized synthetic social network that blends AGI technology with blockchain to change the social networking landscape. It is building a sophisticated multi-modal AI architecture that inputs and outputs multi-sensory data, including 3D and AR experiences, in conjunction with a next-generation computational platform.
Gardens is an independent game studio founded by designers known for titles like Journey and What Remains of Edith Finch. The company focuses on creating 'forever games' - living online spaces that foster lasting relationships among players, with a vision to grow the future of social play.
Fizz is an authorized platform designed to enhance community social structures, particularly within institutions. It develops online social media software that facilitates communication and the sharing of ideas, events, and experiences among users. The platform allows individuals to post secret confessions and ask questions within a closed community, promoting social interaction while maintaining anonymity. By leveraging these features, Fizz aims to foster a more connected and engaged community environment.
Fizz is an authorized platform designed to enhance community social structures, particularly within institutions. It develops online social media software that facilitates communication and the sharing of ideas, events, and experiences among users. The platform allows individuals to post secret confessions and ask questions within a closed community, promoting social interaction while maintaining anonymity. By leveraging these features, Fizz aims to foster a more connected and engaged community environment.
The Nudge
Series A in 2022
Founded in 2017, The Nudge is a San Francisco-based company that operates a mobile application designed to encourage city exploration. It sends subscribers text messages containing personalized activity plans, such as brunch ideas or hike suggestions, fostering real-life experiences and local discovery.
Zigazoo operates a child-focused social networking platform that enables safe, creative online expression for young users and their caregivers. The service centers on video creation and sharing within a moderated, positive environment, supported by human moderation, educational challenges, and branded content channels. It provides opportunities for brands and creators to engage with youth audiences in a controlled context while promoting digital citizenship and responsible online behavior. The platform emphasizes safety, privacy, and age-appropriate interactions, offering a secure online community for learning, entertainment, and creative collaboration among Generation Alpha.
Aidaly is a platform that supports family caregivers by providing training, compensation, coaching, and financial services, and operates a recruitment platform to hire home-based caregivers. It trains and pays caregivers to deliver at-home care, offers coaching, community support, and financial services to strengthen social safety nets and mitigate the impact of financial shocks. By enabling trusted, in-home assistance for elderly or dependent individuals, Aidaly aims to professionalize informal caregiving and improve stability for both caregivers and those they help.
One More Game
Series A in 2022
One More Game is a Bellevue, Washington-based game developer and studio operator focused on creating genre-defining online games. It designs and develops online games for home consoles and smartphones and creates related interactive content to enable social interaction among players; the company was founded in 2019.
Zigazoo
Seed Round in 2022
Zigazoo operates a child-focused social networking platform that enables safe, creative online expression for young users and their caregivers. The service centers on video creation and sharing within a moderated, positive environment, supported by human moderation, educational challenges, and branded content channels. It provides opportunities for brands and creators to engage with youth audiences in a controlled context while promoting digital citizenship and responsible online behavior. The platform emphasizes safety, privacy, and age-appropriate interactions, offering a secure online community for learning, entertainment, and creative collaboration among Generation Alpha.
Schmooze Dating
Seed Round in 2021
Schmooze Dating is an app that has introduced a new feature called schmooze flirts which selects memes from the app's algorithm that a match is likely to laugh at and encourages users to send the meme to their match in order to start a conversation. The user has 48 hours to message the other person before the chat disappears. The app also includes icebreakers to help to get started before a match is removed.
Schmooze Dating
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Schmooze Dating is an app that has introduced a new feature called schmooze flirts which selects memes from the app's algorithm that a match is likely to laugh at and encourages users to send the meme to their match in order to start a conversation. The user has 48 hours to message the other person before the chat disappears. The app also includes icebreakers to help to get started before a match is removed.
Hidden Leaf Games
Seed Round in 2021
Hidden Leaf Games is an independent game development studio dedicated to creating competitive, progression-focused, and socially engaging gaming experiences. Founded by passionate gamers, the company aims to foster lasting social interactions through its games.
ShareChat
Series E in 2021
ShareChat is an Indian social media startup founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka. It provides a content consumption and sharing platform specifically designed for the diverse vernacular audience in India, supporting 15 Indian languages. The platform caters to over 1.17 billion wireless network users in the country, allowing them to share videos, jokes, songs, and other social content. ShareChat includes features for private messaging and tagging, making it easy for users to connect and communicate in their preferred language.
The Nudge
Seed Round in 2021
Founded in 2017, The Nudge is a San Francisco-based company that operates a mobile application designed to encourage city exploration. It sends subscribers text messages containing personalized activity plans, such as brunch ideas or hike suggestions, fostering real-life experiences and local discovery.
ShareChat
Series E in 2020
ShareChat is an Indian social media startup founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka. It provides a content consumption and sharing platform specifically designed for the diverse vernacular audience in India, supporting 15 Indian languages. The platform caters to over 1.17 billion wireless network users in the country, allowing them to share videos, jokes, songs, and other social content. ShareChat includes features for private messaging and tagging, making it easy for users to connect and communicate in their preferred language.
Foxy is a startup dedicated to creating a comprehensive ecosystem for new-age brands within lifestyle categories, particularly in the beauty sector. The company has developed a social engagement platform designed to connect beauty influencers and artists with leading brands. By establishing influencer networks and commerce platforms, Foxy aims to enhance social infrastructure that fosters growth in online communities, facilitating stronger connections between influencers, brands, and consumers. The venture is led by Kartik Sheth and Chandranshu Sinha and is backed by three prominent venture capital firms, providing sufficient funding for its operations over the next two to three years.
The Nudge
Seed Round in 2020
Founded in 2017, The Nudge is a San Francisco-based company that operates a mobile application designed to encourage city exploration. It sends subscribers text messages containing personalized activity plans, such as brunch ideas or hike suggestions, fostering real-life experiences and local discovery.
ShareChat
Series D in 2019
ShareChat is an Indian social media startup founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka. It provides a content consumption and sharing platform specifically designed for the diverse vernacular audience in India, supporting 15 Indian languages. The platform caters to over 1.17 billion wireless network users in the country, allowing them to share videos, jokes, songs, and other social content. ShareChat includes features for private messaging and tagging, making it easy for users to connect and communicate in their preferred language.
Exly is a business management platform based in Delhi, India, that empowers professionals and artists to transition into entrepreneurship. Founded in 2017, the platform offers a suite of tools designed to streamline operations for creators and solo entrepreneurs. Its features include course building, appointment scheduling, marketing solutions, and customer relationship management, all aimed at enhancing productivity and facilitating business growth. In addition to these services, Exly also connects individuals through social events, allowing users to discover or host gatherings such as dinner parties and brunches. The platform incorporates a verification process to ensure a safe environment for its users, fostering a community-centered approach to business and social interaction.
PetPlus is a pet community application that operates through a WeChat applet, designed specifically for cat and dog owners. The platform allows users to share photographs of their pets and engage in a weekly "love index" assessment, promoting interaction and entertainment within the pet-owning community. In addition to fostering communication among users, PetPlus also offers a range of pet-related products for sale, including pet food and accessories. The company aims to create a vibrant space where pet owners can connect, share experiences, and access essential products for their pets.
Dote Shopping
Series B in 2019
Dote is a social shopping app. A place GenZ can connect, get inspired by and shop with their favorite social stars.Dote is a GenZ-focused social shopping app that allows anyone to become a fashion influencer. Post looks to earn coins, collaborate with top fashion and beauty influencers to produce content, and shop fromretail brands including Forever, Urban Outfitters, MAC cosmetics, and more. Lightspeed Venture Partners and Goodwater Ventures have invested in Dote in a Series B round.
Foxy is a startup dedicated to creating a comprehensive ecosystem for new-age brands within lifestyle categories, particularly in the beauty sector. The company has developed a social engagement platform designed to connect beauty influencers and artists with leading brands. By establishing influencer networks and commerce platforms, Foxy aims to enhance social infrastructure that fosters growth in online communities, facilitating stronger connections between influencers, brands, and consumers. The venture is led by Kartik Sheth and Chandranshu Sinha and is backed by three prominent venture capital firms, providing sufficient funding for its operations over the next two to three years.
Petplus
Angel Round in 2019
PetPlus is a pet community application that operates through a WeChat applet, designed specifically for cat and dog owners. The platform allows users to share photographs of their pets and engage in a weekly "love index" assessment, promoting interaction and entertainment within the pet-owning community. In addition to fostering communication among users, PetPlus also offers a range of pet-related products for sale, including pet food and accessories. The company aims to create a vibrant space where pet owners can connect, share experiences, and access essential products for their pets.
ShareChat
Series C in 2018
ShareChat is an Indian social media startup founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka. It provides a content consumption and sharing platform specifically designed for the diverse vernacular audience in India, supporting 15 Indian languages. The platform caters to over 1.17 billion wireless network users in the country, allowing them to share videos, jokes, songs, and other social content. ShareChat includes features for private messaging and tagging, making it easy for users to connect and communicate in their preferred language.
ShareChat
Series B in 2018
ShareChat is an Indian social media startup founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka. It provides a content consumption and sharing platform specifically designed for the diverse vernacular audience in India, supporting 15 Indian languages. The platform caters to over 1.17 billion wireless network users in the country, allowing them to share videos, jokes, songs, and other social content. ShareChat includes features for private messaging and tagging, making it easy for users to connect and communicate in their preferred language.
FLIP is everyone’s sneaker connect — the premier specialty destination where people find and sell hard to find, rare, limited edition sneakers. They have created a community where their members can buy and sell with confidence and ease. Never miss out on an opportunity to place your bid on hard to find sneakers in 90 minutes from a curated list of quality sellers who really care. Their mobile only platform is currently available for your iPhone and coming soon to Android. They strive to keep an open and trusted environment for their community.
Dote Shopping
Series A in 2017
Dote is a social shopping app. A place GenZ can connect, get inspired by and shop with their favorite social stars.Dote is a GenZ-focused social shopping app that allows anyone to become a fashion influencer. Post looks to earn coins, collaborate with top fashion and beauty influencers to produce content, and shop fromretail brands including Forever, Urban Outfitters, MAC cosmetics, and more. Lightspeed Venture Partners and Goodwater Ventures have invested in Dote in a Series B round.
Drafted
Venture Round in 2017
Drafted Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, operates a network recruiting platform designed to streamline the hiring process for companies. The platform, Drafted, allows businesses to source, qualify, and hire candidates efficiently by leveraging their employee networks for referrals and sourcing. It also offers Layoff Network, which helps laid-off individuals connect with hiring companies through nominations from friends and colleagues. The company's solutions are utilized by recruiters, managers, and employees to track candidates and measure performance, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of hires and support both companies and job seekers in their networking efforts.
Companion
Seed Round in 2017
Companion is an app to stay safe and connected. You can enter a destination, add friends and family to monitor you, request help from those nearby and be able to call 911 with one tap.
ShareChat
Series A in 2016
ShareChat is an Indian social media startup founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka. It provides a content consumption and sharing platform specifically designed for the diverse vernacular audience in India, supporting 15 Indian languages. The platform caters to over 1.17 billion wireless network users in the country, allowing them to share videos, jokes, songs, and other social content. ShareChat includes features for private messaging and tagging, making it easy for users to connect and communicate in their preferred language.
Zuiyou is a social networking mobile application designed for users born in the 1990s, facilitating the sharing and discovery of content, including recommendations, topics, and videos. The platform distinguishes itself by decentralizing user comments, presenting them in a non-linear manner rather than prioritizing them based on popularity. This approach encourages diverse interactions and allows users to engage with content in a more organic and personalized way. Through its innovative features, Zuiyou aims to foster a unique community where individuals can connect over shared interests and explore a wide array of topics.
ShareChat
Seed Round in 2016
ShareChat is an Indian social media startup founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bangalore, Karnataka. It provides a content consumption and sharing platform specifically designed for the diverse vernacular audience in India, supporting 15 Indian languages. The platform caters to over 1.17 billion wireless network users in the country, allowing them to share videos, jokes, songs, and other social content. ShareChat includes features for private messaging and tagging, making it easy for users to connect and communicate in their preferred language.
Giphy, Inc. is an online platform that specializes in the search, sharing, and discovery of animated graphics interchange formats (GIFs). Founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York City, the company offers a comprehensive database of GIFs across various categories including emotions, food, animals, and pop culture. It enables users to easily browse and share these animated graphics through social media channels. Giphy also supports creative input by allowing users to upload their own GIFs and collaborates with brands to produce original content. The platform aims to evolve beyond its search engine roots into a vibrant community for GIF artists and enthusiasts, focusing on fostering creativity and engagement within the digital visual communication space. As of mid-2020, Giphy operates as a subsidiary of Instagram, which enhances its integration within social media ecosystems.
BeMe Health
Seed Round in 2015
BeMe Health is a mobile platform dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of teenagers. It offers curated content, learning opportunities, and live coaching connections.
Drafted
Seed Round in 2015
Drafted Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, operates a network recruiting platform designed to streamline the hiring process for companies. The platform, Drafted, allows businesses to source, qualify, and hire candidates efficiently by leveraging their employee networks for referrals and sourcing. It also offers Layoff Network, which helps laid-off individuals connect with hiring companies through nominations from friends and colleagues. The company's solutions are utilized by recruiters, managers, and employees to track candidates and measure performance, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of hires and support both companies and job seekers in their networking efforts.
VarageSale
Series B in 2015
VarageSale, Inc. operates an online platform that facilitates the buying and selling of used items within local communities. Founded in 2012 and based in Toronto, Canada, the company allows users to create interest-based groups where members can list items for sale, engage in discussions, and make purchases. The platform is designed to be family-friendly and free to use, available on both web and mobile applications across various devices. With millions of members in communities throughout the United States, Canada, and beyond, VarageSale aims to foster connections among users while offering goods at lower prices than retail. The company has been positioned as a subsidiary of VerticalScope Inc. since 2017.
Giphy, Inc. is an online platform that specializes in the search, sharing, and discovery of animated graphics interchange formats (GIFs). Founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York City, the company offers a comprehensive database of GIFs across various categories including emotions, food, animals, and pop culture. It enables users to easily browse and share these animated graphics through social media channels. Giphy also supports creative input by allowing users to upload their own GIFs and collaborates with brands to produce original content. The platform aims to evolve beyond its search engine roots into a vibrant community for GIF artists and enthusiasts, focusing on fostering creativity and engagement within the digital visual communication space. As of mid-2020, Giphy operates as a subsidiary of Instagram, which enhances its integration within social media ecosystems.
Vee is Pinterest for People Discovery, enabling meaningful new connections for millenials, who want to meet interesting and relevant people.
People who are Real
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Interact with real people and not their exaggerated avatars. Rest assured that creeps and spam won't bother you here. All profiles are crazily verified with humans and machines working together, day and night.
Conversations that open up a world of possibilities
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Use Conversations to break the ice, get some advice or simply connect with interesting people. Start a quick conversation or join one anywhere anytime.
Tribes that welcome you as you are
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Belongingness' is an awesome feeling. Swear your allegiance to existing tribes or start one of your own to meet those who are also interested in things that matter to you.
One-on-one Connections
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Have a direct chat with those you find relevant. You can also break the connection anytime. All your chats go away and there is no way the other person can contact you again.
Whisper is a media company that engages over 250 million users monthly through its platform, which features authentic stories, videos, and posts shared by individuals worldwide. The company utilizes its AI storytelling technology, Eliot, to enhance the content experience. Whisper's mobile app serves as the largest platform for individuals to express their genuine thoughts and feelings without revealing their identities. Additionally, Whisper connects anonymous professionals with tailored job opportunities, further expanding its role in the digital landscape. The app is accessible on both iOS and Android devices. Whisper is supported by several prominent venture investors, including Sequoia Capital, Tencent, and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Whisper is a media company that engages over 250 million users monthly through its platform, which features authentic stories, videos, and posts shared by individuals worldwide. The company utilizes its AI storytelling technology, Eliot, to enhance the content experience. Whisper's mobile app serves as the largest platform for individuals to express their genuine thoughts and feelings without revealing their identities. Additionally, Whisper connects anonymous professionals with tailored job opportunities, further expanding its role in the digital landscape. The app is accessible on both iOS and Android devices. Whisper is supported by several prominent venture investors, including Sequoia Capital, Tencent, and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Snap Inc. is a United States technology and social media company best known for Snapchat, a multimedia messaging app that enables users to send ephemeral photos and videos, share Stories, and access augmented reality features. The company also offers Camera, Chat, Memories, Discover, and Snap Map to enhance communication and content discovery, and has produced Spectacles, a line of wearable camera hardware. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Snap Inc. was founded in 2010 and focuses on camera-based experiences that blend messaging, AR effects, and interactive media for a global audience.
Whisper is a media company that engages over 250 million users monthly through its platform, which features authentic stories, videos, and posts shared by individuals worldwide. The company utilizes its AI storytelling technology, Eliot, to enhance the content experience. Whisper's mobile app serves as the largest platform for individuals to express their genuine thoughts and feelings without revealing their identities. Additionally, Whisper connects anonymous professionals with tailored job opportunities, further expanding its role in the digital landscape. The app is accessible on both iOS and Android devices. Whisper is supported by several prominent venture investors, including Sequoia Capital, Tencent, and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Snap Inc. is a United States technology and social media company best known for Snapchat, a multimedia messaging app that enables users to send ephemeral photos and videos, share Stories, and access augmented reality features. The company also offers Camera, Chat, Memories, Discover, and Snap Map to enhance communication and content discovery, and has produced Spectacles, a line of wearable camera hardware. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Snap Inc. was founded in 2010 and focuses on camera-based experiences that blend messaging, AR effects, and interactive media for a global audience.
streamOnce
Seed Round in 2012
StreamOnce transforms how teams collaborate by connecting today’s business systems into their social enterprise system. By bringing all of the relevant information for different systems to one social place, your team can search, manage and respond instantly to information.
Snap Inc. is a United States technology and social media company best known for Snapchat, a multimedia messaging app that enables users to send ephemeral photos and videos, share Stories, and access augmented reality features. The company also offers Camera, Chat, Memories, Discover, and Snap Map to enhance communication and content discovery, and has produced Spectacles, a line of wearable camera hardware. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Snap Inc. was founded in 2010 and focuses on camera-based experiences that blend messaging, AR effects, and interactive media for a global audience.
Avocado™
Seed Round in 2012
Avocado is an app for couples (available on iPhone, Android and the web) and is the best way to stay connected with your most important person. It’s a private space just for the two of you to collect and share a life.
Ihaveu.com
Series B in 2012
Ihaveu.com Inc. is an online retailer based in Tianjin, China, specializing in clothing and accessories. Established in 2010, the company operates as a luxury shopping platform, merging e-commerce with social networking features. Its focus is on providing a diverse range of high-end fashion products, catering to a clientele that seeks quality and luxury in their online shopping experiences. Through its innovative approach, Ihaveu.com aims to enhance consumer engagement while facilitating premium retail opportunities in the digital marketplace.
LiveProfile
Series A in 2011
LiveProfile operates a cross-platform mobile messaging application that facilitates real-time communication among users. It offers features such as instant messaging, photo and video sharing, status updates, and customizable user profiles. The app provides real-time notifications for message delivery, reading, and typing statuses, enhancing the live conversation experience.
Friend.ly
Series A in 2011
Friend.ly is a social Q&A platform designed to facilitate self-expression in a fun and meaningful way. It allows users to engage with a community by answering a variety of site-generated questions that are personally relevant to them. Upon logging in, users can explore questions, respond to others, and provide compliments on answers, fostering a positive environment for sharing thoughts and experiences. The platform aims to help individuals create a more accurate online profile while encouraging deeper connections with friends and acquaintances. Through its engaging approach, Friend.ly serves as a tool for users to better understand themselves and the people around them.
Ihaveu.com
Venture Round in 2010
Ihaveu.com Inc. is an online retailer based in Tianjin, China, specializing in clothing and accessories. Established in 2010, the company operates as a luxury shopping platform, merging e-commerce with social networking features. Its focus is on providing a diverse range of high-end fashion products, catering to a clientele that seeks quality and luxury in their online shopping experiences. Through its innovative approach, Ihaveu.com aims to enhance consumer engagement while facilitating premium retail opportunities in the digital marketplace.
Playdom is a game developer specializing in social and online games, targeting users on platforms such as mobile phones and social networking sites. The company has created a range of popular games that cater to diverse interests, allowing users to engage and enjoy their online experiences. With a strong presence on platforms like the iPhone, Myspace, and Facebook, Playdom focuses on delivering entertaining content that resonates with a broad audience.
Ning Interactive
Series E in 2009
Ning is an online platform that enables users to create social communities and websites tailored to their specific needs. The company provides a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that includes a variety of community-building tools, allowing clients to engage and nurture their audiences effectively. Key features of the platform include branding and visual design options, member profiles, moderation capabilities, and privacy settings. Users can also utilize tools for sharing and inviting members, as well as integrate social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, Ning supports functionalities like blogging, discussion forums, event management, and multimedia sharing, making it a comprehensive solution for organizers, activists, and influencers looking to establish and maintain a strong online presence.
Flixster, Inc. is an online platform that caters to movie enthusiasts in the United States and Australia by enabling them to discover, collect, watch, and store films across web, mobile, and television platforms. Launched in 2005 and based in San Francisco, the company combines social networking features with movie-related content, allowing users to create profiles, invite friends, rate films and actors, and post reviews. Additionally, Flixster provides access to critical opinions, editorial insights, movie showtimes, celebrity news, and video clips. With a user base exceeding 50 million and over 1.5 billion movie ratings, Flixster has established itself as a comprehensive community for film fans, facilitating engagement and interaction among its users. Since April 2016, Flixster has operated as a subsidiary of Fandango Media, LLC.
Flixster, Inc. is an online platform that caters to movie enthusiasts in the United States and Australia by enabling them to discover, collect, watch, and store films across web, mobile, and television platforms. Launched in 2005 and based in San Francisco, the company combines social networking features with movie-related content, allowing users to create profiles, invite friends, rate films and actors, and post reviews. Additionally, Flixster provides access to critical opinions, editorial insights, movie showtimes, celebrity news, and video clips. With a user base exceeding 50 million and over 1.5 billion movie ratings, Flixster has established itself as a comprehensive community for film fans, facilitating engagement and interaction among its users. Since April 2016, Flixster has operated as a subsidiary of Fandango Media, LLC.