Slow Ventures

Tapestry is a social protocol that allows users to create social apps and allows users to own their data and connections.

Ghost Message enables users to send an anonymous message to pals in a group chat to flirt, make jokes, or pose queries.

Big Whale Labs develops decentralized identity verification platforms. Its flagship product, Ketl, enables verified founders and venture capitalists to discuss sensitive topics privately using zero-knowledge cryptography.

Ianacare is a digital platform designed to assist working family caregivers by connecting them with practical and emotional support networks. Launched in 2017, it facilitates care management for individuals with chronic illnesses or other needs, rallying personal social circles to provide assistance such as meals, rides, respite care, and more.

Big Whale Labs develops decentralized identity verification platforms. Its flagship product, Ketl, enables verified founders and venture capitalists to discuss sensitive topics privately using zero-knowledge cryptography.

Introducing Clay, the beautiful and private home for all your relationships. Populated from the ground up using your calendar and social history, Clay is the most stunning, powerful way to remember who you’ve met—and what matters to them.

ZenBusiness is a comprehensive platform dedicated to empowering small business owners. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company offers an all-in-one solution for starting, running, and growing businesses. ZenBusiness provides tools for entity creation and management, compliance services, banking, bookkeeping, marketing, and more. It stands out by combining innovative technology with live human support, ensuring customers have access to expert guidance via phone, chat, email, webinars, and even a concierge service. Committed to social impact and inclusivity, ZenBusiness is a Public Benefit Corporation that encourages employee volunteer work and offers initiatives like the Mavs Business Assist program and $5K grant program.

Raya is a private, membership-based social networking platform for individuals in creative industries. The mobile app connects members globally, enabling professional collaborations, networking, and opportunities, and is used by some members for personal connections. Access is restricted to approved applicants.

Ense operates a social platform that connects human voices to listeners by enabling the real-time capture and sharing of audible content. The company's content-sharing platform records audio instantly, allowing users to share melodies, conversations, and voice memos as they happen, thereby facilitating immediate, multimedia communication among members.

Fabric is a personal location-based journal that catalogs experiences and interactions. With Fabric, users can automatically preserve a record of places, paths, activities, add friends, and browse photos.

Chime is a mobile communication application designed to facilitate video conversations among friends, family, and small groups. The platform allows users to create "Chimes," which are video conversations where participants can contribute throughout the day, resulting in a rich, collective narrative. This feature not only serves as a means of real-time communication but also acts as a lasting memory of shared experiences. By combining the simplicity of mobile communication with the personal touch of face-to-face interaction, Chime provides users with a private channel to engage and connect with loved ones through video chats, enhancing the intimacy of their conversations.

French Girls, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that operates a mobile application enabling users to upload photos and commission artists to create custom drawings. Founded in 2015, the platform serves as a marketplace connecting artists with patrons seeking original artwork. It empowers artists by providing the necessary technology and tools to create their work from any location, fostering a vibrant community. Users can engage with artists, transforming their favorite photographs into unique digital artworks, while artists can generate income by fulfilling commissions. The company prioritizes creativity and accessibility, making its services available to a wide audience.

Founded in 2013, Friendsy is a social networking platform designed specifically for college students. It facilitates connections by allowing users to chat, compliment, and find friends nearby through verified profiles.

Houseparty is an internet company that operates a social networking platform focused on enhancing online communication through empathy. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company specializes in video chat and live video streaming. Its mobile application allows users to engage in group video calls, facilitating real-time interaction and connection with friends. By integrating with social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, Houseparty enables users to share and influence live video content, making it a unique offering in the realm of social networking.

Nextdoor operates a social networking platform connecting neighbors globally, fostering local conversations and community support. It offers services like Help Map to assist vulnerable residents during crises. The company is headquartered in San Francisco with operations across multiple countries.

WiGo, Inc. is a Boston-based company that develops a social mobile application specifically designed for college students to coordinate social outings. Launched in 2014, the platform allows users to discover who at their school is going out, see where their friends are heading, and invite others to join them. The application resets each morning, providing users with a fresh start each day to make new plans. By facilitating connections among students, WiGo enhances the social experience on college campuses.

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.

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.

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.

Chatous, Inc. is an online chat platform that facilitates social discovery through conversation. Founded in 2012 by three students from Stanford University, the company leverages big data algorithms to optimize user interactions. By utilizing a data-driven approach, Chatous predicts compatibility among users, enabling meaningful conversations. The platform continuously learns from user engagement, enhancing its ability to match individuals based on shared interests and conversational styles. This innovative methodology positions Chatous as a unique player in the social networking landscape.

Hinge, Inc. is a mobile and social application company focused on helping users meet new people through a social discovery network. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in New York, Hinge distinguishes itself by offering an alternative to traditional swipe-based dating apps, fostering meaningful connections through smart matches and encouraging natural conversations. Users can browse profiles validated by their social networks, allowing them to see mutual friends, shared interests, and additional personal details. As of 2018, Hinge operates as a subsidiary of Match Group, Inc.

Change.org is the world's largest social change platform, boasting over 150 million users across 196 countries. It empowers individuals to initiate campaigns, gather support, and collaborate with decision-makers to effect change in their communities. The platform focuses on social justice petitions, allowing users to advocate for various causes. As a certified B-corporation, Change.org is committed to creating a positive impact. The organization has attracted investment from notable figures such as Bill Gates, Arianna Huffington, and Richard Branson, as well as the Omidyar Network, founded by eBay's Pierre Omidyar.

Yik Yak is a location-based social network that enables users to connect with their local community. The platform allows individuals to share news, ask questions, upload pictures, and engage in discussions, fostering interactions centered around relatable and casual content. Designed primarily for smartphone use, Yik Yak facilitates the discovery of local happenings and supports a sense of community among users. Through its unique approach, the application encourages users to engage freely, whether by cracking jokes or offering support, thereby enhancing the social fabric of their neighborhoods.

Parenthoods is a community platform that connects local parents, facilitating social interaction and support among them. The platform is designed to encourage parents to share advice, experiences, and individual creations, fostering a sense of community. It offers various features, including chat options and the ability to share aspirations, enabling parents to seek assistance and guidance from others in their vicinity as well as from a global network. By promoting collaboration and connection, Parenthoods aims to assist parents in navigating the challenges of parenthood together.

Complex Polygon, Inc. is a product studio based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in designing, building, and launching mobile applications aimed at enhancing social connections among users. Established in 2013, the company focuses on innovation through experimentation with new products, while effectively utilizing its existing technology and insights into human behavior. This approach allows Complex Polygon to develop better user experiences and adapt quickly to emerging trends. Notable products include Tag and Swipe, which exemplify the company's commitment to creating tools that facilitate interpersonal interactions. As of 2017, Complex Polygon operates as a subsidiary of Uber Technologies, Inc.

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.

Amino Apps enables people to discover, develop, and express their interests and passions. Founded in 2011, Amino Apps offer a network of communities allowing its users explore and obsess over the things they're into.

Yik Yak is a location-based social network that enables users to connect with their local community. The platform allows individuals to share news, ask questions, upload pictures, and engage in discussions, fostering interactions centered around relatable and casual content. Designed primarily for smartphone use, Yik Yak facilitates the discovery of local happenings and supports a sense of community among users. Through its unique approach, the application encourages users to engage freely, whether by cracking jokes or offering support, thereby enhancing the social fabric of their neighborhoods.

WUT, Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing a social messaging application that allows users to send anonymous and ephemeral messages to their friends. The application is designed to facilitate spontaneous and free-spirited interactions, enabling users to capture and share moments of banter with their social circle directly on their mobile devices. By focusing on anonymity and the temporary nature of messages, WUT aims to enhance the social messaging experience, catering to users who seek a more playful and casual form of communication.

Quibb, Inc. is a professional networking platform based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2013. The company provides a social online and mobile chat environment where users can share and discuss industry news and analysis. Quibb allows professionals to post newsworthy articles, see what their colleagues are reading, and engage in discussions about current events across various industries. By connecting individuals over business news and informed commentary, Quibb enables its users to remain updated on developments relevant to their fields, facilitating a more informed and collaborative professional environment.

Nextdoor operates a social networking platform connecting neighbors globally, fostering local conversations and community support. It offers services like Help Map to assist vulnerable residents during crises. The company is headquartered in San Francisco with operations across multiple countries.

Hangtime, Inc. is a mobile application developer based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2011. The company has created the Hangtime app, which allows users to view their friends' upcoming social plans, such as concerts and poetry readings. This innovative application aims to enhance social interactions by minimizing missed opportunities for gatherings. Available on platforms like iPhone and Facebook, Hangtime enables individuals to discover and join activities that interest them, fostering stronger connections among friends.

Nextdoor operates a social networking platform connecting neighbors globally, fostering local conversations and community support. It offers services like Help Map to assist vulnerable residents during crises. The company is headquartered in San Francisco with operations across multiple countries.

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.

Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform headquartered in San Francisco that enables users to find inspiration and ideas across categories such as recipes, home and fashion, travel, and more. The service presents visual recommendations based on user interests and allows saving images on thematic boards, following others, and sharing ideas. It operates as a social media platform focused on product and idea discovery, with a global user base of more than 500 million monthly active users, two-thirds of whom are female. It was founded in 2008 and generates revenue primarily through digital advertising.

Couple is an app just for the two of you. It helps you stay connected, and feel close to each other. Whether it's texting, sharing videos, photos, sketching together and more, Couple let's your partner know that you're thinking about them. Couple was part of the YCombinator W2012 batch, and was formerly named Pair until they renamed to Couple on January 31st, 2013.

DIY.org is an online community designed for young people to explore and develop new skills in various activities such as dance, music, chess, singing, and yoga. Founded in 2011 and based in San Francisco, California, the platform allows users to create personal portfolios where they can showcase their projects and achievements. Members can earn skill badges and embroidered patches by completing challenges, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation. The platform encourages collaboration and social interaction among users, enabling them to inspire and learn from one another. As of July 2018, DIY.org operates as a subsidiary of littleBits Electronics Inc.

Everyme is a social networking application that facilitates group communication for users globally, offering a free platform for sharing text, photos, and videos. Designed for both mobile devices and the web, Everyme serves as an alternative to traditional SMS groups, allowing users to customize group settings, manage access to shared content, and control notifications. The application enhances communication through features such as comments and cross-platform sharing, offering a more interactive experience than standard texting. Everyme prioritizes user privacy, enabling individuals to retain ownership of their shared content, export data, and delete their information at any time. The application is accessible on both Android and iOS devices and is a self-funded startup based in San Francisco, California.

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.