Social Starts

Social Starts is a California-based venture capital firm established in 2012, specializing in Series A investments in the healthcare and technology sectors. It is recognized as the first venture capital partnership dedicated to the emerging science of individual health and the promotion of happiness through health. The firm manages a family of funds, including Social Starts A, Social Starts 1 through 3, and Joyance Partners in the US and Europe. Social Starts aims to identify and support leading technologists and scientists globally, prioritizing innovations in health, biotech, and therapeutics. By leveraging advancements in medical care focused on prevention and personalization, as well as artificial intelligence to anticipate individual needs, the firm views health and happiness science as a significant early-stage investment opportunity. Its approach has yielded substantial returns, and the firm has received recognition as a top fund and active global venture capital player.

Kevin Dasch

Partner

Jun Deng

Partner

Holly Jacobus

Partner

Julien Tizot

Venture Partner

Past deals in Media

Medal

Series B in 2020
Medal is the easiest way to Create, Watch, Share, and Analyze gaming highlights.

Medal

Series A in 2019
Medal is the easiest way to Create, Watch, Share, and Analyze gaming highlights.

Medal

Seed Round in 2019
Medal is the easiest way to Create, Watch, Share, and Analyze gaming highlights.

Misapplied Sciences

Series A in 2019
Misapplied Sciences is a mind-bending innovation that allows a hundred or more viewers to simultaneously share a digital display, sign, or light and each sees something different. The PARALLEL REALITY displays were invented by scientists, engineers, and designers with a history of transforming technology into amazing experiences. It was founded in 2014 and is based in Redmond, Washington.

Supermedium

Seed Round in 2018
Supermedium is building a space of immersive VR utilities starting with a comic book reader. From the pioneers of WebVR and creators of A-Frame (https://aframe.io).

Fresco News

Series A in 2017
Fresco News Inc. operates a citizen-driven platform that connects individuals with news outlets to share breaking news content. Founded in 2014 and based in New York, the platform enables users to browse and report news through photos and videos captured on their mobile devices, allowing them to present diverse perspectives on current events. Users receive notifications about nearby breaking news situations and can take assignments from news organizations across the U.S., providing a unique opportunity to monetize their contributions. By empowering everyday individuals to act as reporters, Fresco News enhances the coverage of significant events through grassroots participation.

Inverse

Series A in 2016
Inverse is an online media platform focused on curating content for a millennial male audience. It specializes in original reporting, news coverage, and insightful analysis, exploring emerging ideas, new technologies, and trends. By highlighting the perspectives of innovative thinkers and creators, Inverse seeks to engage its audience with unique insights into pop culture and everyday life. The platform aims to answer the question of what the future may hold, fostering a sense of curiosity and encouraging its readers to better understand and prepare for upcoming developments.

Rheo

Seed Round in 2016
Copper Studios has created Rheo, the world's first personalized video channel. Online video content is fragmented across providers and sites, and requires lots of navigation and decision-making. Rheo is the first single, continuous personalized feed to discover and enjoy these videos. Rheo presents videos as a single interactive stream, that you can watch or skip. These simple interactions teach Rheo what you like and don’t, leading to more personalized content. The experience makes video discovery fun and effortless, and is already seeing ground-breaking levels of engagement from its users. Rheo is available today on the Apple TV App Store.

Fresco News

Seed Round in 2016
Fresco News Inc. operates a citizen-driven platform that connects individuals with news outlets to share breaking news content. Founded in 2014 and based in New York, the platform enables users to browse and report news through photos and videos captured on their mobile devices, allowing them to present diverse perspectives on current events. Users receive notifications about nearby breaking news situations and can take assignments from news organizations across the U.S., providing a unique opportunity to monetize their contributions. By empowering everyday individuals to act as reporters, Fresco News enhances the coverage of significant events through grassroots participation.

Inverse

Seed Round in 2016
Inverse is an online media platform focused on curating content for a millennial male audience. It specializes in original reporting, news coverage, and insightful analysis, exploring emerging ideas, new technologies, and trends. By highlighting the perspectives of innovative thinkers and creators, Inverse seeks to engage its audience with unique insights into pop culture and everyday life. The platform aims to answer the question of what the future may hold, fostering a sense of curiosity and encouraging its readers to better understand and prepare for upcoming developments.

Fresco News

Seed Round in 2015
Fresco News Inc. operates a citizen-driven platform that connects individuals with news outlets to share breaking news content. Founded in 2014 and based in New York, the platform enables users to browse and report news through photos and videos captured on their mobile devices, allowing them to present diverse perspectives on current events. Users receive notifications about nearby breaking news situations and can take assignments from news organizations across the U.S., providing a unique opportunity to monetize their contributions. By empowering everyday individuals to act as reporters, Fresco News enhances the coverage of significant events through grassroots participation.

Mixcord

Venture Round in 2015
Creative apps to help you make your mark. Create and edit videos, photos and music. Mixcord is the creator of PicPlayPost and Acapella. Our Apps: PicPlayPost - Turn your videos and photos into collages, live wallpapers, and slideshows. Acapella - Record amazing Acapella videos with multiple musicians, multi-part harmonies, and different instruments. MixCam - Capture priceless moments with your front and back camera at the same time. MixCaptions - Add subtitles to your videos with the push of a button, and engage viewers watching without sound. PopAGraph - Turn your photos into Instagram-worthy shots with 3D effects. Learn more at www.mixcord.co

Momunt

Seed Round in 2015
Momunt is a platform that automatically organizes all nearby public visuals shared on social networks. It enables users to find their favorites and create collections to save or share with friends. It also enables users to tune-in to amazing events or places around the world and instantly sees everything people are sharing there.

Streamup

Seed Round in 2015
Streamup, Inc. operates a live video streaming platform that allows users to browse various television channels and receive notifications when their favorite channels go live. The platform facilitates interaction among viewers and broadcasters through chat features, enhancing the live streaming experience. Streamup focuses on live music videos, providing a community for fans to watch shows and engage with musicians. Founded in 2011 and based in Miami, Florida, Streamup aims to create an entertaining environment for users to support and connect with their favorite artists.

Shots Studios, Inc.

Series A in 2015
Shots Studios, Inc. is a data-driven entertainment company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2011 by John and Sam Shahidi. The company specializes in producing online comedy and music videos targeted at Millennials and Gen Z, collaborating with prominent creators such as Lele Pons and Rudy Mancuso. Shots Studios operates a creator network that offers media management services to influencers and celebrities, focusing on original mobile-first content for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. With its content garnering over 1.2 billion minutes of viewing per month, Shots Studios has established itself as a leading digital media company in the evolving landscape of online entertainment. The firm is backed by notable figures including Justin Bieber and Floyd Mayweather, highlighting its strong connections within the entertainment industry.

A Plus

Convertible Note in 2015
A Plus is a technology-driven media company dedicated to delivering positive journalism aimed at fostering social change. The organization has experienced significant growth, attracting tens of millions of unique visitors each month, thanks to its proprietary technology that enhances content creation, optimization, and distribution. Co-founded by entrepreneur Ashton Kutcher and software developers Evan Beard and Kendall Dabaghi, A Plus seeks to challenge conventional media narratives by focusing on uplifting content. With an average of 30 million monthly readers, it ranks among the top 100 websites in the United States, reflecting its commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world through its journalism.

Inverse

Seed Round in 2015
Inverse is an online media platform focused on curating content for a millennial male audience. It specializes in original reporting, news coverage, and insightful analysis, exploring emerging ideas, new technologies, and trends. By highlighting the perspectives of innovative thinkers and creators, Inverse seeks to engage its audience with unique insights into pop culture and everyday life. The platform aims to answer the question of what the future may hold, fostering a sense of curiosity and encouraging its readers to better understand and prepare for upcoming developments.

Clarify

Seed Round in 2014
The world has moved beyond text. That simple understanding is at the heart of what we’re doing at Clarify (formerly OP3Nvoice). Ever since the invention of the Gutenberg press human knowledge has been preserved and communicated in text. The digital explosion has changed this. Now video and audio technologies enable the capture and storage of information in quantities that are mind-boggling. Just think of the huge volume of phone calls or conference videos that are recorded every day.

CrowdAlbum

Seed Round in 2014
CrowdAlbum, Inc. is a platform that aggregates and displays photos and videos from events shared on social media. By using algorithm-based technology, CrowdAlbum collects, filters, and showcases content from various events, allowing organizers to connect with their audience and understand the influence of attendees. The company specializes in gathering images from concerts, celebrations, and significant historical moments, providing a comprehensive visual representation of these events. Founded by Tracy Chan and based in San Francisco, California, CrowdAlbum operates in an "invite only" mode and boasts partnerships with over 1,000 high-profile individuals and organizations, including notable artists and sports teams. As of April 2016, CrowdAlbum operates as a subsidiary of Spotify Technology S.A.

Mashable

Series A in 2014
Mashable, Inc. is an online news community that focuses on digital culture, social media, and technology. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Los Angeles, Mashable serves millions of monthly unique visitors and has a substantial social media following. The platform offers news, information, and resources while also curating job openings in technology, marketing, business, and design fields. Additionally, Mashable provides advertising services and has established a strategic partnership with 360i. As of December 2017, Mashable operates as a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, LLC, further solidifying its position as a leading voice in the digital media landscape.

Kanvas Labs

Seed Round in 2014
Kanvas Labs, Inc. is a mobile social networking platform that enables users to create and share social photo stories based on real-world experiences. Its primary product, Kanvas, allows users to develop engaging content by combining photos, text, stickers, and sound. Users can also create videos using photos, GIFs, and a custom stop motion camera, which can be edited with various overlays, drawings, and music. Once created, this multimedia content can be shared with friends and followers across multiple social networks. Founded in 2010 and based in New York, Kanvas Labs was previously known as Tracks Media, Inc. As of August 2015, it operates as a subsidiary of AOL Inc.

Mashable

Series A in 2014
Mashable, Inc. is an online news community that focuses on digital culture, social media, and technology. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Los Angeles, Mashable serves millions of monthly unique visitors and has a substantial social media following. The platform offers news, information, and resources while also curating job openings in technology, marketing, business, and design fields. Additionally, Mashable provides advertising services and has established a strategic partnership with 360i. As of December 2017, Mashable operates as a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, LLC, further solidifying its position as a leading voice in the digital media landscape.

Butter

Seed Round in 2013
Butter is a unique platform that facilitates the formation of friendships through shared interests in photography and messaging. By connecting users from diverse backgrounds, the app fosters meaningful relationships worldwide. Additionally, Butter boasts a talented production team known for delivering high-quality work across the advertising and entertainment sectors. The company has established a solid reputation by collaborating with prominent organizations, including major film studios and television networks, thereby reinforcing its commitment to excellence in service and creativity.

Kanvas Labs

Angel Round in 2013
Kanvas Labs, Inc. is a mobile social networking platform that enables users to create and share social photo stories based on real-world experiences. Its primary product, Kanvas, allows users to develop engaging content by combining photos, text, stickers, and sound. Users can also create videos using photos, GIFs, and a custom stop motion camera, which can be edited with various overlays, drawings, and music. Once created, this multimedia content can be shared with friends and followers across multiple social networks. Founded in 2010 and based in New York, Kanvas Labs was previously known as Tracks Media, Inc. As of August 2015, it operates as a subsidiary of AOL Inc.

Cliptone

Seed Round in 2013
Cliptone is a messaging application that enables its users to send creative voice messages to their friends. It allows its users to record a clip up to 10 seconds; apply voice filters and background music; and more. Cliptone was launched on March 3, 2012 in Toronto, Ontario.

Crossfader

Venture Round in 2012
Crossfader is a music mashup application that enables users to create and share remixes effortlessly, transforming anyone into a DJ in just seconds. The platform fosters a community for music enthusiasts, allowing them to discover and exchange innovative music mixes globally. Often referred to as the "Instagram for music," Crossfader emphasizes user engagement and creativity in music production, appealing to both amateur and experienced musicians alike.

My Damn Channel

Venture Round in 2012
My Damn Channel is an entertainment studio and new media platform created to empower artists to co-produce, distribute, and monetize video content. My Damn Channel gives artists creative control, a complete infrastructure to rule the web, and revenue sharing. We're ad supported and we share revenues with our syndication partners.

Big Frame

Seed Round in 2012
Big Frame operates as a multi-channel network that represents various YouTube channels while connecting advertisers with targeted audiences. The platform offers a range of online resources focused on diverse subjects, including social media, business, marketing, design, tutorials, finance, and technology. By providing valuable insights and inspiration, Big Frame aims to enhance both personal and professional growth for its users.

Mass Relevance

Series A in 2012
Mass Relevance develops and offers cloud-based software for media and entertainment sectors. Its software enables social media content aggregation, filtration, and integration. The company's clientele includes [CISCO](http://www.crunchbase.com/organization/cisco), GolfDigest, [MSNBC](http://www.crunchbase.com/organization/msnbc), NBC Sports, and Pepsi. It was formerly known as TweetRiver and changed its name to Mass Relevance Inc. in December, 2010. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Austin, Texas. In April 2014, Mass Relevance merged with Spredfast, forming a comprehensive social marketing company.

My Damn Channel

Venture Round in 2012
My Damn Channel is an entertainment studio and new media platform created to empower artists to co-produce, distribute, and monetize video content. My Damn Channel gives artists creative control, a complete infrastructure to rule the web, and revenue sharing. We're ad supported and we share revenues with our syndication partners.

Big Frame

Seed Round in 2012
Big Frame operates as a multi-channel network that represents various YouTube channels while connecting advertisers with targeted audiences. The platform offers a range of online resources focused on diverse subjects, including social media, business, marketing, design, tutorials, finance, and technology. By providing valuable insights and inspiration, Big Frame aims to enhance both personal and professional growth for its users.

SocialFlow

Series A in 2011
SocialFlow, Inc. is a software company based in New York that specializes in social media distribution and monetization solutions for publishers and media companies. Founded in 2009, SocialFlow's platform leverages an advanced algorithm to optimize the timing and relevance of social media posts, ensuring maximum audience engagement. The company identifies high-performing content for amplification through targeted advertising and integrates these posts into specific advertising formats. By continuously analyzing audience responses, SocialFlow creates a feedback loop that enhances future content strategies and advertising opportunities. Its technology supports tens of thousands of journalists globally, enabling them to disseminate engaging content across various social networks while generating new revenue streams. SocialFlow's client portfolio includes prominent media organizations such as Condé Nast, Meredith, The Associated Press, CNN, and the BBC, highlighting its significant impact on the media landscape.

SocialFlow

Seed Round in 2010
SocialFlow, Inc. is a software company based in New York that specializes in social media distribution and monetization solutions for publishers and media companies. Founded in 2009, SocialFlow's platform leverages an advanced algorithm to optimize the timing and relevance of social media posts, ensuring maximum audience engagement. The company identifies high-performing content for amplification through targeted advertising and integrates these posts into specific advertising formats. By continuously analyzing audience responses, SocialFlow creates a feedback loop that enhances future content strategies and advertising opportunities. Its technology supports tens of thousands of journalists globally, enabling them to disseminate engaging content across various social networks while generating new revenue streams. SocialFlow's client portfolio includes prominent media organizations such as Condé Nast, Meredith, The Associated Press, CNN, and the BBC, highlighting its significant impact on the media landscape.
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