Lens Protocol
Seed Round in 2023
Lens Protocol is a composable and decentralized social network serving the Web3 community. It enables creators to build their own web3 social media platforms and accounts, giving them control over their connections with their communities and also ownership over their content.
Xiaohongshu
Series E in 2021
Xiaohongshu, founded in 2013 and based in Shanghai, is a lifestyle sharing platform that facilitates the exchange of experiences through text, images, and videos. Initially created to assist overseas travelers with shopping, it has transformed into a vibrant community focused on various lifestyle topics, including cosmetics, fashion, food, travel, entertainment, reading, fitness, and childcare. The platform allows users to post their favorite products, share shopping experiences, and discover global merchandise, particularly in the luxury and fashion sectors. It serves as both a social network and a social e-commerce platform, enabling users to review and purchase products from abroad.
Lokal provides users with hyperlocal information such as daily commodity prices, local jobs, real estate, matrimonial, local business advertorials, and classifieds that would otherwise be scattered across local newspapers. Lokal, which was founded in 2018, aims to strengthen hyperlocal communities by allowing its mostly non-English users to share, interact, and transact in their native language. The app has 10 million downloads and is available in 100+ districts across South India in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Marathi.
Reddit is an online platform that allows users to submit links, create content, and participate in discussions on a wide range of topics. The company focuses on providing internet content and offers various online services across diverse categories, including gaming, sports, business, cryptocurrency, and television. By fostering a community-driven environment, Reddit enables users to engage with one another, share information, and explore their interests through a unique blend of user-generated content and discussions.
Launched in 2016, Soul App is now one of the leading social networking applications in China. With a robust user base among Chinese Gen Z, Soul was designed to empower self-value expression and foster genuine relationships based on interest graphs and AI algorithms. Soul aspires to build a virtual social playground for its users to socialize, connect and maintain relationships free from the geographic and social constraints. Soul is the first social networking platform in China that requires all users to interact through avatars, and has a unique business model driven by the integration of intensive user interactions and an engaging community. Soul distinguishes itself from other peers with focus on virtual identities, open-ended relationships based on interest graphs, extensive user generated content (UGC), decentralized content distribution and its proprietary technologies. Nowadays, Soul pioneers in embracing the AI technologies in the social networking industry to meet the evolving social demand from the younger generation. In 2020, Soul kicked off its AIGC technology R&D. In 2023, Soul launched a proprietary large language model (LLM), Soul X, and has seamlessly embedded AI capabilities across use cases on its platform, which epitomizes Soul's product philosophy of the “Synergic Model-application Interplay”.
Bunch Live, Inc., founded in 2017 and headquartered in New York City, has developed Bunch, a unique party application designed for multiplayer gaming. This platform enables users to engage in their favorite games with friends through a group video chat interface. Bunch also offers developers the opportunity to integrate its features into their own games, facilitating a seamless experience for players who wish to connect and play together. The application focuses on simplifying the process of discovering, playing, and sharing live mobile games among friends, making it a pioneering tool in the social gaming landscape.
Mafengwo is a Chinese travel social networking site that allows users to share and explore travel experiences. It features over one million user-generated travel guides and more than five million ratings and reviews, covering a wide range of travel-related information such as hotels, flights, travel routes, visas, and insurance. Since its inception, Mafengwo has served more than 25 million users and emphasizes user experience by continually enhancing its platform for sharing travel insights. Its core product, the Travel Guide, includes information on over 95% of global travel destinations and has achieved over 100 million downloads. In 2012, the platform expanded its offerings by integrating booking services from various providers, thereby enhancing its utility for travelers. The company has also attracted significant investment, raising $15 million in Series B funding to support its growth and development.
Reddit is an online platform that allows users to submit links, create content, and participate in discussions on a wide range of topics. The company focuses on providing internet content and offers various online services across diverse categories, including gaming, sports, business, cryptocurrency, and television. By fostering a community-driven environment, Reddit enables users to engage with one another, share information, and explore their interests through a unique blend of user-generated content and discussions.
Discord is a communication platform that provides voice, video, and text services for individuals and communities to connect and interact. Initially designed for gamers, it has since expanded its user base to include various groups such as hiking clubs, art communities, and study groups. The platform enables seamless communication through voice-over-internet protocol and instant messaging, accessible on both desktop and mobile devices. This versatility allows users to engage with friends and communities effectively, whether for leisure or collaborative activities, without compromising performance during gaming or other online interactions.
Ximalaya FM
Private Equity Round in 2018
Ximalaya (喜马拉雅) is a service website that enables users to share voices and personal radio stations. It is a product of Beijing Nali Huiju Network Science and Technology Co., Ltd. It was founded in August, 2012 and is committed to the construction and operation of online audio sharing platform. It launched ""Ximalaya APP"" in March 2013, and in just half a year, it achieved the target of ten million subscribers. In early May of 2014, the number of activated users of Himalaya exceeded 50 million, making Ximalaya the biggest online audio sharing platform in China. On May 22, 2014, Himalayan announced that it has successfully received an A series venture capital investment of 11.5 million US dollars. As of May 2014, the Ximalaya certified audio show creators were more than 6000. Its established columns were 240000 with audio volume reaching nearly 3 million and average daily new upload audio hitting more than 10000.
Haoyiku is a community-based e-commerce platform founded in 2017 by Qiangqiang Wu and based in Hangzhou. The company focuses on apparel and employs a unique S2b2C model, connecting suppliers, businesses, and consumers. By leveraging social networks and the WeChat app, Haoyiku facilitates a seamless shopping experience that includes rapid payment settlements and enhanced customer outreach. This model not only allows partner brands to efficiently off-load inventory but also enables individual merchants to sell products within their social circles, contributing to a low return rate and ongoing business improvement through training and support.
Xiaohongshu
Series D in 2018
Xiaohongshu, founded in 2013 and based in Shanghai, is a lifestyle sharing platform that facilitates the exchange of experiences through text, images, and videos. Initially created to assist overseas travelers with shopping, it has transformed into a vibrant community focused on various lifestyle topics, including cosmetics, fashion, food, travel, entertainment, reading, fitness, and childcare. The platform allows users to post their favorite products, share shopping experiences, and discover global merchandise, particularly in the luxury and fashion sectors. It serves as both a social network and a social e-commerce platform, enabling users to review and purchase products from abroad.
Discord is a communication platform that provides voice, video, and text services for individuals and communities to connect and interact. Initially designed for gamers, it has since expanded its user base to include various groups such as hiking clubs, art communities, and study groups. The platform enables seamless communication through voice-over-internet protocol and instant messaging, accessible on both desktop and mobile devices. This versatility allows users to engage with friends and communities effectively, whether for leisure or collaborative activities, without compromising performance during gaming or other online interactions.
Medlinker
Series C in 2017
Medical Alliance is a post of physician social service platform. Users are certified doctors working in the Medical Alliance, they can share knowledge, experience and insights with the other industry elite, to continue to provide high quality content for each other. Application provides a medical quiz, map that case, the anonymous social circles and doctors and other functions, is committed to helping physicians groups, more convenient access to high-quality information from the industry
Pepo connects you with people who share your passions. Welcome to Pepo, a place where everyone has a story. Every day, thousands of people turn to Pepo to share their stories and connect with experts and enthusiasts. Travelers. Foodies. Fans. Politicos. Designers. Dog lovers. Gym fits. LGBTs. No matter their interests, Pepo connects users with the people and voices that matter most to them. Pepo is the fastest easiest way to connect with people who share similar passions. On Pepo, users can create and join public, private, or secret live chats with people who share their interests. Users can add tags to their profiles to highlight their interests and expertise. Pepo matches users with other people who share related interests. Pepo offers live chats instantly with experts, fans, and people in the known.
Hike is a blockchain gaming company that aims to merge the best aspects of Web2 and Web3, focusing on creating new economic opportunities within the gaming industry. Central to its vision is the Rush Gaming Universe (RGU), a social gaming experience that allows players to engage in gameplay while earning rewards. In addition to gaming, Hike has developed a multilingual messaging application that facilitates virtual connections among users, enabling them to share thoughts and emotions through stickers and emojis. This dual focus on gaming and communication positions Hike as a forward-thinking entity in the evolving landscape of digital interaction and entertainment.
Gengmei is a Chinese social networking app focused on cosmetic surgery and beauty services. Established in 2013, the platform serves as a professional micro-plastic surgery resource, offering a range of consumer medical services including plastic surgery, dental care, ophthalmology, and anti-aging treatments. Gengmei aims to assist beauty seekers in efficiently finding qualified doctors while minimizing risks associated with cosmetic procedures. The application features a wealth of information, social networking opportunities, and e-commerce channels tailored for individuals interested in cosmetic enhancements. With a database of 3.4 million documented plastic surgery cases spanning 204 cities and five countries, Gengmei has supported 22 million users in their beauty journeys.
Xiaohongshu
Series C in 2016
Xiaohongshu, founded in 2013 and based in Shanghai, is a lifestyle sharing platform that facilitates the exchange of experiences through text, images, and videos. Initially created to assist overseas travelers with shopping, it has transformed into a vibrant community focused on various lifestyle topics, including cosmetics, fashion, food, travel, entertainment, reading, fitness, and childcare. The platform allows users to post their favorite products, share shopping experiences, and discover global merchandise, particularly in the luxury and fashion sectors. It serves as both a social network and a social e-commerce platform, enabling users to review and purchase products from abroad.
Discord is a communication platform that provides voice, video, and text services for individuals and communities to connect and interact. Initially designed for gamers, it has since expanded its user base to include various groups such as hiking clubs, art communities, and study groups. The platform enables seamless communication through voice-over-internet protocol and instant messaging, accessible on both desktop and mobile devices. This versatility allows users to engage with friends and communities effectively, whether for leisure or collaborative activities, without compromising performance during gaming or other online interactions.
Discord is a communication platform that provides voice, video, and text services for individuals and communities to connect and interact. Initially designed for gamers, it has since expanded its user base to include various groups such as hiking clubs, art communities, and study groups. The platform enables seamless communication through voice-over-internet protocol and instant messaging, accessible on both desktop and mobile devices. This versatility allows users to engage with friends and communities effectively, whether for leisure or collaborative activities, without compromising performance during gaming or other online interactions.
SketchMe
Seed Round in 2015
SketchMe is a social media application that enables its users to capture their friends’ special moments and share them with one another.
Cloudary
Acquisition in 2015
Cloudary Corporation operates as a provider of literature and publishing services in the People's Republic of China. The company manages an online, community-driven literary platform featuring six original literature websites, including Qidian.com, Readnovel.com, and Hongxiu.com, which cater to various genres such as fantasy, wuxia, science fiction, mystery, and romance. In addition to its extensive collection of literary works, Cloudary offers community engagement tools that include personal spaces, virtual gifting, a book review bar, and forums, fostering interaction among readers and writers. Through a combination of online channels and offline publications, Cloudary aims to enhance the accessibility of literature while building a vibrant literary community.
Breadtrip
Series C in 2014
BreadTrip is a social travel application launched in May 2012 that allows users to document and share their travel experiences through travelogues. The platform enables users to create detailed maps of their visited locations, upload photos with descriptions, and record essential travel information such as accommodations and flights. BreadTrip enhances the travel planning process by providing features that include tracking travel routes, adding geo-tags to photos, and offering offline support for recording travel footprints. Users can also interact with others by searching for travelogues and engaging with photos through likes and comments, facilitating a community of shared travel experiences.
AltspaceVR
Seed Round in 2014
AltspaceVR, Inc. is a social virtual reality software company founded in 2013 and based in Redwood City, California. The company focuses on creating a communication platform that allows users to connect and share experiences in a natural and engaging manner. Its platform supports a wide range of activities, including gaming, streaming content, attending live events, and business collaboration, all within immersive virtual environments. By integrating two-dimensional web content into shared virtual spaces, AltspaceVR extends the web to facilitate fully holographic experiences, enabling users to interact and form real connections with others globally. In 2017, AltspaceVR became a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, further enhancing its capabilities and reach in the virtual reality space.
Vurb is a mobile application designed to enhance user experiences by providing personalized search and messaging capabilities. Founded in 2011 by Bobby Lo and based in San Francisco, Vurb connects users to relevant information and tools from various apps and services in a single platform. The application allows users to find, plan, and engage in activities by integrating community recommendations, rich content, and useful services. With a focus on tailoring suggestions based on individual preferences, Vurb aims to create a more connected mobile world. The company gained recognition by winning TechCrunch Disrupt NY in 2014 and has attracted financial backing from notable investors in Silicon Valley.
WOMeN.COM
Seed Round in 2014
Women.com is an online interactive publishing platform designed to support and promote women's content, conversation, and community. It serves as a destination where women can engage in discussions, share experiences, and express their unique voices. The platform features an online forum that encourages communication among women, allowing them to exchange knowledge and insights. Additionally, Women.com offers interactive elements such as quizzes, further enhancing user engagement and fostering a sense of community. By creating a space for women to connect and collaborate, Women.com aims to empower its users and amplify their voices.
QuizUp is a mobile game developer known for its trivia game that fosters user interaction through features such as one-to-one messaging, discussion boards, and region-specific leaderboards. The game allows players to engage in trivia challenges organized by city, state, and country, enhancing the competitive experience. By combining social interaction with gaming, QuizUp creates a platform where users can not only test their knowledge but also connect with others in a dynamic way.
QuizUp is a mobile game developer known for its trivia game that fosters user interaction through features such as one-to-one messaging, discussion boards, and region-specific leaderboards. The game allows players to engage in trivia challenges organized by city, state, and country, enhancing the competitive experience. By combining social interaction with gaming, QuizUp creates a platform where users can not only test their knowledge but also connect with others in a dynamic way.
Contacts+
Seed Round in 2012
Contacts+ is your place to connect, however you want, with the people you care about. It’s a beautiful, simple and smart address book, where all people related information and services are brought together into one place – your mobile contacts.
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.
Ark.com, Inc. provides a search engine service to find people. It allows users to search for new people, old classmates, new business contacts, and friends on social networks by using various search filters, such as location, employer, schools, and interests. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in San Francisco, California.
Comsenz
Acquisition in 2010
Hong Sing Chong think (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. (Comsenz Inc.) Is China's leading platform and community service providers. Company is located in Beijing's Zhongguancun High-tech Park, and is one with independent intellectual property rights of Internet companies, the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, was awarded the title of high-tech enterprises. Comsenz long-term focus on the Internet community platform and application technology solutions in the development and operation, the company more than 180 employees in more than 70 percent for the technical staff, which has the most professional community technology research and development team. The company established a complete set to UCenter as the core of social networking sites open platform, including the UCenter Home / Discuz! / SupeSite / ECShop / SupeV be users, such as wider use of community products, and is committed to the community of technological innovation and platforms.
Beijing Elex Technology
Angel Round in 2010
Beijing ELEX Technology Co., Ltd., founded in 2008, is a prominent game developer headquartered in Beijing, with additional offices and research centers in St. Paul, Nanjing, and Hefei. The company specializes in providing high-quality gaming, software, and internet services across more than 30 countries in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America, serving over 40 million users globally. ELEX is recognized as a leading developer of social games, including popular titles like "Happy Harvest" and "City Life," which perform well on major platforms such as Facebook and Google, as well as localized platforms in various regions. Since 2010, ELEX has also published successful browser games and operates a competitive gaming platform, 337.com, which ranks among the top 1000 gaming websites according to Google statistics. Additionally, their mobile gaming division has grown significantly, producing popular titles such as "Clash of Kings" and "The Walking Dead: Survivors." ELEX is dedicated to advancing the gaming industry by providing top-quality products and localized services, while also collaborating with industry leaders to promote global integration among developers.
VNG is Vietnam’s leading Internet company. Youthful, passionate, dynamic, constantly innovating and pushing technological boundaries, they currently dominate the local market with over 20 highly popular entertainment, community and software products.