LAUNCH

LAUNCH is a California-based organization that supports entrepreneurs and fosters innovation within the technology sector. Established in 2010, it encompasses multiple initiatives, including the LAUNCH Fund, which focuses on early-stage investments in technology-related companies. Additionally, LAUNCH operates an incubator designed to nurture startup development. Its flagship event, the LAUNCH Festival, attracts over 12,000 participants, including venture capitalists, angel investors, founders, and industry professionals, serving as a premier platform for startups to showcase their innovations. The organization also produces the podcast "This Week in Startups," which discusses trends and insights in the startup ecosystem. Through its various endeavors, LAUNCH aims to empower founders and promote the growth of emerging companies.

Jason Calacanis

Founder and CEO

Ashley Whitehurst

Managing Director

Past deals in Social Media

River Platform Company

Pre Seed Round in 2024
River is an in-person community event platform and social platform. We help huge, distributed communities get together IRL at a massive scale by letting the community step up to produce self-organized events. It's a completely new motion for how events happen. Tim Ferris celebrated his 10th anniversary of the podcast with 150+ meetups on River Superteam hosts a live monthly eco system call with 100+ IRL watch parties on River The All-In Podcast gets fans together in 50+ cities every 25 episodes on River This Week in Startups hosts Founder Fridays jam sessions in 30+ cities on River

Ellis

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Ellis automates inbound, outbound, email, twitter, and linkedin marketing and provides crm tools to startups.

River Platform Company

Convertible Note in 2023
River is an in-person community event platform and social platform. We help huge, distributed communities get together IRL at a massive scale by letting the community step up to produce self-organized events. It's a completely new motion for how events happen. Tim Ferris celebrated his 10th anniversary of the podcast with 150+ meetups on River Superteam hosts a live monthly eco system call with 100+ IRL watch parties on River The All-In Podcast gets fans together in 50+ cities every 25 episodes on River This Week in Startups hosts Founder Fridays jam sessions in 30+ cities on River

Slate

Seed Round in 2023
Slate operates as a content creation and brand management platform designed for teams, enabling them to produce and manage social media content efficiently. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York, the company provides a suite of tools including fonts, colors, filters, graphics, and animations through a custom mobile app. This allows users to create on-brand content and post directly to various social media platforms such as Instagram stories. Slate is utilized by major brands like the NFL, VISA, and Budweiser, and was recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2022.

Scener

Seed Round in 2021
Scener, Inc. is a company based in Seattle, Washington, that operates an online virtual movie theater and serves as a leading social viewing platform for streaming services. Founded in 2018, Scener enables groups of viewers to synchronize video playback while engaging in video and text chat, enhancing the shared viewing experience. Its mobile application offers universal search, integrated TV remote control, and expanded discovery features, supporting both two-screen and native watch parties. This innovative approach allows users to enjoy films and television shows together, fostering a communal atmosphere in the realm of digital streaming.

Grin Technologies

Series B in 2021
Grin Technologies is a Sacramento-based influencer marketing software company that provides the GRIN platform for brands to discover, recruit, and manage relationships with influencers. The platform covers discovery and outreach, relationship management, campaign execution, product seeding, content and rights management, payments, and analytics, offering reporting, tracking, and performance insights. It supports discount codes and affiliate links and helps manage influencer payments and rights across campaigns. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Grin Technologies serves direct-to-consumer brands seeking authentic influencer collaborations and data-driven marketing outcomes.

Callin

Series A in 2021
Callin is a social podcasting app that allows users to create, discover, and enjoy both live and recorded audio content in a single platform. The app combines social audio features with traditional podcasting, enabling users to record, edit, publish, and share their audio content effortlessly. By providing a seamless experience for audio content creation and consumption, Callin aims to enhance the way users engage with podcasts and live audio discussions.

Outfit

Seed Round in 2021
Outfit is a marketplace that facilitates connections between brands and content creators to enhance marketing strategies through social media channels. The platform allows brands to book both in-person brand ambassadors and digital influencers, similar to traditional advertising methods but with authentic voices promoting products at physical events or via social media. Outfit provides an end-to-end digital solution that empowers content creators by enabling them to build and monetize their personal brands while assisting global brands with influencer activations.

Grin Technologies

Series A in 2021
Grin Technologies is a Sacramento-based influencer marketing software company that provides the GRIN platform for brands to discover, recruit, and manage relationships with influencers. The platform covers discovery and outreach, relationship management, campaign execution, product seeding, content and rights management, payments, and analytics, offering reporting, tracking, and performance insights. It supports discount codes and affiliate links and helps manage influencer payments and rights across campaigns. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Grin Technologies serves direct-to-consumer brands seeking authentic influencer collaborations and data-driven marketing outcomes.

Statusphere

Seed Round in 2021
Statusphere operates an influencer marketing platform facilitating connections between brands and influencers to foster productive collaborations. The company transforms consumers into brand advocates by providing them with lifestyle-matched products in exchange for user-generated content, such as photos and reviews shared among friends. This approach enables clients to access authentic micro-influencer posts, enhancing their reach within targeted audiences.

Gowalla

Seed Round in 2021
Gowalla is a social travel guide platform that lets users discover, share, and explore places worldwide. Its mobile app and website provide curated city, park, and neighborhood guides, enriched with photos, experiences, and recommendations from the community and partners such as Disney and National Geographic. Launched in 2009 and based in Austin, Texas, Gowalla combines social networking with location‑based features, including augmented‑reality tools that help users navigate and experience local attractions. The service encourages friends and families to share moments on the go, turning everyday travel into a collaborative adventure.

Grin Technologies

Series A in 2020
Grin Technologies is a Sacramento-based influencer marketing software company that provides the GRIN platform for brands to discover, recruit, and manage relationships with influencers. The platform covers discovery and outreach, relationship management, campaign execution, product seeding, content and rights management, payments, and analytics, offering reporting, tracking, and performance insights. It supports discount codes and affiliate links and helps manage influencer payments and rights across campaigns. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Grin Technologies serves direct-to-consumer brands seeking authentic influencer collaborations and data-driven marketing outcomes.

Grin Technologies

Series A in 2020
Grin Technologies is a Sacramento-based influencer marketing software company that provides the GRIN platform for brands to discover, recruit, and manage relationships with influencers. The platform covers discovery and outreach, relationship management, campaign execution, product seeding, content and rights management, payments, and analytics, offering reporting, tracking, and performance insights. It supports discount codes and affiliate links and helps manage influencer payments and rights across campaigns. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Grin Technologies serves direct-to-consumer brands seeking authentic influencer collaborations and data-driven marketing outcomes.

Space Soft

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Space Soft is a platform for creators, owners, and community builders to engage over audio-first experiences. With Space Soft, users can join audio-only conversations, and interact with interesting people on topics that matter to them.

Scener

Seed Round in 2020
Scener, Inc. is a company based in Seattle, Washington, that operates an online virtual movie theater and serves as a leading social viewing platform for streaming services. Founded in 2018, Scener enables groups of viewers to synchronize video playback while engaging in video and text chat, enhancing the shared viewing experience. Its mobile application offers universal search, integrated TV remote control, and expanded discovery features, supporting both two-screen and native watch parties. This innovative approach allows users to enjoy films and television shows together, fostering a communal atmosphere in the realm of digital streaming.

Million Studio

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Million Studio is a technology company that specializes in content and marketing automation solutions tailored for professional athletes. The firm provides a platform that streamlines the management, marketing, and monetization of athletes' content and data. By automating social media posts, websites, and email newsletters, Million Studio assists athletes in enhancing their branding strategies and efforts. Additionally, the platform serves as a resource for sports agents, leagues, teams, and brands, helping them navigate the complexities of the sports ecosystem. Through its innovative technology, Million Studio empowers athletes, brands, and businesses to grow their influence and effectively monetize their audience.

Punt Club

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Punter Club creates social media events out of betting.

Motivote

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Motivote partners with organizations to enhance voter engagement through its digital platform. This platform employs research-backed strategies like social accountability and planning tools to empower individuals to navigate US elections, while automating communications and data insights for program managers.

Outfit

Angel Round in 2020
Outfit is a marketplace that facilitates connections between brands and content creators to enhance marketing strategies through social media channels. The platform allows brands to book both in-person brand ambassadors and digital influencers, similar to traditional advertising methods but with authentic voices promoting products at physical events or via social media. Outfit provides an end-to-end digital solution that empowers content creators by enabling them to build and monetize their personal brands while assisting global brands with influencer activations.

Lately

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Lately is a software company that provides an AI-powered social media management platform designed to turn long-form content such as blogs, videos, and podcasts into multiple social posts. The platform atomizes content automatically and pre-vets posts with the target audience to ensure consistency and engagement, enabling users to create high-quality posts without prior copywriting expertise. It serves marketers, brands, and organizations of varying sizes, helping them streamline content creation, distribution, and analytics to generate leads and sustain online presence.

Panda

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Panda is a new kind of TV show starring you and your friends record and watch new episodes together each week until the season is over.

Grin Technologies

Seed Round in 2019
Grin Technologies is a Sacramento-based influencer marketing software company that provides the GRIN platform for brands to discover, recruit, and manage relationships with influencers. The platform covers discovery and outreach, relationship management, campaign execution, product seeding, content and rights management, payments, and analytics, offering reporting, tracking, and performance insights. It supports discount codes and affiliate links and helps manage influencer payments and rights across campaigns. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Grin Technologies serves direct-to-consumer brands seeking authentic influencer collaborations and data-driven marketing outcomes.

Captiv8

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Founded in 2014, Captiv8 is a leading influencer marketing platform that connects brands with influencers across various social media platforms. Its AI-driven marketplace helps brands discover, match, and collaborate with influencers based on real-time audience data, optimizing campaigns for maximum impact.

Scener

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Scener, Inc. is a company based in Seattle, Washington, that operates an online virtual movie theater and serves as a leading social viewing platform for streaming services. Founded in 2018, Scener enables groups of viewers to synchronize video playback while engaging in video and text chat, enhancing the shared viewing experience. Its mobile application offers universal search, integrated TV remote control, and expanded discovery features, supporting both two-screen and native watch parties. This innovative approach allows users to enjoy films and television shows together, fostering a communal atmosphere in the realm of digital streaming.

Ampjar

Seed Round in 2019
Ampjar is a community platform designed to empower brands by fostering collaborative relationships that enhance customer engagement. The platform facilitates connections among brands, enabling them to share and promote each other to reach new audiences and drive authentic conversations with potential customers. By creating a closed-loop, peer-to-peer environment, Ampjar allows brands to discover and support one another through various channels, including emails, social media stories, and blog posts. This approach not only amplifies their messages but also cultivates a sense of fulfillment and purpose within the community, as brands and their customers engage in meaningful interactions. Through its innovative model, Ampjar aims to revolutionize the way businesses connect and thrive together.

Grin Technologies

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Grin Technologies is a Sacramento-based influencer marketing software company that provides the GRIN platform for brands to discover, recruit, and manage relationships with influencers. The platform covers discovery and outreach, relationship management, campaign execution, product seeding, content and rights management, payments, and analytics, offering reporting, tracking, and performance insights. It supports discount codes and affiliate links and helps manage influencer payments and rights across campaigns. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Grin Technologies serves direct-to-consumer brands seeking authentic influencer collaborations and data-driven marketing outcomes.

Ampjar

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Ampjar is a community platform designed to empower brands by fostering collaborative relationships that enhance customer engagement. The platform facilitates connections among brands, enabling them to share and promote each other to reach new audiences and drive authentic conversations with potential customers. By creating a closed-loop, peer-to-peer environment, Ampjar allows brands to discover and support one another through various channels, including emails, social media stories, and blog posts. This approach not only amplifies their messages but also cultivates a sense of fulfillment and purpose within the community, as brands and their customers engage in meaningful interactions. Through its innovative model, Ampjar aims to revolutionize the way businesses connect and thrive together.

Zupp

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Zupp develops a mobile app for college students that provides information on deals and exclusive rewards at bars, restaurants and experiences, featuring invite-only access to promotions such as free food and drinks, BOGO meals, and discounted cover, plus experiences like happy hours, comedy shows and city scavenger hunts. The app includes a points-based rewards system that lets users earn and redeem benefits at participating venues, aiming to enhance campus life and support partner venues by driving student engagement.

Statusphere

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Statusphere operates an influencer marketing platform facilitating connections between brands and influencers to foster productive collaborations. The company transforms consumers into brand advocates by providing them with lifestyle-matched products in exchange for user-generated content, such as photos and reviews shared among friends. This approach enables clients to access authentic micro-influencer posts, enhancing their reach within targeted audiences.

Loop

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Loop is a family communication device and social network.

Statusphere

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Statusphere operates an influencer marketing platform facilitating connections between brands and influencers to foster productive collaborations. The company transforms consumers into brand advocates by providing them with lifestyle-matched products in exchange for user-generated content, such as photos and reviews shared among friends. This approach enables clients to access authentic micro-influencer posts, enhancing their reach within targeted audiences.

Requested

Seed Round in 2016
Requested is a mobile application that facilitates the booking of tables at local restaurants, bars, and cafes. Founded in 2014 and based in Sacramento, California, the platform allows users to name their own price for reservations and earn rewards by sharing their dining experiences. Additionally, the application offers the capability to send gift cards to users. For restaurants and bars, Requested serves as a promotional tool, enabling them to attract customers by paying a reservation fee for bookings made through the app.

Momunt

Debt Financing in 2016
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.

Votion

Seed Round in 2016
Votion is a SaaS company that specializes in enhancing customer engagement for marketing teams through its innovative audience and fan engagement platform. The platform is designed to help businesses effectively grow their email lists and boost customer interaction by facilitating online interactive campaigns, content marketing, and targeted advertisements. By leveraging these tools, Votion enables organizations to foster deeper connections with their audiences and ultimately drive revenue growth.

Flutter

Pre Seed Round in 2016
Flutter is a developer of a live video sharing application that allows users to stream and share short, ephemeral videos. The platform is designed to enhance user interactions by enabling individuals to capture and convey their emotions and feelings through video, making communications more engaging and meaningful. By focusing on the dynamic nature of video content, Flutter aims to provide a fun and interactive experience reminiscent of social media platforms, while fostering genuine connections among users.

Jibe

Convertible Note in 2016
Jibe Inc. is a provider of cloud-based recruiting technology solutions designed to assist talent acquisition teams in identifying, attracting, and engaging candidates globally. Founded in 2009 and based in New York, the company offers the Jibe Recruiting Cloud, a software-as-a-service platform that streamlines the hiring process. This platform features various applications, including tools for applying to jobs from multiple devices, enhancing employee referrals, and distributing job postings across various channels. Jibe's solutions cater to the needs of Fortune 500 companies, enabling them to optimize candidate experiences and leverage social networks for recruitment. With strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Google and LinkedIn, Jibe continues to innovate within the talent acquisition space. It operates as a subsidiary of iCIMS, Inc. since 2019.

Clipisode

Convertible Note in 2016
Clipisode is a video content marketing platform founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in facilitating the creation of videos by enabling users to collaborate through a simple link-sharing mechanism. Its platform allows for the collection and combination of authentic video stories from real people, which can be enhanced with branding and animation. This approach helps users engage effectively with their audience, fostering interaction between celebrities and fans. By streamlining the video creation process, Clipisode empowers its users to build trust, enhance engagement, and create memorable experiences that can be shared across various social video platforms.

Flutter

Pre Seed Round in 2015
Flutter is a developer of a live video sharing application that allows users to stream and share short, ephemeral videos. The platform is designed to enhance user interactions by enabling individuals to capture and convey their emotions and feelings through video, making communications more engaging and meaningful. By focusing on the dynamic nature of video content, Flutter aims to provide a fun and interactive experience reminiscent of social media platforms, while fostering genuine connections among users.

TidyMarketer

Pre Seed Round in 2015
Marketing has become really complex. Marketing teams today run multiple integrated programs ranging from social media, to SEO, website optimization, marketing automation, retargeting, PR, events and influencer programs, among many more. TidyMktr helps planning, coordinating and communicating these programs a breeze. MEDIA PLANNING Loaded with benchmarks and automatic formulas, their unique Media Plan Builder saves you time and makes you look way more professional. CAMPAIGN CALENDAR Their campaign calendar was designed by and for marketers like you, so you can easily coordinate all your marketing programs in one easy to use, easy to share interface. TEAM COMMUNICATION Elevate your work by easily sharing a professional looking Marketing Program Plan with your team, executives, sales and external stakeholders. INTEGRATIONS Connect TidyMktr to the services you already use for easier planning and coordination.

Shots Podcast Network

Series A in 2015
Shots Podcast Network, founded by John and Sam Shahidi, is a creator network that offers media management services specifically designed for influencers and celebrities. The company specializes in producing original mobile-first content tailored for platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. By facilitating content management and promotional strategies, Shots Podcast Network enables creators to effectively navigate the complexities of digital media, enhancing their reach and engagement with audiences. The network has garnered support from notable figures, including Justin Bieber and Floyd Mayweather, further establishing its presence in the entertainment industry.

Captiv8

Seed Round in 2015
Founded in 2014, Captiv8 is a leading influencer marketing platform that connects brands with influencers across various social media platforms. Its AI-driven marketplace helps brands discover, match, and collaborate with influencers based on real-time audience data, optimizing campaigns for maximum impact.

Clipisode

Seed Round in 2015
Clipisode is a video content marketing platform founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in facilitating the creation of videos by enabling users to collaborate through a simple link-sharing mechanism. Its platform allows for the collection and combination of authentic video stories from real people, which can be enhanced with branding and animation. This approach helps users engage effectively with their audience, fostering interaction between celebrities and fans. By streamlining the video creation process, Clipisode empowers its users to build trust, enhance engagement, and create memorable experiences that can be shared across various social video platforms.

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.

Huckle

Seed Round in 2015
Huckle is a messaging software company that develops a platform for live group chats initiated through Twitter. It enables users to start conversations, invite followers to join in real time, and notify those with the app when chats begin. The application also supports public chat rooms with friends, fans, and followers, allowing participants to communicate using a full-size keyboard.

Crux

Pre Seed Round in 2015
Crux is a messaging application designed specifically for college students, facilitating communication and engagement on campus. Launched in January 2015 and based in Venice, California, Crux provides a platform for users to share, discover, and organize information about current events and activities at their universities. Its channel-based group chat feature allows for efficient group management, while a location-based feed keeps students informed about happenings nearby. By enabling universities and colleges to foster a social community among students and faculty, Crux enhances the campus experience and promotes active participation in university life. The application has garnered attention and support from notable investors and is available for download on the App Store.

Requested

Pre Seed Round in 2015
Requested is a mobile application that facilitates the booking of tables at local restaurants, bars, and cafes. Founded in 2014 and based in Sacramento, California, the platform allows users to name their own price for reservations and earn rewards by sharing their dining experiences. Additionally, the application offers the capability to send gift cards to users. For restaurants and bars, Requested serves as a promotional tool, enabling them to attract customers by paying a reservation fee for bookings made through the app.

Clipisode

Pre Seed Round in 2015
Clipisode is a video content marketing platform founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in facilitating the creation of videos by enabling users to collaborate through a simple link-sharing mechanism. Its platform allows for the collection and combination of authentic video stories from real people, which can be enhanced with branding and animation. This approach helps users engage effectively with their audience, fostering interaction between celebrities and fans. By streamlining the video creation process, Clipisode empowers its users to build trust, enhance engagement, and create memorable experiences that can be shared across various social video platforms.

Little Bird

Venture Round in 2015
Little Bird, Inc. is an influencer marketing platform based in Portland, Oregon, founded in 2011. The company specializes in providing tools for influencer discovery and engagement, enabling clients to identify key individuals in their industry and connect with them for enhanced brand awareness and social impact. Little Bird's platform allows users to discover and share content from influencers, create targeted influencer lists for social campaigns, and analyze social engagement. The company caters primarily to modern marketers in sectors such as technology, entertainment, and financial services, helping them navigate the complexities of the social web to build social capital, expand their reach, and drive business growth. In October 2012, the company changed its name from Plexus Engine Inc. and, as of November 2016, operates as a subsidiary of Sprinklr Inc.

Clipisode

Pre Seed Round in 2015
Clipisode is a video content marketing platform founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in facilitating the creation of videos by enabling users to collaborate through a simple link-sharing mechanism. Its platform allows for the collection and combination of authentic video stories from real people, which can be enhanced with branding and animation. This approach helps users engage effectively with their audience, fostering interaction between celebrities and fans. By streamlining the video creation process, Clipisode empowers its users to build trust, enhance engagement, and create memorable experiences that can be shared across various social video platforms.

Crux

Seed Round in 2014
Crux is a messaging application designed specifically for college students, facilitating communication and engagement on campus. Launched in January 2015 and based in Venice, California, Crux provides a platform for users to share, discover, and organize information about current events and activities at their universities. Its channel-based group chat feature allows for efficient group management, while a location-based feed keeps students informed about happenings nearby. By enabling universities and colleges to foster a social community among students and faculty, Crux enhances the campus experience and promotes active participation in university life. The application has garnered attention and support from notable investors and is available for download on the App Store.

Clipisode

Pre Seed Round in 2014
Clipisode is a video content marketing platform founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in facilitating the creation of videos by enabling users to collaborate through a simple link-sharing mechanism. Its platform allows for the collection and combination of authentic video stories from real people, which can be enhanced with branding and animation. This approach helps users engage effectively with their audience, fostering interaction between celebrities and fans. By streamlining the video creation process, Clipisode empowers its users to build trust, enhance engagement, and create memorable experiences that can be shared across various social video platforms.

Connect

Convertible Note in 2014
Connect Software Corporation offers a location-based messaging application designed to enhance communication and connectivity among friends. The app aggregates check-ins and geo-located posts from various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Foursquare. Users can share their current activities, make plans, and stay informed about friends' whereabouts in real time. The platform also facilitates various forms of communication, allowing users to reach out to friends through chat, calls, emails, or messages across multiple networks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Connect aims to simplify social interactions by providing a centralized tool for users to engage with their social circles.

Whisper

Series C in 2014
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.
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