Slow Ventures

Gleen is a developer of a decentralized blockchain protocol that offers a unique web3 support platform aimed at enhancing community engagement and reducing customer support costs. By incentivizing community members to address support queries, Gleen creates an environment where accurate answers are readily available. The platform integrates seamlessly with popular communication channels such as Discord, Telegram, and Twitter, allowing for centralized management of support tickets across various platforms. Gleen's advanced AI capabilities learn from diverse data sources, including documents and chats, to provide accurate responses, while also tracking performance metrics and community health. This innovative approach not only streamlines support processes but also fosters community involvement, making it easier for businesses to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

Dew Drops is a platform for artists and creators to sell their animated artworks to collectors via text messages.

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

Comm Technologies is focused on enhancing end-to-end (E2E) encryption through the development of a crypto-native messaging platform. This platform allows users to acquire non-fungible tokens (NFTs) while maintaining their online anonymity. By utilizing personal private servers and key servers, Comm Technologies offers a web3 chat solution that ensures secure communication and adheres to specific notification restrictions. This approach enables clients to manage their communications effectively through a unified inbox, while also facilitating the scaling of E2E encryption for enhanced privacy.

Symbiose Technologies is a communications company that creates AI-powered products that bring unprecedented depth, memory, and serendipity to your conversations. Symbiose is creating the highest-fidelity way to communicate -- a new paradigm for messaging and audio where conversations transform.

Distrobird is an engagement tool that helps businesses manage their sales processes efficiently by consolidating various communication channels into a single platform. It offers functionalities for email and SMS sequences, inbound and outbound calls, shared inbox management, form tracking, and lead routing. By automating manual tasks associated with managing leads and closing sales, Distrobird enhances the productivity of sales teams and provides valuable insights into each prospect’s journey through the sales funnel. The platform also delivers prospect data and sales intelligence, facilitating improved customer engagement through various messaging formats, including emails, text messages, and social media posts. Distrobird aims to support small businesses in increasing revenues and optimizing their return on investment.

Building the truly open AI messaging platform

Chatdesk Inc. is a New York-based company that develops software solutions aimed at enhancing customer interactions for businesses. Founded in 2016, Chatdesk focuses on improving customer satisfaction by facilitating communication through messaging channels such as Facebook, SMS, and WhatsApp, rather than traditional phone calls. The company leverages artificial intelligence and a network of 43,000 local brand experts who communicate in over 60 languages to maximize the return on investment for customer interactions across email, chat, social media, and SMS. Its BrandScript technology ensures that all responses align with the client’s brand voice, while the platform provides real-time management insights and machine learning capabilities to help businesses reduce costs, improve sales, and scale their operations effectively.

Ense is a social platform that facilitates the connection between human voices and listeners through audible content sharing. It enables users to instantly record and share various audio formats, including melodies, conversations, and voice memos, in real-time. By focusing on the immediacy and accessibility of audio communication, Ense aims to create a dynamic environment for sharing personal and creative expressions.

Front is a communication hub that centralizes customer interactions across various digital channels to enhance relationship management. The platform focuses on streamlining conversations by integrating collaboration tools and contextual data from multiple systems, allowing teams to provide timely, accurate, and personalized communications. Over 7,500 businesses, including notable names like Shopify, Airbnb, and Hulu, utilize Front to improve their customer engagement. The company's multi-channel inbox platform specializes in consolidating communication, facilitating internal discussions, and incorporating social features, thus enabling users to chat effectively and save time. By placing customer conversations at the forefront, Front empowers organizations to build stronger relationships through each interaction.

Sochat is an iOS and Android mobile messaging application and connection platform. It allows its users to publish groups nearby with a PIN to quickly gather up and share GIFs, photos, videos, disappearing messages, and drawings among its users. It also allows sending songs and YouTube videos, play rock paper scissors game, and poll friends and groups. Sochat is a U.S.-based company that was founded in 2014 by Lukens Orthwein.

Hello Scout aims to enhance the travel experience by offering a text message and app-based concierge service tailored for boutique hotels. The company connects hotel guests with local experts who provide personalized assistance in discovering unique attractions and activities. Through a combination of human expertise and automated responses, Hello Scout facilitates seamless communication, enabling guests to access information and recommendations while exploring their destination. This innovative platform is designed to make travel more relaxing and spontaneous by ensuring that guests can easily find hidden gems and book experiences during their stay.

Angel.ai, founded in February 2015, operates as a free, text message-based personal concierge service that connects users with trained operators to fulfill various requests around the clock. Utilizing Human Assisted Artificial Intelligence, the service allows clients to make requests via SMS for a wide range of tasks, including ordering food, making travel bookings, and securing restaurant reservations, all without any hidden fees or markups. Angel.ai is designed to save users time and simplify everyday tasks by providing efficient and convenient assistance whenever needed. Despite rumors of an acquisition by Amazon in 2016, the company has continued to operate independently.

Lynk Messenger is a hyper-local messaging application that lets its users to chat with friends nearby for free, using its new Bluetooth messaging technology. It does not require Wi-Fi or data. Lynk Messenger allows its users to chat privately for free via low-energy Bluetooth; continue conversations around the world via Wi-Fi or data; create and join private group chats; own their privacy and stop giving out phone numbers; frictionless friend adding; completely free everywhere; share gifs, locations, and photos; and much more. Co-founded by Zachary Goldberg and Lukens Orthwein, Lynk Messenger was launched in 2014 and is based in Palo Alto, C.A.

Shyp, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that provides an on-demand shipping service through its mobile application. Founded in 2013, Shyp allows users to photograph their items, request a pickup, and select packaging and shipping insurance options. The service manages the entire shipping process, from picking up the items to delivering them to various destinations worldwide. Shyp connects customers with major carriers such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS, optimizing the delivery experience by determining the most suitable carrier for each shipment. Through its platform, Shyp aims to simplify the shipping process for users, making it more accessible and efficient.

Slack Technologies, Inc., established in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, operates a cloud-based communication and collaboration platform, Slack. This platform facilitates team messaging, file sharing, and integration with various business tools, catering to a wide range of industries, from startups to large enterprises. Slack's software-as-a-service model enables real-time communication and data sharing, aiming to increase organizational efficiency and productivity.

Swipe Labs is a mobile communication application developer based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2013. The company focuses on enhancing the intimacy of human interactions by enabling users to privately share photos and videos with small groups of friends. Swipe Labs aims to improve mobile communication experiences through innovative social products that foster closer connections among 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.

Hinge, Inc. is a social discovery network that operates a mobile application designed to help users meet new people within their social circles. Founded in 2011 and based in New York City, Hinge offers an alternative to traditional dating app swipe culture by facilitating meaningful connections through smart matches and promoting natural conversations. Users can browse profiles that are validated through Facebook, allowing them to view photos, full names, and shared interests, as well as mutual friends. As of 2018, Hinge operates as a subsidiary of Match Group, Inc.

Slack Technologies, Inc., established in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, operates a cloud-based communication and collaboration platform, Slack. This platform facilitates team messaging, file sharing, and integration with various business tools, catering to a wide range of industries, from startups to large enterprises. Slack's software-as-a-service model enables real-time communication and data sharing, aiming to increase organizational efficiency and productivity.

Cord Project Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Brooklyn, New York, specializes in voice messaging technology. The company offers a platform that enables users to send voice messages quickly and easily, allowing for one-on-one chats or group conversations. The service is available for both iPhone and Android devices, providing a user-friendly experience. Cord Project operates as a subsidiary of Spotify USA Inc., focusing on enhancing communication through innovative audio messaging solutions that utilize voice commands to facilitate interactions on mobile devices.

Yo is a mobile communication application that offers a straightforward and efficient single-tap communication tool. The application allows users to connect with their favorite brands through notifications and enables them to notify Instagram followers about new posts. Additionally, users can inform friends about events and share their location with minimal effort, requiring just two taps. This design prioritizes simplicity, making it easy for individuals to stay connected with their social circles and receive updates from their preferred brands.

WUT, Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing a social messaging application that enables users to send anonymous and ephemeral messages to their friends. The app captures the spontaneous and free-spirited interactions that users enjoy, allowing them to engage in casual conversations through their mobile devices. By focusing on anonymity and temporality, WUT aims to enhance the social messaging experience, making it more dynamic and reflective of real-life interactions.

Assist is a developer of a platform that provides automated services tailored for leading brands such as Fandango, 1800Flowers, and Hyatt. The platform aims to create a new standard by moving away from pre-defined scripts, offering users more dynamic and adventure-type experiences. It integrates seamlessly with major messaging platforms, utilizing its proprietary data and APIs to enhance user interactions. This approach enables customers to obtain the services they need with minimal friction, streamlining the overall experience.

Highlight is a mobile application designed to facilitate social connections among users in their vicinity. The app notifies users when they are in close proximity to others who share mutual friends or interests on Facebook, allowing for potential interactions. Users receive push notifications when they come within a few blocks of these individuals, enabling them to message each other. The app's homescreen features a reverse chronological list of people the user has encountered, enhancing the experience of discovering and engaging with nearby acquaintances. Highlight aims to foster a sense of community and connection in urban environments by leveraging social media networks.

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.

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.

PullString, Inc. is an entertainment and technology company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing interactive applications allowing users to engage in conversation with digital and physical characters. The company's primary offering, the PullString Platform, provides a comprehensive authoring environment, artificial intelligence capabilities, and conversation analytics, catering to various industries such as entertainment, customer service, gaming, and more. This platform supports major conversational channels including Facebook Messenger, Amazon Alexa, and others, enabling the creation of engaging experiences like Call of Duty’s Lt Reyes and Hello Barbie. Founded in 2011 as ToyTalk, PullString has transformed the landscape of computer conversation through its innovative blend of design and technology, allowing organizations to collaboratively develop and publish dynamic voice applications. The company rebranded to PullString in 2016 and has secured significant funding to further its mission in the realm of conversational experiences.

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.