Slow Ventures

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

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

Big Whale Labs is a startup focused on enhancing identity and social interactions through zero-knowledge cryptography and distributed computing. The company has developed a decentralized identity verification platform that allows users to create and engage as pseudonymous blockchain identities, while attaching verified credentials and reputations to these identities in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This innovative approach aims to make online social interactions safer, more enjoyable, and secure, particularly for crypto owners who wish to verify their credentials while maintaining anonymity. Their flagship product, Ketl, is an application designed for verified founders and venture capitalists to engage in discussions on sensitive topics with a strong emphasis on privacy.

Ianacare, Inc. is a technology-driven company that provides an online platform designed to support family caregivers managing chronic illnesses and other caregiving situations. Founded in 2017 and based in Newton Center, Massachusetts, Ianacare connects caregivers, care recipients, and their support networks to facilitate practical and emotional assistance. The platform enables users to coordinate various forms of support, including meals, rides, respite care, and other non-clinical needs, all within an intuitive mobile application. Ianacare aims to empower working family caregivers by offering resources and community connections, ensuring that no one has to navigate the complexities of caregiving alone.

Big Whale Labs is a startup focused on enhancing identity and social interactions through zero-knowledge cryptography and distributed computing. The company has developed a decentralized identity verification platform that allows users to create and engage as pseudonymous blockchain identities, while attaching verified credentials and reputations to these identities in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This innovative approach aims to make online social interactions safer, more enjoyable, and secure, particularly for crypto owners who wish to verify their credentials while maintaining anonymity. Their flagship product, Ketl, is an application designed for verified founders and venture capitalists to engage in discussions on sensitive topics with a strong emphasis on privacy.

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

ZenBusiness Inc. is a company that specializes in providing corporate entity creation and management services tailored for small business owners. Founded in 2015 and based in Austin, Texas, ZenBusiness offers a comprehensive platform that consolidates business formation, compliance, banking, bookkeeping, and marketing tools into an intuitive dashboard. This platform allows users to manage their business needs efficiently, including checking their company's status and filing necessary documents, all from a single login. What distinguishes ZenBusiness is its blend of innovative technology and live human support, offering customers access to expert guidance through various communication channels. The company is also dedicated to social impact, functioning as a Public Benefit Corporation and promoting employee volunteer work. ZenBusiness actively engages with diverse entrepreneurs and provides grant opportunities to support small business growth, further solidifying its role as a trusted partner in the business community.

Raya is a private, membership-based social networking platform designed for individuals in creative industries. It provides a space for users to connect, collaborate, and explore opportunities on a global scale. Members utilize the platform not only for professional networking but also for romantic connections. Access to Raya is limited to approved applicants, ensuring a curated community of like-minded individuals. The mobile application facilitates user interactions, allowing members to browse profiles and engage with others who share similar interests and goals.

Ense is a developer of a content-sharing platform that facilitates the sharing of audible content. The platform allows users to instantly record audio, enabling them to share melodies, conversations, and voice memos in real-time. By connecting human voices to listeners, Ense creates a social environment where users can engage through audio, enhancing communication and interaction in a unique way.

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

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

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

Friendsy is a social networking platform designed specifically for college students, launched in 2013 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. The platform facilitates connections among students by enabling them to chat, compliment, and engage with peers across various campuses. Users can browse through verified profiles, match with nearby students, and initiate conversations directly on the platform, fostering a community where students can easily find and connect with new friends.

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

Nextdoor, Inc. is a social networking platform based in San Francisco that facilitates local conversations among residents. Founded in 2007, the company aims to foster connections within neighborhoods by allowing users to share recommendations, news updates, and resources while also promoting local businesses and services. Nextdoor enhances community engagement by offering features like the Help Map, which enables neighbors to offer assistance to those in need, particularly during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. With a presence in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and several European nations, Nextdoor seeks to create a sense of belonging and support among neighbors, emphasizing the importance of community in people's lives.

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

Giphy, Inc. is an online platform that specializes in the search, sharing, and discovery of animated graphics interchange formats (GIFs). Founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York City, the company offers a comprehensive database of GIFs across various categories including emotions, food, animals, and pop culture. It enables users to easily browse and share these animated graphics through social media channels. Giphy also supports creative input by allowing users to upload their own GIFs and collaborates with brands to produce original content. The platform aims to evolve beyond its search engine roots into a vibrant community for GIF artists and enthusiasts, focusing on fostering creativity and engagement within the digital visual communication space. As of mid-2020, Giphy operates as a subsidiary of Instagram, which enhances its integration within social media ecosystems.

Swipe Labs, founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing mobile communication applications that enhance the intimacy and privacy of user interactions. Their primary product allows users to share private photos and videos with select groups of friends, providing a more personal and secure way to communicate compared to public social media platforms. The company focuses on experimenting with new social products to improve mobile communication experiences for its users.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glow, Inc. is a company focused on women's health, particularly in the areas of fertility, pregnancy, and reproductive well-being. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, it develops and operates mobile applications designed to offer information and support throughout various phases of women's reproductive health. Its primary offerings include Ruby By Glow, which provides period and ovulation tracking alongside health and sex education; Glow, an ovulation calculator; and Glow Nurture, a pregnancy tracking solution. Additionally, Glow offers a community fund program aimed at making infertility treatment more accessible through collective risk pooling among couples. This non-profit initiative also provides financial assistance to accredited infertility clinics for couples who do not achieve pregnancy. Glow's applications utilize data analysis to help users track their cycles and enhance fertility outcomes, offering resources and support for those experiencing pregnancy loss as well.

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

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

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

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

Nextdoor, Inc. is a social networking platform based in San Francisco that facilitates local conversations among residents. Founded in 2007, the company aims to foster connections within neighborhoods by allowing users to share recommendations, news updates, and resources while also promoting local businesses and services. Nextdoor enhances community engagement by offering features like the Help Map, which enables neighbors to offer assistance to those in need, particularly during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. With a presence in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and several European nations, Nextdoor seeks to create a sense of belonging and support among neighbors, emphasizing the importance of community in people's lives.

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

Nextdoor, Inc. is a social networking platform based in San Francisco that facilitates local conversations among residents. Founded in 2007, the company aims to foster connections within neighborhoods by allowing users to share recommendations, news updates, and resources while also promoting local businesses and services. Nextdoor enhances community engagement by offering features like the Help Map, which enables neighbors to offer assistance to those in need, particularly during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. With a presence in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and several European nations, Nextdoor seeks to create a sense of belonging and support among neighbors, emphasizing the importance of community in people's lives.

Pinterest, Inc. is a visual discovery engine that enables users to find inspiration for various aspects of their lives, such as recipes, home decor, fashion, and travel. Launched in 2010 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the platform allows users to save and organize images on curated boards tailored to their personal interests. With a user base of nearly 500 million monthly active users, a significant portion of whom are female, Pinterest facilitates the discovery and sharing of creative ideas. The company generates revenue primarily through digital advertising and is increasingly incorporating e-commerce features within its platform. Although about 20% of its users are located in the US and Canada, this region accounted for approximately 80% of its revenue in 2023.

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

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

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

Twitter is a social networking platform that facilitates the exchange of micro-blogs, known as "tweets," which can be up to 280 characters in length. Launched in 2006, it allows users to send and read tweets through various means, including web browsers, SMS, and mobile applications. With over 400 million monthly visitors and 255 million active users, Twitter serves as a global real-time communications platform. Its diverse user base includes world leaders, athletes, entertainers, and news organizations, contributing to its role as a significant source of information and engagement. The platform is available in more than 35 languages and has a strong presence in major cities worldwide, with headquarters in San Francisco and offices across the United States and internationally.