PROOF Collective
Series A in 2022
PROOF is an NFT platform that provides access to private Discord, early access to the PROOF podcast, and in-person events.
Saturn Technologies
Venture Round in 2021
Saturn is a social network that operates on a temporal basis. Saturn organizes chaotic high school schedules and connects students with the people and information that are most important to them.
Cooper is a mobile application that enables users to connect with friends through gaming. It provides a platform for users to participate in voice chats, discover games their friends are playing, and organize gaming parties. The app focuses on fostering social interactions among gamers, allowing them to engage in games together in a fun and interactive environment.
CareSpace Health
Pre Seed Round in 2021
CareSpace Health is a health platform where patients can find community and support.
LiveSpot
Seed Round in 2021
LiveSpot makes it easy for creators to launch a group coaching channel. LiveSpot builds a new model for creators to monetize their knowledge.
Saturn Technologies
Series A in 2021
Saturn is a social network that operates on a temporal basis. Saturn organizes chaotic high school schedules and connects students with the people and information that are most important to them.
Pop
Pre Seed Round in 2020
Pop is a technology company focused on developing consumer and business software that enhances the customization of photos and videos. The company operates two key applications: StickerPop, which allows users to create and share customizable stickers, and FilterPop, which enables the application of personalized filters to images. Additionally, Pop has ventured into social networking with Superlocal, an app designed to connect users with their local communities. Through Superlocal, users can check in to various locations, accumulate points, and redeem them for rewards, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement within their neighborhoods. By combining creative tools with community-oriented features, Pop aims to empower both artists and local residents.
Clothia
Seed Round in 2019
Clothia, Inc. is an innovative online fashion platform that allows users to explore and express their style through interactive features. Founded in 2010 and based in New York, the platform enables users to create virtual closets where they can mix and match outfits, try on clothing virtually via augmented reality, and share their looks with friends and fellow fashion enthusiasts. Users can browse and purchase items from a curated collection of wearable statements from emerging international designers, stay informed about global fashion trends, and engage with a community by sharing outfits and creating look boards. Additionally, Clothia offers video content featuring interviews with designers, models, and trendsetters, enriching the user experience in the world of fashion.
Manticore Games
Series B in 2019
Manticore Games, Inc. is a game development company founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Mateo, California. The company specializes in creating Core, a comprehensive platform that allows users to build, share, and play online games. It serves as an accessible game construction kit and social gaming environment, designed to empower individuals with little to no coding experience to create and publish their own games quickly. Manticore Games aims to foster a vibrant community of game makers and players, providing an endless universe of interactive experiences for users to explore. The team comprises industry veterans with extensive backgrounds in PC, console, mobile, and virtual reality gaming.
Binti
Venture Round in 2019
Binti, Inc. is a technology company based in Oakland, California, that specializes in providing a comprehensive platform for the foster care and adoption processes. Founded in 2013, Binti's software simplifies the experience for parents by allowing them to complete home study paperwork online and access a network of social workers and agencies for home visits. The platform is utilized by over 300 child welfare agencies across 33 states, serving more than 30% of children in the U.S. child welfare system. Binti's tools facilitate efficient recruitment, licensing, and matching of foster parents while also supporting families in need. By addressing the complexities of child welfare, Binti has enabled agencies to license 80% more families within their first year of using the platform, significantly reducing approval times and saving social worker resources. As a for-profit, mission-driven organization, Binti is committed to ensuring that every child has a safe, loving, and stable family.
Lolly
Pre Seed Round in 2019
Lolly is a social dating platform that uses short-form content to allow users to express themselves.
Manticore Games
Series A in 2017
Manticore Games, Inc. is a game development company founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Mateo, California. The company specializes in creating Core, a comprehensive platform that allows users to build, share, and play online games. It serves as an accessible game construction kit and social gaming environment, designed to empower individuals with little to no coding experience to create and publish their own games quickly. Manticore Games aims to foster a vibrant community of game makers and players, providing an endless universe of interactive experiences for users to explore. The team comprises industry veterans with extensive backgrounds in PC, console, mobile, and virtual reality gaming.
Itsme
Pre Seed Round in 2017
Itsme creates high fidelity Avatars and Environments that enable the World to feel closer together. Millions of people use Itsme to explore the world, meet new people, and grow meaningful friendships without the constraints of physical space
Reddit, established in 2005, operates as a social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website. It facilitates users to submit links, create content, and engage in discussions on a wide array of topics, from gaming and sports to business and cryptocurrency.
Prefer is a referral network that facilitates connections between independent service professionals and clients. The platform offers an application designed to enhance the way these professionals, such as massage therapists, babysitters, and hairstylists, discover clients and collaborate effectively. By leveraging trusted referrals from satisfied customers, Prefer helps service providers secure a consistent flow of new business. Additionally, the application improves the booking and payment experience for existing clients, fostering stronger relationships over time. Through its innovative approach, Prefer aims to streamline the referral process and build a supportive community for both service professionals and their clients.
Bigscreen
Seed Round in 2017
Bigscreen, Inc., founded in 2014 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, is a company that develops a social virtual desktop application allowing users to experience their computer in virtual reality on virtual screens. The platform supports a variety of use cases, including entertainment and productivity, enabling users to watch movies and TV shows, play video games, browse the web, and collaborate with remote teams in virtual offices. Since its beta launch in 2016, Bigscreen has gained significant popularity, becoming one of the highest-rated VR applications available, with a 93% positive rating on Steam. It is recognized as the most popular non-gaming VR application globally, with dedicated users spending 20-30 hours per week on the platform. Bigscreen operates as a fully distributed remote company, employing personnel located across the United States and the United Kingdom.
Manticore Games
Pre Seed Round in 2017
Manticore Games, Inc. is a game development company founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Mateo, California. The company specializes in creating Core, a comprehensive platform that allows users to build, share, and play online games. It serves as an accessible game construction kit and social gaming environment, designed to empower individuals with little to no coding experience to create and publish their own games quickly. Manticore Games aims to foster a vibrant community of game makers and players, providing an endless universe of interactive experiences for users to explore. The team comprises industry veterans with extensive backgrounds in PC, console, mobile, and virtual reality gaming.
Vidme is a startup video lab that operates a video-sharing platform aimed at fostering a community for expressing and sharing ideas. The platform allows users to upload videos across various categories, including gaming, animation, movies, and entertainment. Users can share their content within relevant community sections, and notably, Vidme enables uploads without requiring users to create an account. This accessibility encourages broader participation and engagement within its community, making it a versatile space for video content creators.
Clutch
Convertible Note in 2016
Share your personal gaming moments & find community
Playspace
Series A in 2016
Playspace is a virtual meeting and collaboration platform designed to facilitate various forms of team interaction, including meetings, brainstorming sessions, and social gatherings. The platform provides a flexible environment equipped with tools such as whiteboards and text scratchpads, allowing teams to collaborate effectively. It features a navigation drawer that displays the day's meetings and contact statuses, enhancing connectivity among users. Additionally, Playspace includes a "Rooms" feature, which offers built-in functionalities for group activities, including synchronized music playback. A standout capability of the platform is the "Magic Screenshare" tool, which enables users to share and edit a single desktop collaboratively, making it easier for teams to work together in real-time. Overall, Playspace aims to streamline communication and collaboration within teams, creating a dedicated space for productivity and creativity.
Wakie
Convertible Note in 2016
Wakie is a mobile application developer based in Moscow, Russia, founded in 2011. The company provides a platform that facilitates real live human wake-up calls through a community-driven approach, allowing users to wake each other up instead of relying on traditional alarm clocks. Its primary applications include Wakie, which serves an international audience, and Budist, tailored for Russian-speaking users. In addition to its wake-up services, Wakie also offers a social calling and chatting feature, enabling users to connect with like-minded individuals for discussions on various topics. This combination of services promotes interaction and community engagement among users worldwide.
Bigscreen
Pre Seed Round in 2016
Bigscreen, Inc., founded in 2014 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, is a company that develops a social virtual desktop application allowing users to experience their computer in virtual reality on virtual screens. The platform supports a variety of use cases, including entertainment and productivity, enabling users to watch movies and TV shows, play video games, browse the web, and collaborate with remote teams in virtual offices. Since its beta launch in 2016, Bigscreen has gained significant popularity, becoming one of the highest-rated VR applications available, with a 93% positive rating on Steam. It is recognized as the most popular non-gaming VR application globally, with dedicated users spending 20-30 hours per week on the platform. Bigscreen operates as a fully distributed remote company, employing personnel located across the United States and the United Kingdom.
Spot Tech, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company, established in 2013, that specializes in developing a travel planning platform. This application provides users with recommendations for food, coffee, and drinks, while also facilitating collaborative trip exploration. Users can browse and research various destinations, compile lists of interesting locations and activities, and easily plan their trips with friends. Spot aims to enhance the travel experience by making it more interactive and user-friendly.
Pinterest
Series G in 2015
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.
Vidme is a startup video lab that operates a video-sharing platform aimed at fostering a community for expressing and sharing ideas. The platform allows users to upload videos across various categories, including gaming, animation, movies, and entertainment. Users can share their content within relevant community sections, and notably, Vidme enables uploads without requiring users to create an account. This accessibility encourages broader participation and engagement within its community, making it a versatile space for video content creators.
Kik, founded in 2009 by a group of University of Waterloo students, is a mobile messaging application based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company aims to facilitate connections among users, services, and businesses, particularly targeting a teenage audience. Kik offers features that allow users to share their feelings and engage with friends and family, as well as chatbots for entertainment. With over 300 million registered users, Kik has established itself as a popular messaging platform, with more than 40% of young Americans using it as their primary messaging app. Users typically spend an average of 35 minutes per session within the app, reflecting its strong engagement. The company is supported by notable venture capitalists and has raised significant funding, with Tencent, the creator of WeChat, as a strategic investor.
Complex Polygon
Seed Round in 2014
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.
Reddit, established in 2005, operates as a social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website. It facilitates users to submit links, create content, and engage in discussions on a wide array of topics, from gaming and sports to business and cryptocurrency.
Kik, founded in 2009 by a group of University of Waterloo students, is a mobile messaging application based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company aims to facilitate connections among users, services, and businesses, particularly targeting a teenage audience. Kik offers features that allow users to share their feelings and engage with friends and family, as well as chatbots for entertainment. With over 300 million registered users, Kik has established itself as a popular messaging platform, with more than 40% of young Americans using it as their primary messaging app. Users typically spend an average of 35 minutes per session within the app, reflecting its strong engagement. The company is supported by notable venture capitalists and has raised significant funding, with Tencent, the creator of WeChat, as a strategic investor.
Brigade is an online platform that aims to enhance civic engagement by making it easy, effective, and enjoyable for users. The platform allows individuals to express their opinions, learn about their friends' perspectives, and discover shared interests. By facilitating communication between citizens and their representatives, Brigade empowers users to ensure their voices are heard and actively participate in the democratic process. The company focuses on restoring the central role of the voter in democracy, promoting collaboration and understanding among users.
Secret offers an online platform that enables users to share their personal secrets with other users anonymously. It owns and operates a mobile application that helps users to share and connect with friends. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Amino Apps
Seed Round in 2014
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.
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.
BabyWatch
Venture Round in 2014
BabyWatch Inc., headquartered in Berlin, Germany, specializes in innovative prenatal care solutions. The company develops a system that connects home ultrasound devices with smartphones, enabling pregnant women to hear, visualize, and share their unborn babies' heartbeats. Additionally, BabyWatch offers GlobalBeat, a social platform facilitating interaction among expectant mothers for exchanging experiences and information. The company also provides medical data visualizations and infographics based on analyzed pregnancy tracking data shared by its community.
Pinterest
Series F in 2014
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.
SeeMe
Venture Round in 2014
SeeMe is an online platform that connects contemporary emerging artists with a global audience, facilitating the sale of limited edition prints and original artwork. The platform allows artists to showcase a diverse range of images, appealing to various tastes and interests. Through its website and mobile app, users can engage with creators by leaving comments and likes, and they can also purchase eco-friendly postcards and unique apparel featuring the artwork. SeeMe employs intuitive discovery tools and predictive algorithms to help collectors find and support top artists, fostering a community where hundreds of thousands of creators are connected with millions of art enthusiasts worldwide.
Secret offers an online platform that enables users to share their personal secrets with other users anonymously. It owns and operates a mobile application that helps users to share and connect with friends. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Medium is a San Francisco-based publishing platform founded in 2012 by Evan Williams. It enables users to read, write, and engage with insightful stories and ideas on a wide range of topics. The platform offers simple creation tools for writers, combined with a larger distribution network, allowing both amateur and professional writers to build audiences and foster meaningful conversations. Readers can personalize their content feed by following people and topics they're interested in, and engage with posts through highlights, recommendations, or responses. Medium combines the power of social networking with high-quality storytelling, creating a community-driven environment where diverse perspectives and ideas thrive.
Secret offers an online platform that enables users to share their personal secrets with other users anonymously. It owns and operates a mobile application that helps users to share and connect with friends. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Swipe Labs
Seed Round in 2013
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.
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.
Leo is the fastest and easiest way to share moments of your life with family and friends. Connect with your favorite people through short-lived photos, videos and texts, captured in the moment. Messages disappear a few seconds after viewing them.
Overlay Studio
Seed Round in 2013
Overlay Studio, Inc. is a mobile application development company based in Provo, Utah, established in 2013. The company specializes in creating innovative applications that enhance photography and design experiences. Its primary product, Studio, is a social design platform that enables users to browse and remix designs created by others. This application allows users to add layers to their photos, enhancing their visual appeal and facilitating creative expression. By combining features of design sharing and photo beautification, Overlay Studio aims to foster a community where creativity can be shared and enjoyed among friends and family.
Snap Inc., established in 2010, is a global camera company headquartered in Santa Monica, California. It operates primarily through its flagship product, Snapchat, a multimedia messaging application renowned for its ephemeral nature, allowing users to send and share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after viewing. Snapchat offers a range of creative features, including filters, lenses, augmented reality experiences, and Stories, which enable users to create and share content with friends or a broader audience. The platform also includes Discover, providing access to original content from publishers and creators, and Memories, allowing users to save and revisit their Snaps. In addition to its software offerings, Snap Inc. has ventured into hardware with Spectacles, wearable cameras that capture first-person perspective content and sync with Snapchat. The company generates nearly all its revenue from advertising, with North America being its largest market despite only accounting for a quarter of its user base. As of 2023, Snapchat boasts over 400 million daily active users.
Jelly is an application that operates as a question and answer platform. Jelly relies on visual imagery to steer people to get better answers from within and outside their social networks. In particular, it encourages people to use photos to ask questions. The company was founded in 2013 by Biz Stone, one of Twitter's co-founders. Jelly was acquired by Pinterest in 2017.
Hangtime
Seed Round in 2013
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.
Snap Inc., established in 2010, is a global camera company headquartered in Santa Monica, California. It operates primarily through its flagship product, Snapchat, a multimedia messaging application renowned for its ephemeral nature, allowing users to send and share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after viewing. Snapchat offers a range of creative features, including filters, lenses, augmented reality experiences, and Stories, which enable users to create and share content with friends or a broader audience. The platform also includes Discover, providing access to original content from publishers and creators, and Memories, allowing users to save and revisit their Snaps. In addition to its software offerings, Snap Inc. has ventured into hardware with Spectacles, wearable cameras that capture first-person perspective content and sync with Snapchat. The company generates nearly all its revenue from advertising, with North America being its largest market despite only accounting for a quarter of its user base. As of 2023, Snapchat boasts over 400 million daily active users.
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.
Grouper
Seed Round in 2012
Grouper is a social club that facilitates group outings by connecting two groups of friends, typically consisting of three individuals each from different genders or similar gender combinations. Founded in New York in 2011, Grouper utilizes data from Facebook profiles to match participants, enhancing their social experiences. The company has expanded its operations to major cities across the United States and has facilitated tens of thousands of drinks among its members. The founding team includes Michael Waxman, a Yale graduate with a background in language learning, and Tom Brown, an MIT engineer with experience at MoPub. Grouper was part of Y Combinator's Winter 2012 program, which provided initial funding and support for its growth.
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., founded in 2010 and based in San Francisco, California, offers a search engine service that enables users to find individuals across various social networks. The platform allows users to search for old classmates, new business contacts, and friends by utilizing multiple search filters, including location, employer, schools, and interests. This service is designed to provide users with comprehensive information about people, facilitating connections in a straightforward manner. By streamlining the process of discovering contacts, Ark enhances users' ability to network and reconnect with others effortlessly.
Branch is a company that facilitates accelerated pay and digital wallet solutions for businesses, enabling them to empower their workers through efficient financial services. By streamlining payment processes, Branch helps organizations save money while providing employees with faster access to their earnings and complimentary digital banking services. The platform does not require pre-funding or upfront capital, making it an accessible option for various businesses looking to enhance their payroll systems. Additionally, Branch promotes a new brand of public discourse by inviting curated groups of knowledgeable individuals to engage in meaningful discussions on relevant issues, aiming to foster a more interactive and informed dialogue online.
FamilyLeaf
Seed Round in 2012
FamilyLeaf is a private place to share your life with your family. You create a private page where your family can easily share photos, share life updates, store contact information, and post messages. Our mission is to bring families around the world closer together. Family is the most irreplaceable but overlooked social network; we want to help you share the little things that build a lifetime of love!
Newsle is a web application founded in 2011 and based in Mountain View, California. It specializes in aggregating news related to users' social connections, such as Facebook friends, LinkedIn contacts, and notable public figures. The platform employs a news discovery engine that allows users to track and receive updates on publicly available news articles concerning individuals in their social networks. By focusing solely on indexed public content, Newsle provides a tailored news experience that helps users stay informed about the activities and achievements of people they are connected with.
SeeMe is an online platform that connects contemporary emerging artists with a global audience, facilitating the sale of limited edition prints and original artwork. The platform allows artists to showcase a diverse range of images, appealing to various tastes and interests. Through its website and mobile app, users can engage with creators by leaving comments and likes, and they can also purchase eco-friendly postcards and unique apparel featuring the artwork. SeeMe employs intuitive discovery tools and predictive algorithms to help collectors find and support top artists, fostering a community where hundreds of thousands of creators are connected with millions of art enthusiasts worldwide.
Backplane
Series A in 2012
Backplane is a platform designed to facilitate connections among individuals who share common interests. Its initial community, LittleMonsters.com, centered around Lady Gaga, has grown to nearly one million members. The company emphasizes the importance of meaningful interactions between consumers and brands, aiming to foster authentic communities. Backplane advocates for the development of niche social networks that serve specific purposes, rather than a singular, overarching network. By partnering with leading brands, Backplane seeks to create environments where members can engage more deeply and purposefully.
Delectable
Seed Round in 2012
Delectable, Inc, established in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in a mobile application that simplifies wine exploration and appreciation. The platform, also named Delectable, allows users to tag, rate, and log wines they've enjoyed, discover recommendations from friends, experts, and winemakers, maintain a digital wine journal, and engage in community discussions about wine. The company, now a subsidiary of Vinous Media LLC, aims to make wine understanding and discovery more accessible through innovative technology.
Embly is a company that specializes in enhancing social interactions by helping users discover and celebrate significant moments in the lives of their Facebook friends. Through its online platform, Embly provides timely updates on friends' birthdays and other important milestones. The service allows users to send quick, fun messages, free gifts, and gift cards to acknowledge these occasions, fostering a sense of connection and celebration within social networks.
nprogress
Seed Round in 2011
nProgress is the creator of ntro, a mobile social discovery platform for iPhone and Android. ntro is a social discovery smartphone app that helps you discover and connect with nearby people who share your interests, whether it’s food trucks, TechCrunch or zombies. Simply enter your interests or download them from Facebook – ntro connects you to other people who like the same things and lets you know if you have any friends in common. ntro is available for free on iPhone and Android in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. The app will expand to more cities soon. Get more info at www.ntro.com
Trippy
Venture Round in 2011
Trippy, Inc. is a travel information platform based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2011. It serves as a community-driven resource where travelers can ask questions and share experiences about various destinations. The platform encourages users to seek advice on accommodations, attractions, and activities, fostering a supportive environment aimed at enhancing travel experiences. Trippy was founded by J.R. Johnson, who previously led the successful growth of VirtualTourist.com and OneTime.com before their acquisition by Expedia. The company aims to inspire users by promoting a sense of community and the joy of helping others through shared travel insights.
Backplane
Angel Round in 2011
Backplane is a platform designed to facilitate connections among individuals who share common interests. Its initial community, LittleMonsters.com, centered around Lady Gaga, has grown to nearly one million members. The company emphasizes the importance of meaningful interactions between consumers and brands, aiming to foster authentic communities. Backplane advocates for the development of niche social networks that serve specific purposes, rather than a singular, overarching network. By partnering with leading brands, Backplane seeks to create environments where members can engage more deeply and purposefully.
Just.me
Seed Round in 2011
Just.me, Inc., established in 2011 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, operates a mobile and social network. It offers a free, unified mobile messaging platform that combines features from various apps, such as texting, email, voice messages, and multimedia sharing, into a single application. Users can save, share, or publish memories, messages, or posts with unlimited photos, videos, voice, and text. The app, currently in beta for iPhone and under development for Android, also has a web version with reduced publishing features. Just.me stands out by giving users control over their information and messages, as it sits on the smartphone address book, allowing users to decide who sees each shared message.
One Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that develops a mobile application called One, designed to facilitate social networking by connecting users with shared interests. The app utilizes information from users' Facebook profiles and their geographical location to identify and notify them of nearby individuals who have similar interests and have also downloaded the application. This innovative approach aims to enhance user interaction and foster community engagement among individuals with common hobbies and preferences.
Circle is the app that answers the question, "Who’s Around You?" Know when your friends & networks are nearby, wherever you are, no matter where you go. Circle tells you when your friends, or people from your networks (college, work, hometown, professional group, etc.), are near you. You'll be magically notified whenever they're around. Circle is an award-winning app, featured by Apple in over 50 countries and many of the top press publications.
Livestar
Seed Round in 2011
Livestar is a mobile application designed to provide users with quick and easy recommendations from critics, friends, and individuals with similar tastes. The platform currently focuses on recommendations for restaurants, movies, music, and apps, with plans to expand into additional categories in the future. Founded by Fritz Lanman, a former Microsoft executive and investor, Livestar's engineering team consists mainly of former Amazon engineers. The company has garnered support from a range of prominent investors across Silicon Valley, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York, reflecting its appeal in the technology and entertainment sectors. Through its user-friendly interface, Livestar facilitates the discovery of content and experiences tailored to individual preferences, enhancing the decision-making process for its users.
Pinterest
Series A in 2011
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.
Friend.ly
Series A in 2011
Friend.ly is a social Q&A platform designed to facilitate self-expression in a fun and meaningful way. It allows users to engage with a community by answering a variety of site-generated questions that are personally relevant to them. Upon logging in, users can explore questions, respond to others, and provide compliments on answers, fostering a positive environment for sharing thoughts and experiences. The platform aims to help individuals create a more accurate online profile while encouraging deeper connections with friends and acquaintances. Through its engaging approach, Friend.ly serves as a tool for users to better understand themselves and the people around them.
A Bit Lucky
Series A in 2011
A Bit Lucky, Inc. is a company specializing in online social gaming, focusing on the development of innovative games that can be played across multiple platforms, including PC, Mac, tablets, and smartphones. With a commitment to creating engaging and entertaining gaming experiences, A Bit Lucky aims to redefine social gaming by offering real-time gameplay that connects players in an interactive environment. The company is dedicated to its passion for crafting high-quality games that appeal to a wide audience.
TinyCo, founded in 2009 by Suli Ali, is a mobile game development company that focuses on creating engaging gaming experiences based on popular entertainment franchises. The company has developed over a dozen successful games, including titles like Marvel Avengers Academy and Family Guy: The Quest for Stuff, available on major platforms such as the App Store, Google Play Store, and Amazon App Store. TinyCo aims to deliver enjoyable mobile entertainment that brings happiness to users in short increments of time. The company’s portfolio consists of high-quality free-to-play games designed to enhance social gaming experiences. TinyCo was acquired by Jam City, a leading global mobile entertainment company known for its innovative and narrative-rich games that feature iconic brands.
1000Memories
Series A in 2011
1000Memories is a digital platform designed to help individuals organize, share, and discover old photographs and cherished memories. By offering a user-friendly interface, the company facilitates the creation of family trees, allowing users to connect and reminisce with loved ones. In addition to personal memories, 1000Memories provides a social website where families and friends can create free memorial pages to honor and remember those who have passed away. This combination of photo organization and memorialization positions 1000Memories as a meaningful resource for preserving and celebrating personal and familial histories.
GroupMe Inc. is a New York-based company that develops and operates a group messaging application designed to facilitate communication among users, including those without smartphones. Launched in 2010, the platform allows users to easily connect with friends, family, and coworkers through push notifications or SMS. GroupMe's services include group messaging, conference calling, and location and photo sharing, enabling seamless interaction within social networks. Since its inception, the company has experienced significant growth, processing billions of messages and expanding its team to 25 employees. Acquired by Skype Global, GroupMe operates with a degree of autonomy, maintaining an entrepreneurial culture while aiming to become a primary communications provider for a large user base.
Sulia
Venture Round in 2010
**Sulia is a subject-based social network that connects you to the top social sources on subjects you care about.** We all have interests that we're extremely passionate about. Whether it's our family, a sports team, breaking news, Hollywood gossip, a hobby, a career, or a political issue, we obsess over our interests everyday. However, with an endless number of sources talking about an endless number of subjects, it's nearly impossible to find the best sources to follow to across your interests. And, even if you were able to identify the top sources, sifting through all of their content is maddeningly time-consuming. We built Sulia to address these problems (which were driving us mad too). Sulia’s subject-based structure of social channels connects trusted sources and enthusiasts on shared interests across thousands of subjects, including breaking news and events. How? We use a combination of network managers and sophisticated algorithms to identify the best-regarded sources across thousands of subjects. We then dynamically filter content from those sources, regardless of where it's created (a blog, a social network, a media site, through Sulia's publishing system, etc.), into high-quality, realtime social channels. The result is streams of timely content from trusted sources that is always on-topic, readable, and relevant. People use Sulia everyday to discover new sources and engage with their interests. Sulia is backed by leading media and technology investors, including: -- Firstmark Capital: Rick Heitzmann -- Village Ventures: Matt Harris, Bo Peabody -- IA Capital Partners: Roger Ehrenberg -- Founder Collective: Chris Dixon -- SV Angels: Ron Conway -- Mark Gerson, Founder, Gerson Lehrman Group
Rally is an online platform that facilitates social fundraising, enabling individuals, causes, and non-profits to create dedicated fundraising websites. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Rally empowers users to share their stories and connect with supporters through an easy-to-use interface. The platform allows users to post updates, photos, and videos, enhancing their ability to raise funds and build social awareness. Rally has served a diverse array of users, from political candidates to non-profit organizations, helping them mobilize communities and address various issues, such as medical expenses and disaster relief. By leveraging innovative payment and data technology, Rally connects donors with causes, making it a vital tool for effective fundraising and community engagement.
Tasty Labs
Series A in 2010
Tasty Labs is a startup founded by Joshua Schachter, known for creating Delicious, alongside Paul Rademacher, a former Google employee, and Nick Nguyen, the former Director of Add-Ons at Mozilla. The company focuses on enhancing social software by facilitating connections between users and problem solvers. Tasty Labs offers a social recommendation service that aims to integrate practical utility into social interactions, allowing users to navigate challenges collaboratively.
Fashism, Inc. is a New York-based company that offers an online and mobile platform for users to seek feedback on their fashion choices and personal style. Founded in 2008, the service allows individuals to upload images of themselves showcasing their outfits, accompanied by specific questions about their looks. Other users then provide insights and ratings, contributing to a community-driven evaluation system. Participants can receive up or down votes on their submitted photos, which impacts their standing on a leaderboard. This interactive approach not only facilitates personal style assessment but also engages users in a collaborative fashion dialogue.
Lionside is a company that focuses on developing social networking sports games, leveraging the strong connection between fans and their favorite sports teams. Headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in London and Surabaya, Indonesia, Lionside aims to redefine the relationship between sports and gaming by integrating engaging social gaming mechanics into its products. The company's innovative approach capitalizes on the enthusiasm of sports fans, creating interactive experiences that enhance fan engagement and community building.
Path is a mobile photo-sharing and messaging service designed to foster personal social networks with a limit of up to 150 contacts. The platform allows users to capture and share significant life moments with close friends and family, emphasizing simplicity, quality, and privacy. Path enables group messaging and facilitates the importation of photos and graphics to various social networks. The company aims to enhance personal connections through its user-friendly interface and features, reflecting the belief that mobile technology can transform social interactions.
Votizen
Venture Round in 2010
Votizen is a consumer technology company that harnesses social networks to create a connected electorate of voters. Votizen provides a new way to focus, measure, and exercise political influence by bringing voters together. As opposed to existing tools that help elected officials campaign, Votizen empowers its users to leverage their own networks to self-organize in voting blocks and advance their causes and interests, redefining the political system with the voter at the center -- not the politician. The company has engineered an entirely new database of voting record rolls across the United States, taking public voting information and normalizing that data to the district level. Then, by mapping those rolls to a user's online identity (through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google+), Votizen is able to create the first graphical representation of a voter's network, across states, political parties, and frequency of voting. Votizen was cofounded by David Binetti, Jason Putorti, and Matt Snider. The company is nonpartisan, for-profit, venture-backed, and based in Mountain View, CA: www.votizen.com
GroupMe Inc. is a New York-based company that develops and operates a group messaging application designed to facilitate communication among users, including those without smartphones. Launched in 2010, the platform allows users to easily connect with friends, family, and coworkers through push notifications or SMS. GroupMe's services include group messaging, conference calling, and location and photo sharing, enabling seamless interaction within social networks. Since its inception, the company has experienced significant growth, processing billions of messages and expanding its team to 25 employees. Acquired by Skype Global, GroupMe operates with a degree of autonomy, maintaining an entrepreneurial culture while aiming to become a primary communications provider for a large user base.
TweetDeck
Series B in 2010
TweetDeck is a Twitter client designed for desktop, web, and mobile devices, originally developed as an Adobe AIR application. It features a unique columned user interface that allows users to monitor multiple Twitter feeds in a concise and organized manner. This functionality enables users to categorize their main feed into specific topics or groups, providing a broader overview of tweets. In 2011, TweetDeck was acquired by Twitter, which subsequently rebuilt the application using HTML5 technology. The platform integrates various services, enhancing the user experience by allowing real-time monitoring of information from multiple sources.
beatlab
Seed Round in 2010
Beatlab is an online platform that allows users to create and share music easily, catering to individuals with no prior knowledge of music theory or instruments. The platform features a user-friendly interface where users can either compose original tracks or remix existing musical ideas from others. Beatlab facilitates both private sharing with friends and public dissemination of completed tracks, enabling a collaborative musical experience. Additionally, users have the option to download their creations as MP3 files for personal use, such as listening on portable devices or creating ringtones.
Quora Inc. operates an online question-and-answer platform that facilitates knowledge sharing among users worldwide. Founded in 2009 and based in Mountain View, California, Quora allows individuals to post questions, provide answers, and engage in discussions on a diverse range of topics, including science, technology, business, health, and entertainment. The platform is designed to connect those seeking information with those able to provide insights, creating a community-driven environment for learning and sharing. In addition to its core functionality, Quora offers advertising opportunities for businesses looking to reach its user base.
Formspring
Series A in 2010
Formspring is a social networking platform designed to facilitate personal connections through question-and-answer interactions. Users create profile pages where they can receive questions from others, allowing for a dynamic exchange of insights and experiences. The platform encourages users to share their thoughts and personalities, fostering a fun and engaging environment for self-expression. By posing original questions, Formspring enables individuals to discover more about their friends, acquaintances, and others they find intriguing, thus promoting deeper understanding and connections. This unique approach to social interaction allows users to engage in both straightforward and surprising conversations, enhancing their overall social experience.
A Bit Lucky
Convertible Note in 2010
A Bit Lucky, Inc. is a company specializing in online social gaming, focusing on the development of innovative games that can be played across multiple platforms, including PC, Mac, tablets, and smartphones. With a commitment to creating engaging and entertaining gaming experiences, A Bit Lucky aims to redefine social gaming by offering real-time gameplay that connects players in an interactive environment. The company is dedicated to its passion for crafting high-quality games that appeal to a wide audience.
CitizenNet
Seed Round in 2010
CitizenNet, Inc. is a technology company based in Beverly Hills, California, founded in 2008. It specializes in providing tools for real-time social media analytics and advertising, leveraging a semantic platform that aggregates and filters social content from platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The company's offerings include Social Streams, which capture and moderate real-time social activity, content analytics to monitor sentiment and trending topics, user analytics to gather insights on social interactions, and outreach tools to connect with potential customers. CitizenNet employs advanced natural language processing and semantic analysis to enhance ad targeting and optimize social media advertising performance. The company serves a diverse range of clients across various sectors, including e-commerce, education, entertainment, consumer packaged goods, and retail, drawing on a team with extensive experience from leading technology and advertising firms. As of early 2017, CitizenNet operates as a subsidiary of Condé Nast.
App.net
Seed Round in 2010
App.net is an ad-free, subscription-based social networking and development platform that was launched in August 2012. Owned and operated by Mixed Media Labs, which was founded by CEO Dalton Caldwell and CTO Bryan Berg, the company aims to serve as the backbone of the social web. App.net provides a robust infrastructure that enables developers to create various social applications, including group messaging, photo and document sharing, and microblogging. The platform focuses on facilitating meaningful interactions among its members while maintaining a commitment to an uninterrupted user experience free from advertisements.
Yammer, established in 2008, is a business specializing in enterprise social networking. It facilitates real-time collaboration among employees across different departments, locations, and applications. Key features include creating groups for project collaboration, sharing and editing documents, and accessing the platform via web, desktop, and mobile devices. Yammer can also integrate with other systems like Microsoft SharePoint. With over 7 million users, including 85% of Fortune 500 companies, Yammer was acquired by Microsoft in 2012.
Blippy Social Commerce
Angel Round in 2010
Blippy is a social commerce platform that allowed users to share credit card purchases with friends. Blippy closed down in 2011, but the company pivoted and launched Tophatter.
Hot Potato
Series A in 2009
Hot Potato is a technology company that specializes in enhancing the experience of live events through real-time social collaboration. It provides a platform where friends and fans can connect, share their perspectives, and enjoy each other's contributions during events. The company focuses on creating tools that make participating in events more engaging and fun by facilitating interactions among groups who share an interest in the same experiences as they unfold.
DailyBooth
Angel Round in 2009
DailyBooth is a social networking platform that allows users to share photos and status updates in real-time. The service enables individuals to connect with friends by following their activities and sharing visual moments, creating an interactive environment for personal expression and communication. By focusing on real-time updates, DailyBooth provides a dynamic way for users to engage with their social circles through the sharing of images and status messages.
**Sulia is a subject-based social network that connects you to the top social sources on subjects you care about.** We all have interests that we're extremely passionate about. Whether it's our family, a sports team, breaking news, Hollywood gossip, a hobby, a career, or a political issue, we obsess over our interests everyday. However, with an endless number of sources talking about an endless number of subjects, it's nearly impossible to find the best sources to follow to across your interests. And, even if you were able to identify the top sources, sifting through all of their content is maddeningly time-consuming. We built Sulia to address these problems (which were driving us mad too). Sulia’s subject-based structure of social channels connects trusted sources and enthusiasts on shared interests across thousands of subjects, including breaking news and events. How? We use a combination of network managers and sophisticated algorithms to identify the best-regarded sources across thousands of subjects. We then dynamically filter content from those sources, regardless of where it's created (a blog, a social network, a media site, through Sulia's publishing system, etc.), into high-quality, realtime social channels. The result is streams of timely content from trusted sources that is always on-topic, readable, and relevant. People use Sulia everyday to discover new sources and engage with their interests. Sulia is backed by leading media and technology investors, including: -- Firstmark Capital: Rick Heitzmann -- Village Ventures: Matt Harris, Bo Peabody -- IA Capital Partners: Roger Ehrenberg -- Founder Collective: Chris Dixon -- SV Angels: Ron Conway -- Mark Gerson, Founder, Gerson Lehrman Group
Sofa Labs
Series A in 2009
Sofa Labs, Inc. is a technology company based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2009. It specializes in developing social web platforms and applications. Notably, the company created Thread, a social application designed to facilitate connections among users by allowing them to meet new friends through their existing social networks. This innovative platform emphasizes relationship building and community engagement, particularly in the context of fashion. Sofa Labs has gained recognition in the tech industry, having been a winner of the fbFund REV 2009, highlighting its impact and contributions to the social application landscape.
SocialDeck
Seed Round in 2009
SocialDeck is a game development company founded in 2008, focused on creating social gaming experiences that allow users to engage in gameplay anytime and anywhere. The company has developed various titles for platforms such as the iPhone, Facebook, and BlackBerry, leveraging its innovative social gaming platform technology. This technology enables simultaneous gameplay across multiple mobile devices and social networks, enhancing user interaction and engagement. Additionally, SocialDeck's platform supports viral content discovery and facilitates the distribution and monetization of games, positioning the company as a significant player in the social gaming industry.
Zynga Inc., established in 2007, is a leading global developer, publisher, and operator of social games. The company's portfolio spans over 6 billion downloads across 175 countries, featuring popular franchises like FarmVille, Words With Friends, and Zynga Poker. Zynga's games are played on mobile platforms (iOS, Android) and social networking sites, with revenue generated through game downloads, in-game purchases, and advertising services. The company's headquarters are in San Francisco, California, with additional locations in North America, Europe, and Asia.
OMGPOP is a prominent developer of social games that caters to various platforms, including Facebook, iPhone, and the open web. The company is recognized for its ability to create engaging real-time game experiences and operates its own destination site, allowing users to enjoy a variety of games. Beyond gaming, OMGPOP offers an online platform where members can interact through chat, share photos, and meet new friends. Additionally, the company retails a range of virtual items, including accessories and game-related merchandise, enhancing user engagement and providing a comprehensive social experience within its gaming ecosystem.
Flixster, Inc. is an online platform that caters to movie enthusiasts in the United States and Australia by enabling them to discover, collect, watch, and store films across web, mobile, and television platforms. Launched in 2005 and based in San Francisco, the company combines social networking features with movie-related content, allowing users to create profiles, invite friends, rate films and actors, and post reviews. Additionally, Flixster provides access to critical opinions, editorial insights, movie showtimes, celebrity news, and video clips. With a user base exceeding 50 million and over 1.5 billion movie ratings, Flixster has established itself as a comprehensive community for film fans, facilitating engagement and interaction among its users. Since April 2016, Flixster has operated as a subsidiary of Fandango Media, LLC.
Vitrue is a provider of social media marketing solutions designed for marketers, agencies, and publishers. The company offers a comprehensive cloud-based platform that enables brands to effectively manage their social marketing efforts across various networks, including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube. Vitrue's award-winning Social Relationship Management (SRM) platform supports over one billion social connections globally, managing more than 4,500 social accounts in over 100 countries. Its services include promotional programs, branded community development, and syndicated brand applications, along with centralized data and member management, strategic consultation, and event marketing integration. Vitrue aims to maximize the marketing potential of social media for its clients while ensuring security and scalability in its operations.
Meta is a social technology company that facilitates connections among individuals, communities, and businesses. Originally founded as Facebook in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg in Menlo Park, California, the company rebranded to Meta on October 28, 2021, to reflect its broader focus beyond social networking. Meta operates various applications and services, positioning itself as a leader in the social media landscape, with over 1.32 billion monthly active users. The company has continuously evolved, integrating features that enhance user engagement and community building. Meta's strategic initiatives also include partnerships aimed at advancing marketing and commercial efforts in the digital and mobile sectors. As it explores new technologies, including virtual and augmented realities, Meta aims to redefine how people interact and share experiences online.
GLG is a global professional learning and insights platform that connects decision-makers with experts across various fields. It recruits hundreds of new experts daily, maintaining the world's largest and most diverse network of first-hand expertise. GLG facilitates conversations and knowledge-sharing to empower professionals with clear insights, enabling them to make confident decisions.
Ning Interactive
Series A in 2005
Ning is an online platform that enables users to create social communities and websites tailored to their specific needs. The company provides a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that includes a variety of community-building tools, allowing clients to engage and nurture their audiences effectively. Key features of the platform include branding and visual design options, member profiles, moderation capabilities, and privacy settings. Users can also utilize tools for sharing and inviting members, as well as integrate social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, Ning supports functionalities like blogging, discussion forums, event management, and multimedia sharing, making it a comprehensive solution for organizers, activists, and influencers looking to establish and maintain a strong online presence.