I raised $3 million for my AI startup as a full-time Yale student. Here's how I manage my time so I can do both.

At just 21 years old, Nathaneo Johnson is making waves in the tech world as he juggles life as a full-time Yale student and the co-founder of Series, an innovative AI-powered social networking platform. With an impressive $3.1 million in pre-seed funding secured, Nathaneo's journey is a testament to his dedication and time management skills. Nathaneo's passion for technology ignited in seventh grade when a teacher introduced him to coding through Linkbots, leading him to create a walking stick for the visually impaired in eighth grade. This early interest blossomed into proficiency in programming languages like C, Python, and Swift, which he honed during his high school years. Despite his busy academic and extracurricular schedule, including being the varsity basketball captain and valedictorian, Nathaneo chose Yale for its diverse opportunities in computer science, philosophy, and art. Before embarking on his college journey, he developed Mix26, an app aimed at helping freshmen navigate orientation. This experience, coupled with his podcast, "The Founder Series," revealed the significance of 'warm introductions' in securing vital connections for entrepreneurs. Inspired by this, Nathaneo conceptualized Series, which officially launched in July 2024, leveraging a breakthrough that integrated their platform with iMessage. The moment the pre-seed funding was finalized in March, Nathaneo recalls the calm yet exhilarating sensation of realizing they had the support needed to advance their vision. Despite this financial backing, he has chosen not to draw a salary, opting instead to reinvest the funds into product development and expanding their team. Nathaneo's unique position—balancing a startup and academic life without a financial safety net—fuels his ambition. He emphasizes that without the luxury of a backup plan, he can afford to fully commit to his entrepreneurial dreams. With his dedication, often working upwards of 120 hours a week, he is not just chasing his dreams but living them. As he prepares for the upcoming Series A funding, Nathaneo is excited about the journey ahead, embodying the essence of passion and perseverance in the startup world.