Rent a Cyber Friend will pay you to talk to strangers online and will show off its platform at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Francesco Vitali recalls his initial doubts when co-founder Chris Siametis introduced the concept of Rent a Cyber Friend. "Who would pay to chat with someone?" he questioned, reflecting the generational gap between them—with Siametis being a millennial and Vitali a member of Gen X. Despite his reservations, Vitali trusted Siametis, with whom he had collaborated for two decades on various projects, including the international short film festival 48FILM. This leap of faith led to the development of an innovative video chat platform where users can pay per minute for conversations with 'cyber friends.' Remarkably, Rent a Cyber Friend has attracted 3 million registered users without any venture capital funding or marketing efforts. The startup has even managed to operate without a social media presence due to limited staffing. As part of the Startup Battlefield, the company will showcase its platform at TechCrunch Disrupt later this month in San Francisco. Vitali's initial skepticism transformed as he experienced the product firsthand, realizing the significant demand for genuine human interaction—especially as society increasingly turns to AI for companionship. "Loneliness is the biggest disease in the world right now," he stated, emphasizing the need for a platform that recognizes the value of human connection. To ensure safety, all cyber friends undergo identity verification and can set their rates for conversations, with the platform retaining 20% of the fees. Some users, particularly those with expertise or language skills, may charge higher rates for their specialized knowledge. Safety and content moderation present challenges for any platform facilitating real-time interactions. Vitali acknowledged that while the platform includes a blocking feature, further investments will be necessary to maintain a secure and healthy environment as the user base expands. One of the forthcoming developments is a more efficient system for vetting cyber friends. A pivotal moment for Vitali occurred shortly after the launch when he engaged in a conversation with a 19-year-old from China, an active user who spent approximately $200 daily on the platform. By posing as a cyber friend, Vitali gained insight into the user's experience. The young man expressed his discomfort with meeting strangers in public but found solace in the platform, stating it allowed him to connect with diverse cultures. This encounter solidified Vitali's belief in the platform's potential impact. While he acknowledges that in-person connections hold irreplaceable value, Vitali is encouraged by the shift towards human interaction in a digital landscape often dominated by AI chatbots. For those interested in exploring Rent a Cyber Friend or witnessing various pitches and discussions, the TechCrunch Disrupt event will take place from October 27 to 29 in San Francisco.