2 Yale students raised $5 million for their social network that lives in iMessage. Read their pitch deck.

Two Yale students have successfully raised $5 million for their innovative social networking platform, Series, which operates entirely within iMessage. By leveraging the messaging app that Gen Z frequently uses, Series aims to create a professional networking space tailored for the younger generation. The pitch deck reveals that Series is currently 'pre-revenue by choice' and emphasizes a strategic marketing approach that includes platforms like LinkedIn. The founders, Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, both 22, have assembled an eight-member team that is focused on enhancing user experience through a unique interface designed for iMessage. According to Johnson, the platform addresses a common issue: the lack of responses to direct messages. By integrating networking into a familiar messaging format, Series offers users the intimacy of sharing contact information while preserving privacy. Users can choose to connect directly or respond through Series' dedicated messaging service, which organizes interactions in distinct threads. Having raised $3.1 million last March, the startup recently secured an additional $2 million, bringing its total pre-seed funding to $5.1 million. Notable investors include Venmo co-founder Iqram Magdon-Ismail and Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, along with several venture capital firms. The team is now aiming for an ambitious eight-figure seed round to further develop the platform and recruit engineering talent. In the past year, Series has employed various marketing tactics, including engaging a robot mascot to attract attention and creating a reality-TV-style series to promote their platform. Johnson underscored the primary objective of expanding the network rapidly while catering to young professionals seeking valuable connections. While initially branding itself as an 'AI social network,' the founders have refined their focus on fostering professional relationships. Series competes with other AI-driven startups, such as Gigi and Boardy, aiming to enhance networking efficiency. Users can interact with potential connections through familiar iMessage features, such as emojis and replies, and can specify the types of individuals they wish to meet through the Series bot. Currently, the platform remains free to users, with future plans to explore enterprise options that could provide companies with access to its growing network.