Two college kids raise a $5.1 million pre-seed to build an AI social network in iMessage

A new social networking application called Series has successfully secured $5.1 million in pre-seed funding, attracting notable investors like Venmo co-founder Iqram Magdon-Ismail, Pear VC, Reddit's CEO Steve Huffman, and GPTZero founder Edward Tian. Founded by Yale seniors Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, Series positions itself as a pioneering platform designed to operate entirely through iMessage. In a conversation with TechCrunch, CEO Johnson explained that users can interact with Series AI by texting a designated phone number, sharing their identity and connection preferences. The AI then responds with 'shares'—a carousel of ten images featuring posts from other users seeking similar connections. Each share includes a photo and a brief description, enabling users to initiate private chats without revealing their personal phone numbers. As a founder during an unprecedented era of rapid AI evolution and abundant investment, Johnson embodies the new generation of entrepreneurs who prioritize AI-centric solutions from the start. He observes a significant shift in the industry from traditional user interfaces to conversational formats, drawing parallels between past technologies like Google search and current platforms like ChatGPT. Johnson and Hargrow first crossed paths while collaborating on a podcast during their freshman year at the Yale Entrepreneurial Society, where they interviewed successful founders to learn about business strategies. This experience sparked their realization of the importance of building warm connections. They launched their business concept, utilizing AI to facilitate these connections, during their freshman summer. After refining their idea over a year, they began fundraising in March 2025 and assembled a team of eight members. Their launch strategy included a now-popular LinkedIn video that was created in a single night, leading to their first investment just two days later. While Series initially targeted college students, the platform has expanded its reach to include Gen Z and professionals. Users primarily engage with the app for business networking, although some have also found it useful for dating and making new friends. Johnson noted that Series is currently active on over 750 college campuses, boasting an impressive 82% user retention rate after 30 days, surpassing early metrics from Facebook. With the newly acquired funding, Series plans to hire additional engineers and enhance its product offerings. The team intends to remain on the East Coast, operating from their office in Chelsea, New York, while frequently commuting from New Haven, Connecticut, where Yale is located. Johnson emphasized their established network within the Ivy League and their belief in the potential of Silicon Alley. Notably, both Johnson and Hargrow are continuing their education while managing their startup. Johnson reflected on the balance between academics and entrepreneurship, asserting that time outside of obligations can be a powerful catalyst for pursuing one's true passions.