Series App Secures $5.1 Million Pre-Seed Funding to Transform Social Networking
Series, a newly established social networking platform, has successfully raised $5.1 million in pre-seed funding, attracting investments from notable figures such as Venmo co-founder Iqram Magdon-Ismail, Pear VC, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, and GPTZero founder Edward Tian. Founded in early 2023 by Yale students Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, who are currently in their senior year, Series aims to redefine social networking by operating exclusively through iMessage.
Unlike traditional social media applications, Series positions itself not as an AI-centric service but as a next-generation networking tool. Users can engage with Series by texting a dedicated number to describe their identity and the connections they seek. In response, Series AI curates a selection of "shares"—interactive carousels of images from potential connections, each detailing the user’s photo and their reason for reaching out. This feature allows users to initiate private chats while safeguarding their personal phone numbers.
Johnson, who studies computer science and economics, has entered the industry during a pivotal time characterised by rapid advancements in AI technology. He believes that this new wave of AI-focused startups gives young entrepreneurs an advantage over established founders who are attempting to pivot. Johnson predicts a significant shift in user interfaces, evolving from traditional scrolling through websites to engaging in interactive conversations with AI tools like ChatGPT.
The founders’ journey began during their freshman year while working together on a podcast at the Yale Entrepreneurial Society. They interviewed various industry leaders, gaining insights into successful business practices and realising the value of personal connections. This inspiration led them to launch Series, which has undergone several iterations before settling on its current concept. Their fundraising efforts commenced in March 2025, eventually building a team of eight.
To promote Series, Johnson and his team created a viral video that showcased the app’s potential. They swiftly produced and shared the video, which caught the attention of their first investor just two days later. While initially targeting college students, the platform has expanded its reach to include professionals and Gen Z, quickly gaining traction across over 750 campuses. With an impressive 82% retention rate within the first 30 days, Series is already outperforming early metrics from Facebook.
Looking ahead, the newly acquired funding will facilitate team expansion and product enhancements. Johnson has stated that Series will remain based in New York after graduation, emphasising their commitment to fostering a robust network, particularly within Ivy League schools and the broader East Coast landscape. He believes in the vibrancy of New York’s tech scene, often referred to as "Silicon Alley," as a preferable location for emerging consumer-focused startups.
Notably, both Johnson and Hargrow are committed to finishing their degrees while managing their startup. Johnson reflects on the importance of using available time effectively, highlighting that balancing academia and entrepreneurship has proven to be a rewarding endeavour.
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