Two Yale University seniors, Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, have raised a whopping $5.1 million in pre-seed funding for their startup Series, an innovative AI social network that operates entirely within iMessage.
The funding round includes prominent investors like Venmo co-founder Iqram Magdon-Ismail, Pear VC, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, and GPTZero founder Edward Tian, signaling strong belief in the platform's potential to redefine social connections.
From Podcast to AI Powerhouse
The duo met while producing a podcast at the Yale Entrepreneurial Society during their freshman year, interviewing founders and realizing the value of warm introductions in building networks.
They launched their first prototype early last year, iterating multiple times before settling on Series as an AI facilitator for genuine connections, starting with a viral LinkedIn video that sparked investor interest.
How Series Transforms Networking
Users simply text the Series AI number in iMessage, describing themselves and desired connections, receiving swipeable carousels of matching profiles with photos and specific asks.
By pressing and holding a profile, users initiate private chats without sharing personal numbers, ensuring safe and targeted interactions for business, friendships, or dating.
With users on over 750 campuses, primarily Ivy League and East Coast schools, Series boasts an impressive 82% retention rate through Day 30, surpassing early benchmarks like Facebook.
Impact on Gen Z and Beyond
This iMessage-native approach taps into the shift from traditional app interfaces to conversational AI, making networking seamless for Gen Z professionals who prioritize efficiency.
The startup's eight-person team operates from a Chelsea, New York office, with plans to remain on the East Coast post-graduation, fueling Silicon Alley's resurgence.
Looking ahead, the fresh capital will hire more engineers to enhance features, potentially expanding beyond colleges to capture a broader professional audience.
In a crowded social space, Series stands out by leveraging AI for meaningful matches, promising to bridge the gap between cold outreach and warm referrals in an increasingly digital world.
Alfred Lee
