Series Raises $3.1M to Launch AI Social Networking Platform

Two Yale juniors, Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, have raised $3.1 million to launch Series, an AI-powered social networking platform.

The pre-seed funding round was led by Parable, a venture fund founded by former Andreessen Horowitz investor Anne Lee Skates, with participation from Pear VC, DGB.VC, Radicle Impact, and angel investors such as Reddit CEO Steve Huffman and GPTZero founder Edward Tian.

Reimagining Social Networking

Series aims to change the way people connect online by using AI agents—called "AI Friends"—to facilitate introductions based on mutual value. The platform operates within iMessage and focuses on creating meaningful connections rather than relying on traditional metrics like likes or followers.

Nathaneo Johnson described the concept as “AI that acts like a well-connected friend in your pocket.” The platform is designed to streamline introductions, making them more personalized and mutually beneficial for users.

Rapid Fundraising Success

The startup’s fundraising efforts gained traction after Johnson posted a LinkedIn trailer about Series. The post generated significant interest within entrepreneurial circles, prompting the founders to travel to Silicon Valley to meet potential investors. Within two weeks, they secured funding for their venture.

Targeting Student Entrepreneurs

Series is initially focused on college students and requires users to sign up with a .edu email address. This approach creates a trusted environment where students can connect with peers and mentors through their AI Friends. Early users have highlighted the platform’s ability to foster productive connections in academic and professional settings.

Rich Zou, a Northeastern University student who uses Series for hackathons, noted that the AI-driven introductions felt seamless and personalized.

Expansion Plans

The founders plan to scale Series beyond college campuses into other sectors such as professional networking, dating, education, and healthcare. Johnson emphasized the broader vision for the platform: “Our aspiration is to establish Series as the primary operating system for warm introductions across all aspects of life.”

Positioning in the Market

Series enters a competitive market dominated by established social media platforms but differentiates itself by prioritizing trust and meaningful interactions over vanity metrics. By leveraging AI technology to create curated connections, the company aims to address gaps in existing networking tools.

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