Series: $5.1 Million Raised for an AI Social Network on iMessage

A Significant Fundraising for Series

Series, an innovative social networking application, recently raised $5.1 million in a pre-seed funding round. Notable investors include Iqram Magdon-Ismail, co-founder of Venmo, Pear VC, Steve Huffman, CEO of Reddit, and Edward Tian, founder of GPTZero. This fundraising marks a crucial milestone for Series, founded by two Yale students, Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, who are still in their final year of university.

A Unique Platform via iMessage

Series positions itself as a next-generation social networking platform, operating entirely through iMessage. Users send a message to Series AI, a dedicated number on iMessage, to introduce themselves and indicate whom they wish to connect with. In response, Series AI offers a carousel of 10 images, called "shares," representing posts from other users looking to make similar connections. Each image includes a photo and a request, allowing users to engage in private conversations without sharing their personal number.

Johnson and Hargrow's Vision

Johnson, a computer science and economics student, sees the industry evolving towards conversational interfaces, similar to Google's transition to ChatGPT. Together with Hargrow, a neuroscience student, they founded Series after realizing the potential of warm connections during interviews with founders and CEOs. After several iterations, they raised funds in March 2025 and built a team of eight people.

Expansion and Future Ambitions

Initially targeted at college students, the platform is now expanding to Generation Z and professionals. Series is used on over 750 campuses, with an 82% retention rate by the 30th day, surpassing Facebook's benchmarks. The capital raised will be used to recruit engineers and enhance the product. After graduating, Johnson and Hargrow plan to remain on the East Coast, working from an office in Chelsea, New York.

Balancing Studies and Entrepreneurship

Despite their academic commitments, Johnson and Hargrow have not abandoned their studies. Johnson emphasizes the importance of using free time to pursue true aspirations, stating that this can propel an entrepreneurial career without sacrificing education.

The Impact of Series on the Market

Series has recently expanded its user base beyond college students but still aims to target Generation Z and professionals. Most people use it for professional reasons, although they have also observed others using it for dating or making friends. "Students are using Series on over 750 campuses," Johnson said. "Active users on Series maintain an 82% retention rate up to the 30th day, higher than Facebook's original benchmark."

Challenges and Opportunities

Other players in this space include Boardy AI, which also uses AI to facilitate introductions in networks. The fresh capital from Series will be used to recruit more engineers and expand the product's capabilities. After graduation, the company will remain on the East Coast and is already working from an office in Chelsea, New York (they frequently make the two-hour commute from New Haven, Connecticut, where Yale is located, to New York, Johnson said).

A New Generation of Founders

"We built an initial network for Series among the Ivy League and, more specifically, East Coast schools. Moreover, we firmly believe in Silicon Alley," Johnson said regarding the decision to stay on the East Coast, aligning with a trend of young consumer founders choosing New York over Silicon Valley.

Notably, he and Hargrow have not abandoned their studies. Johnson stated that a good day is one where everything goes well, but a bad day can be one where he has many exams and essays to write while balancing managing a team. He did not give up, he said, because he felt he had time to study and run a business. It seems he was right.

"Your free time outside of your supposed obligations can be used to propel what you are truly meant to do," he said. "People often fear using their free time."