TLDR: Key Points
- A new wave of social startups aims to bring people together to combat loneliness.
- Despite investor skepticism in consumer-focused startups, some VCs are still bullish on the social media market.
A shake-up is happening in social media, with new apps and entrepreneurs focusing on fixing loneliness issues. From Retro to platforms connecting people with similar interests, founders are aiming to create more social spaces. However, some VCs have become cautious of consumer-focused startups. This caution has led to a shift towards B2B startups and AI investments among some firms. Despite this trend, several investors, like Maitree Mervana Parekh from Acrew Capital, remain optimistic about the new wave of social platforms focusing on genuine connection.
Several new social startups are securing funding, with smaller rounds being announced. VC firms like 1kx, Acrew Capital, and Best Nights VC are actively investing in these emerging social startups. These investors are looking for opportunities to bridge online and offline experiences on a large scale. Founders of the latest social networks tend to be more diverse and bring unique advantages to the market, focusing on creating closed, collaborative, and interactive spaces. The future of social media seems to be in crafting compelling in-real-life experiences that bring people together.
Overall, while some VCs are moving away from consumer investments, others see potential in the evolving landscape of social startups that prioritize genuine connection and shared experiences.
