Two college kids raise a .1 million pre-seed to build an AI social network in iMessage
In a remarkable turn of events, two college students from Yale University have successfully raised $5.1 million in a pre-seed funding round for their innovative social networking platform, Series. This funding comes from notable investors, including Venmo co-founder Iqram Magdon-Ismail, Pear VC, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, and GPTZero founder Edward Tian.
About Series
Founded by Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, both seniors at Yale, Series aims to redefine social networking. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Series operates entirely through iMessage, positioning itself as a next-generation platform rather than just another AI application.
How Series Works
Users interact with Series by texting a designated phone number (Series AI) on iMessage. They introduce themselves and specify the type of connections they are seeking. In response, Series AI provides a “share” – a carousel of 10 images showcasing posts from other users who are also looking to connect for similar reasons. Each carousel card features a user’s photo and their request, allowing users to initiate private conversations without revealing their personal phone numbers.
The Founders’ Journey
Johnson, who is studying computer science and economics, and Hargrow, who specializes in neuroscience, met during their freshman year while working on a podcast for the Yale Entrepreneurial Society. Through interviews with various founders and CEOs, they gained valuable insights into building successful businesses and recognized the importance of warm connections.
“We realized the power of warm connections,” Johnson explained. “This led us to start a business independent from the club, focusing on using AI to facilitate these connections.” After several iterations, they settled on the concept that would become Series.
Fundraising and Growth
In March 2025, Johnson and Hargrow began fundraising for Series, successfully building a team of eight along the way. Their fundraising efforts culminated in the recent $5.1 million pre-seed round. The founders decided to create a viral LinkedIn video to announce the launch of Series, which played a crucial role in attracting their first investor just two days later.
Target Audience and User Engagement
While Series initially targeted college students, it has expanded its reach to include Gen Z and professionals. The platform has gained traction across more than 750 campuses, with an impressive user retention rate of 82% through Day 30, surpassing early benchmarks set by Facebook.
“Most users engage with Series for business purposes,” Johnson noted. “However, we have also seen users leveraging the platform for dating and friendship.”
Future Plans and Expansion
The fresh capital raised will be utilized to hire additional engineers and enhance the product’s capabilities. Post-graduation, Johnson and Hargrow plan to remain on the East Coast, operating from an office in Chelsea, New York. They frequently commute from New Haven, Connecticut, where Yale is located.
“We have built an initial network for Series among Ivy League schools and have a strong belief in the potential of Silicon Alley,” Johnson explained. This decision aligns with a growing trend of young consumer founders choosing New York over Silicon Valley.
Maintaining Balance
Despite the demands of running a startup, Johnson and Hargrow have chosen to continue their education rather than dropping out. Johnson expressed that he believes in balancing academics with entrepreneurship. “I felt I had time to study and run a company,” he said. “Your extra time outside of your supposed obligation can be used to catapult what you’re truly meant to do.”
He emphasized that many individuals are often hesitant to utilize their extra time effectively, which can lead to missed opportunities.
Conclusion
The journey of Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of the new generation. With their innovative approach to social networking through iMessage and a successful funding round, Series is poised to make a significant impact in the realm of digital connections.
Note: This article is based on information available as of April 2026 and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent developments surrounding Series and its founders.
