Yale University students Nathaneo Johnson And Sean Hargrow have launched what they call “the first AI social network.”

Business Insider reports that the duo was inspired to found Series because vanity metrics, such as likes and follower counts, were becoming a barrier to connection on platforms such as LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

“I see it within our generation, the FOMO, the ‘I’m not good enough, I won’t reach out to that person, he’s better than me,'” Hargrow told Business Insider. “Forget your likes, forget your followers, let’s focus on who you are and what you can bring to the table and what you need, and what somebody else can bring to your table if it makes sense.”

In 2024, Series was founded with a focus on student entrepreneurs. The platform allows people to chat with an “AI Friend,” whether they’re using an iPhone or Android, to gauge what kind of connections they’re looking for. From there, the AI agent matches them with another Series user who fits that description, such as a mentor, investor, or co-founder.

Already, within one week, over 20,000 messages have been sent and received, Johnson stated on LinkedIn.

“Series had over 20,000 messages sent/received this past week,” he wrote recently. “We’re excited to continue building the first AI Social Network – and today we’re releasing a new update: async. You can now ask your AI Friend to connect you with whoever you want and connect with them as soon as they respond – no more waiting till Friday.”

In 2025, Series secured $3.1 million in a pre-seed from San Francisco, CA, investors. The round was led by former Andreessen Horowitz Partner Anne Lee Skates (now with Parable VC). Pear VC, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, Tim Draper’s Draper Goren Blockchain, and more, also participated in the round.

The funding was raised within 14 days, Entrepreneur mentions.

“No one’s done what Nathaneo and I have. We don’t look, talk, or walk like typical founders. Not to mention that no Yale University undergrad has raised this much on campus,” Hargrow commented on LinkedIn.

He also mentioned, “Gen Z needs a healthy, meaningful, high-value platform to connect (that’s our product). People at my school, my age, and from my background need to see that someone like me is possible (that’s the team behind it all) regardless of politics, Obama’s ‘08 win made the impossible feel possible. The power of spectacle is certainly undeniable. So no, I won’t know what it’s like to climb a corporate ladder (our apy = goldman salary anyway) or become the d1 athlete I thought I’d be, but I did ignore the noise, go against the grain, and build a platform for dreamers chasing big things. A platform proving that when you meet the right person at the right time—everything can change.”