The social network sector is expanding into specialized platforms for niche communities. Companies are creating focused networks for interests like fitness, career development, and gaming.
This space includes established companies like the fitness app Strava and newer ventures such as Soul APP, which has raised $401.6M.
Below is our list of 37 Social Network startups worth keeping an eye on.
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Get the Sheet for $50They are building a human enhancement ecosystem that combines augmented reality hardware with a social metaverse platform. Their technology is designed to advance human capabilities by creating new ways for people to connect and build communities.
| Headquarters | Santa Monica, California, United States |
| Year Founded | 2025 |
| Founders | Duránd F. Davis Jr., Maya Elz Davis |
| Funding Amount | $65M |
| Startup Size | Founding Team (1-10) |
| Last Funding Status | Debt Financing |
| Top Investors | JetDebt Finance, Jet Investments Group, Davis&Davis Venture Partners, JET Venture Capital, JET VC-IRA FUND |
Bluesky operates a decentralized social network built on its open-source Authenticated Transfer Protocol. The platform provides an open and composable alternative to traditional social media, giving users more control over their online identity and data.
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Year Founded | 2021 |
| Founders | Jay Graber |
| Funding Amount | $36M |
| Startup Size | Lean Team (11-50) |
| Last Funding Status | Series A |
| Top Investors | Alumni Ventures, Neo, Automattic, True Ventures, Blockchain Capital |
Strava provides a social fitness app that tracks activities like running and cycling, connecting a global community of athletes. The platform is recognized for its competitive segments and social features that let users share their progress and encourage each other.
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Year Founded | 2009 |
| Founders | Mark Gainey, Mark Shaw, Michael Horvath |
| Funding Amount | $151.9M |
| Startup Size | Large Team (251-1,000) |
| Last Funding Status | Debt Financing |
| Top Investors | Sequoia Capital, TCV, Jackson Square Ventures, Employee Stock Option Fund, Dragoneer Investment Group |
Career Karma created a platform that connects people with tech bootcamps and other job training programs to help them switch careers. The service is built around a community of peers and mentors who offer support and guidance to help users land a job in tech.
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Year Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Artur Meyster, Ruben Harris, Timur Meyster |
| Funding Amount | $51.9M |
| Startup Size | Mid-Size Team (51-250) |
| Last Funding Status | Series B |
| Top Investors | Alumni Ventures, Gaingels, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Y Combinator, Kapor Capital |
Clyx builds a friendship platform for Gen Z that uses neuroscience and shared rituals to foster deeper connections. The platform is designed to help move online interactions into meaningful real-world experiences.
| Headquarters | London, England, United Kingdom |
| Year Founded | 2020 |
| Founders | Alyx van Der Vorm |
| Funding Amount | $14M |
| Startup Size | Lean Team (11-50) |
| Last Funding Status | Series A |
| Top Investors | Blitzscaling Ventures, Iqram Magdon-Ismail, Nico Rosberg |
thatgamecompany creates emotionally resonant video games that emphasize artistic expression and connection between players. Their portfolio includes award-winning titles like Journey and the social adventure game Sky: Children of the Light.
| Headquarters | Santa Monica, California, United States |
| Year Founded | 2012 |
| Founders | Jenova Chen, Kellee Santiago |
| Funding Amount | $28.8M |
| Startup Size | Mid-Size Team (51-250) |
| Last Funding Status | Venture Round |
| Top Investors | Sequoia Capital, TPG, Kleiner Perkins, Benchmark, Bracket Capital |
Fizz builds a social app that functions as a private discussion forum and news feed for college campuses. Their platform offers an exclusive, moderated space for students to connect with their school community.
| Headquarters | Palo Alto, California, United States |
| Year Founded | 2020 |
| Founders | Ashton Cofer, Teddy Solomon |
| Funding Amount | $41.5M |
| Startup Size | Lean Team (11-50) |
| Last Funding Status | Series B |
| Top Investors | Lightspeed Venture Partners, New Enterprise Associates, K5 Global, Rocketship.vc, Owl Ventures |
Partiful builds a modern platform for planning parties and social gatherings. Their service replaces traditional invites with beautiful, shareable web pages that handle RSVPs, guest lists, and group messaging.
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Year Founded | 2020 |
| Founders | Joy Tao, Shreya M. |
| Funding Amount | $20M |
| Startup Size | Lean Team (11-50) |
| Last Funding Status | Series A |
| Top Investors | — |
Seacom provides critical telecommunications infrastructure through its extensive subsea and terrestrial fiber network connecting Africa. They deliver a portfolio of services for businesses, including wholesale connectivity, cloud solutions, and network security.
| Headquarters | Ebène, Plaines Wilhems, Mauritius |
| Year Founded | 2009 |
| Founders | Brian Herlihy |
| Funding Amount | $207M |
| Startup Size | Mid-Size Team (51-250) |
| Last Funding Status | Debt Financing |
| Top Investors | International Finance Corporation, Jubilee Insurance, Investec Asset Management |
Soul APP developed a social metaverse where users interact through personalized virtual avatars. Their platform uses AI and interest-based matching to help people build authentic social relationships.
| Headquarters | Shanghai, Shanghai, China |
| Year Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Lu Zhang |
| Funding Amount | $401.6M |
| Startup Size | Major Organization (1,001-5,000) |
| Last Funding Status | Series D |
| Top Investors | — |
27 Additional Social Network Startups Worth Following
Our top picks offer a glimpse into a much bigger picture. Across the board, founders are building new ways for people to connect, raising billions of dollars in the process.
You’ll find a mix of established companies and newer ones that are just a few years old. Here’s a look at the other startups making waves in the social space.