Yale Students Raise $3.1M to Challenge LinkedIn: Most VC Funding for Ivy League Duo

Let me tell you about a ground-breaking innovation by a couple of bright minds from Yale University – Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow. They’ve lit the spark on what they’re dubbing the “first AI social network,” named Series. According to Business Insider, their brainchild came to life as they looked at the likes, follower counts, and other vanity metrics on platforms like LinkedIn, X (you remember it as Twitter), and Instagram. They realised that these numbers were becoming less of a useful tool and more of a social barrier.

Hargrow shared that they witnessed how this numbers game was breeding a culture of fear and self-doubt, especially among their peers. Speaking to Business Insider, he reflected, “all the FOMO, the ‘I’m not worthy’ feeling would often discourage people from reaching out to others.” Their response to this? A firm, confident stand against those vanity metrics. As Hargrow put it – let’s stop counting likes and followers, and let’s start focusing on who you are, what unique value you bring to the table, and how you can connect with others on a real, meaningful level.

Ok, so let me bring you in closer to the real deal of what Series is all about – it was founded in 2024, primarily as a platform for the ambitious, innovative student entrepreneurs in our midst. Think of Series as your AI powered buddy who’s constantly on the look-out for the perfect connections that align with your goals, regardless if you’re Team iPhone or Team Android.

Once you’ve started a chat with your AI pal, it will expertly gauge the kind of connections you’re seeking. With that insight, it’ll then pair you up with a Series user who perfectly fits your requirements. That’s their approach to the social network – putting the ‘social’ back in networking, if you will. Inclusion and access matter and these guys get it. Their approach takes tech, shakes it up, and matches it with the human side, making networking not only efficient, but also meaningful. Talk about a worthy trend! Certainly an exciting one to watch.