Two college kids raise a $5.1 million pre-seed to build an AI social network in iMessage

Series, an AI social networking startup founded by two Yale seniors, raised $5.1 million in pre-seed funding.

The app uses iMessage to match users based on who they want to meet, then connects them through swipeable “shares” and private chats without revealing phone numbers.

Notable backers include Pear VC, Steve Huffman, Edward Tian, and Iqram Magdon-Ismail.

The funding signals strong investor interest in AI-native consumer apps for Gen Z networking and warm introductions.