Two Yale Juniors are Redefining Connection with AI
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Look, we’ve all been there, scrolling through endless feeds, wondering if any of these digital connections actually mean anything. In this age of influencers, hollow likes and superficial connections, two Yale University juniors, Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, are saying “enough”. They’ve just secured a cool $3.1 million in a whirlwind 14-day fundraising frenzy for their brainchild, Series, an AI-powered social platform that’s flipping the script on how we network. Forget the vanity metrics; Series is about forging genuine, purpose-driven connections.
What’s got everyone talking? Well, imagine your iMessage having its own AI wingman. This “AI Friend” scans the network, identifies users with shared goals, and delivers introductions that actually matter. We’re talking about warm, double opt-in introductions, not cold, impersonal requests. It’s like having a mate who knows everyone you should know, all powered by artificial intelligence.
And here’s the kicker: exclusivity. You need a .edu email address to join, grounding Series in a trusted academic community. Since launching in 2025, it’s already facilitated over 32,000 messages, connecting students at Yale, Princeton, Northeastern, and beyond. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur seeking a co-founder or just looking for a mentor, Series ensures every connection is meaningful.
Now, Johnson and Hargrow’s journey isn’t your typical Silicon Valley fairytale. As two Black, 6’5” tech enthusiasts, they’re keenly aware of their unique position. “We’re a direct foil to the Harvard story,” says Johnson, referencing a certain social media giant’s origins. They’re determined to write a new narrative about how we connect online.
Their path wasn’t without its bumps. Johnson, as a freshman, built Mix26, a popular orientation app, only to be told by a university official he didn’t “have what it takes to be a builder.” Undeterred, he teamed up with Hargrow, a neuroscience whiz with a knack for breaking the mould. Together, they launched The Founder Series Podcast, interviewing student entrepreneurs and racking up over 500,000 views. It was here, amidst these conversations, that the seed of Series was planted, growing from a simple chatbot to a full-blown startup.
Then came the fundraising whirlwind. A viral LinkedIn trailer caught the eye of Anne Lee Skates from Parable Ventures, leading to a whirlwind pitch tour in Silicon Valley. The result? A $3.1m million pre-seed round, backed by industry heavyweights like Reddit CEO Steve Huffman and GPTZero founder Edward Tian. “No Yale undergrad has raised this much on campus,” Hargrow declared on LinkedIn. It’s not just about the money; it’s about proving that unconventional founders can disrupt the status quo.
But they’re not stopping at campus borders. “Once we capture the college entrepreneurial market, we’ll expand to finance, dating, education, health, and more,” Johnson revealed. Their grand vision? One billion AI Friends in the next decade, all fixing what they see as a broken model of social connection.
They’re exploring revenue streams, sure, but their heart remains mission-driven. “Social media is great for broadcasting, but it doesn’t help you meet the right people at the right time,” Johnson explained to Entrepreneur. Series aims to change that, giving you an AI-powered connection in your pocket.
In a time when digital interactions often feel shallow, Series is a breath of fresh air. It’s about building trust, access, and social capital. And for Johnson and Hargrow, it’s about representation, about building a platform that reflects their experiences and opens doors for others.
Their story is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of carving your own path. As Series grows, it’s not just challenging legacy networks; it’s redefining what it means to connect in the digital age. Is this the move that could make the future of networking a warmer, more personalised experience? We’ll have to watch this space to find out.
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Thought for the day:
“The Web as I envisaged it, we have not seen it yet. The future is still so much bigger than the past.” Tim Berners-Lee
