A New Era of Connection: How Two Yale Students Are Redefining Networking with Series
April 11, 2025, 10:52 pm
In a world where social media often feels like a cacophony of noise, two Yale juniors are carving out a new path. Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow have launched Series, an AI-powered networking platform that aims to transform how we connect. Their journey is not just about technology; it’s about representation, authenticity, and meaningful relationships.
The digital landscape is crowded. Social media platforms are filled with curated images and highlight reels. They often create a façade, leaving users feeling isolated despite being connected. Johnson and Hargrow recognized this gap. They saw a need for a platform that fosters genuine connections rather than superficial interactions.
In just 14 days, they raised $3 million in funding. This rapid success is a testament to their vision and determination. But their story is more than just numbers. It’s about two young Black founders challenging the status quo in an industry where diversity is still lacking.
Johnson and Hargrow are not your typical entrepreneurs. They come from different backgrounds—Johnson from Irvine, California, and Hargrow from Queens, New York. Their diverse experiences shape their approach to business. They understand the importance of storytelling, having hosted a podcast where they interviewed successful entrepreneurs. Through these conversations, they learned that luck plays a significant role in success.
Their platform, Series, is designed to engineer that luck. Instead of relying on chance encounters or cold outreach, Series uses AI-driven agents, or "AI friends," to facilitate introductions. Users train these AI friends through messaging apps like iMessage. The AI learns their preferences and connects them with people in their extended networks. This approach shifts the focus from broadcasting to building.
Traditional social media emphasizes self-promotion. Users curate their online personas, often leading to a sense of inadequacy. Series flips this model. It prioritizes private introductions and authentic interactions. Users can engage with their AI friends, who understand them on a deeper level. This allows for genuine connections, whether for mentorship or friendship.
The founders’ backgrounds play a crucial role in their mission. Johnson has been creating since childhood, driven by a desire to solve problems. Hargrow, a former athlete, thrives on the unpredictability of startup life. Together, they embody the spirit of innovation. They understand that success is not just about hard work; it’s about access and opportunity.
Being at Yale has provided them with a unique advantage. The university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has opened doors that might have remained closed otherwise. A pivotal dinner with investor Anne Lee Skates changed everything. This chance meeting led to their first major funding round, propelling Series into the spotlight.
The funding landscape is competitive, but Series stands out. It has attracted attention from notable investors, including the CEO of Reddit and the founder of GPTZero. This backing is not just financial; it validates their vision. Investors see the potential in a platform that prioritizes authentic connections over superficial engagement.
Series has already processed over 32,000 messages, demonstrating its capacity to facilitate meaningful interactions. The founders aim to build the largest warm network, starting with student entrepreneurs. They believe that by focusing on authenticity, they can create a space where users feel valued and understood.
As communication increasingly shifts toward AI-assisted interactions, Series is poised to lead the charge. The founders are betting that users will embrace a platform that prioritizes genuine connection. They envision a future where people can find the right relationships more easily, without the pressure of curating an online persona.
Johnson and Hargrow’s journey is a reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about technology; it’s about people. Their commitment to representation and access is evident in their mission. They want to create a platform that reflects the diversity of its users.
In a world where social media often amplifies loneliness, Series offers a refreshing alternative. It’s not just another networking tool; it’s a movement toward authenticity. Johnson and Hargrow are not just building a startup; they are reshaping the narrative of connection in the digital age.
Their story is still unfolding. As they continue to develop Series, they remain focused on their core mission: to facilitate meaningful connections. They understand that the future of networking lies in authenticity, and they are determined to lead the way.
In the end, Series is more than a platform; it’s a vision for a new era of connection. Johnson and Hargrow are not just changing how we network; they are inspiring a generation to embrace their true selves. As they navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, they remind us all that genuine connections are the foundation of success.
The digital landscape is crowded. Social media platforms are filled with curated images and highlight reels. They often create a façade, leaving users feeling isolated despite being connected. Johnson and Hargrow recognized this gap. They saw a need for a platform that fosters genuine connections rather than superficial interactions.
In just 14 days, they raised $3 million in funding. This rapid success is a testament to their vision and determination. But their story is more than just numbers. It’s about two young Black founders challenging the status quo in an industry where diversity is still lacking.
Johnson and Hargrow are not your typical entrepreneurs. They come from different backgrounds—Johnson from Irvine, California, and Hargrow from Queens, New York. Their diverse experiences shape their approach to business. They understand the importance of storytelling, having hosted a podcast where they interviewed successful entrepreneurs. Through these conversations, they learned that luck plays a significant role in success.
Their platform, Series, is designed to engineer that luck. Instead of relying on chance encounters or cold outreach, Series uses AI-driven agents, or "AI friends," to facilitate introductions. Users train these AI friends through messaging apps like iMessage. The AI learns their preferences and connects them with people in their extended networks. This approach shifts the focus from broadcasting to building.
Traditional social media emphasizes self-promotion. Users curate their online personas, often leading to a sense of inadequacy. Series flips this model. It prioritizes private introductions and authentic interactions. Users can engage with their AI friends, who understand them on a deeper level. This allows for genuine connections, whether for mentorship or friendship.
The founders’ backgrounds play a crucial role in their mission. Johnson has been creating since childhood, driven by a desire to solve problems. Hargrow, a former athlete, thrives on the unpredictability of startup life. Together, they embody the spirit of innovation. They understand that success is not just about hard work; it’s about access and opportunity.
Being at Yale has provided them with a unique advantage. The university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has opened doors that might have remained closed otherwise. A pivotal dinner with investor Anne Lee Skates changed everything. This chance meeting led to their first major funding round, propelling Series into the spotlight.
The funding landscape is competitive, but Series stands out. It has attracted attention from notable investors, including the CEO of Reddit and the founder of GPTZero. This backing is not just financial; it validates their vision. Investors see the potential in a platform that prioritizes authentic connections over superficial engagement.
Series has already processed over 32,000 messages, demonstrating its capacity to facilitate meaningful interactions. The founders aim to build the largest warm network, starting with student entrepreneurs. They believe that by focusing on authenticity, they can create a space where users feel valued and understood.
As communication increasingly shifts toward AI-assisted interactions, Series is poised to lead the charge. The founders are betting that users will embrace a platform that prioritizes genuine connection. They envision a future where people can find the right relationships more easily, without the pressure of curating an online persona.
Johnson and Hargrow’s journey is a reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about technology; it’s about people. Their commitment to representation and access is evident in their mission. They want to create a platform that reflects the diversity of its users.
In a world where social media often amplifies loneliness, Series offers a refreshing alternative. It’s not just another networking tool; it’s a movement toward authenticity. Johnson and Hargrow are not just building a startup; they are reshaping the narrative of connection in the digital age.
Their story is still unfolding. As they continue to develop Series, they remain focused on their core mission: to facilitate meaningful connections. They understand that the future of networking lies in authenticity, and they are determined to lead the way.
In the end, Series is more than a platform; it’s a vision for a new era of connection. Johnson and Hargrow are not just changing how we network; they are inspiring a generation to embrace their true selves. As they navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, they remind us all that genuine connections are the foundation of success.