Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, co-founders of Series, raised $3 million in just two weeks for their AI-powered networking platform. The 21-year-old Yale students created Series to help people form real, meaningful connections online, without the superficial interactions common on social media.
The idea for Series stemmed from their podcast, The Founder Series, where they often heard guests attribute startup success to “luck.” Wanting to make that randomness predictable, they developed an AI system that connects users based on who they want to meet, whether that’s a mentor, cofounder, or investor. Users train their AI by texting via iMessage about the kind of connection they’re looking for. The AI then searches the network for the best match, eliminating the need for cold emails or random LinkedIn outreach.
Series focuses on private, intentional conversations, as opposed to traditional platforms that prioritize likes and followers. The platform aims to foster meaningful one-on-one connections. “We’re 6’5″, Black and technical,” Johnson said, emphasizing how their unique experiences shape the way Series approaches online networking.
Johnson, a computer science and economics student, and Hargrow, a neuroscience major, both come from different backgrounds. Johnson grew up in Irvine, California, where he built assistive tools for the blind, while Hargrow, from Queens, New York, applied his sports background to navigate the world of startups.
Their fundraising journey began with cold emails and eventually led to investor meetings, including one with Anne Lee Skates that secured their lead investment. Yale’s network played a key role in opening doors that may not have been accessible otherwise.
For Johnson and Hargrow, Series is more than just a tech project; it’s about creating access for those often overlooked in the industry. Their mission is to help users find the right connections, not just increase their follower count. “We’re not trying to replace real-world relationships, we’re trying to make it easier for people to find the right relationships in the first place,” Hargrow explained.
To learn more about the platform, visit Series.so.
