POSH: The Social App That Gets You Off Your Phone & Makes You $22M Richer
Forbes3 months ago
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POSH: The Social App That Gets You Off Your Phone & Makes You $22M Richer

POSH
SocialApp
RealLifeConnections
CommunityBuilding
Events
GenZ
Startup

Summary:

  • POSH, a social app that encourages real-life interactions, raises $22 million in Series A funding.

  • The app has over 2 million users and facilitated $95 million in ticket sales, with a 1400% YoY increase in event matching.

  • POSH aims to bridge the digital-real world gap by transforming social media into a tool for facilitating real-life events.

  • The app offers personalized event suggestions based on user interests, friend connections, and trending events.

  • POSH's mission extends beyond events, focusing on fostering a sense of belonging and community building.

  • Avante and Eli, the founders, share valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of building a strong business, cultivating relationships with investors, and empowering customers to advocate.

POSH: The Social App Revolutionizing Real-Life Connections

POSH, the app that encourages you to unplug and connect with people in real life, just raised $22 million in Series A funding. Led by Goodwater Capital, with participation from FirstMark Capital, Companyon Ventures and Epic Ventures, this investment is a testament to the app's rapidly growing user base and potential to disrupt the social media landscape.

POSH boasts over 2 million users and has facilitated over $95 million in ticket sales, with an impressive 1400% year-over-year increase in matching attendees to events. Founded by CEO Avante Price and CPO Eli Taylor-Lemire, both with extensive experience in the events and entertainment industry, POSH aims to address the growing disconnect between the digital and real world.

Ditching the Digital Trap: POSH Offers a Fresh Approach to Socializing

Traditional social media often isolates us and hinders authentic connections. POSH, however, flips the script by transforming social media into a tool for facilitating real-life experiences. The app empowers individuals to host unique events and discover social gatherings within their communities.

Imagine small dinner parties, themed rooftop celebrations, or even underground rave experiences - POSH brings these intimate moments to life. By utilizing user interests and friend connections, POSH personalizes event suggestions, enabling users to discover new experiences, expand their networks, and forge meaningful relationships.

Beyond Events: POSH's Vision for Belonging and Community

POSH's mission extends beyond simply connecting people to events. The app aims to foster a sense of belonging, a fundamental element of happiness. By bridging the digital-real world gap, POSH empowers individuals to cultivate strong relationships and build vibrant communities.

POSH's unique features include:

  • Contact Book Integration: Recommending events based on attendees users already know.
  • Trending Events: Highlighting popular gatherings in their area.
  • Personalized Recommendations: A "For You" page, launching in Q3 2024, will suggest events based on a sophisticated algorithm incorporating user preferences, event history, and social connections.

The Power of Passion and Domain Expertise: Avante and Eli's Journey

Avante and Eli, despite facing skepticism and underestimation, have remained steadfast in their entrepreneurial vision. Their passion for events and dedication to creating real-world connections have fueled their success.

Their key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs:

  • Focus on Building a Great Business: Prioritize building a strong business model over chasing funding.
  • Always Be Fundraising: Continuously cultivate relationships with potential investors and create buzz around your company.
  • Send Regular Updates: Keep investors informed about your progress and roadmap.
  • Empower Customers to Advocate: Organize events where investors can meet satisfied customers, allowing them to speak to your business's value.

POSH is disrupting the events ecosystem by empowering individuals to create their own communities and experiences. The app provides a platform for anyone with a following or expertise to monetize or host free events, catering to specific interests and demographics.

POSH's Future: Shaping the Next Generation of Social Connections

POSH is actively scaling its team, attracting talented individuals from companies like Reddit, DoorDash, and Airbnb. With its focus on genuine connections and community building, POSH is poised to become the next social platform that brings people together in real life, fostering meaningful interactions and a sense of belonging.

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