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A new social media startup founded by tech veterans is aiming to redefine online connection with a focus on intentionality and mental wellbeing. West Co., the company behind the invite-only app Tangle, has raised $29 million in a seed funding round led by Spark Capital.
The venture, spearheaded by biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, and Evan Sharp, co-founder of Pinterest, launched a limited version of tangle in November. Details surrounding the company’s mission and funding have been gradually revealed through reports from the Financial Times, regulatory filings, and job postings.
The impetus for West Co. stemmed from a profound question, as articulated by Sharp, the company’s CEO: “What could I build that might help address just some of the terrible devastation of the human mind and heart that we’ve wrought the last 15 years?”
A Focus on intention and Daily Life
Tangle, in it’s current iteration, centers around a simple daily prompt: “What’s your intention for today?” Users are encouraged to share these intentions with their network, fostering a sense of accountability and shared purpose. The app’s stated goal is to help users “plan with intention, capture the reality of their days, and see the deeper threads that shape their life.”
This approach represents a significant departure from the engagement-driven models that dominate the current social media landscape. Rather than maximizing time spent on the platform, West Co. appears to prioritize mindful connection and personal reflection.
Evolution Before Public Launch
While the initial concept is centered around daily intentions, the company anticipates significant changes before a full public launch. According to reports, Stone indicated to the Financial Times that the app could evolve substantially as it gathers user feedback and refines its core functionality.
The $29 million in seed funding will likely be instrumental in supporting this iterative development process, allowing West Co. to explore different features and refine its approach to fostering a healthier online experience. The company’s emergence signals a growing awareness of the potential downsides of customary social media and a desire for platforms that prioritize user wellbeing.
why: West Co.was founded to address the negative impacts of traditional social media on mental wellbeing, aiming to create a platform that fosters intentionality and mindful connection.
Who: The company was founded by Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, and Evan Sharp, co-founder of Pinterest.It is indeed led by CEO evan Sharp and backed by investors including spark Capital.
What: West Co.’s initial product, Tangle, is an invite-only app centered around a daily prompt asking users to share their intentions for the day.
How did it end?: The article doesn’t describe an “end” but details the company’s launch, funding, and current stage of development – an iterative process before a full public launch. The $29 million seed funding will support this evolution.
