Yope raises $12.3M for ad-free, algorithm-free private social network
No ads, no algorithms — just private micro-communities with 15M users.
Deep Dive
Yope, a London-based startup led by CEO Bahram Ismailau, raised $12.3M from Northzone to build a private social network without ads or algorithmic feeds. The app focuses on micro-communities of friends and family, with private profiles, photo walls, and AI-generated mini-games. It now has nearly 15 million registered users sharing between 10 million and 20 million pieces of content weekly, with more than 50% opening the app at least five days per week. Revenue comes from subscriptions, not ads.
Key Points
- Yope raised $12.3M led by Northzone (backers of Spotify and Klarna) for a private, ad-free social network.
- The app has 15M registered users, with 50% active 5+ days per week and 20% inviting older family members.
- Revenue model: subscription-based for power users; AI used for mini-games, stickers, and recap moments.
Why It Matters
Yope offers a genuine alternative to algorithm-driven platforms by prioritizing private, authentic connections over engagement metrics.