Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, co-founders of Series, raised $3 million in just two weeks for their AI-based networking platform. The 21-year-old Yale students built the platform to help people form real connections online without relying on social media’s surface-level interactions.The idea for Series came from their podcast, The Founder Series, where they often heard from their guests that “luck” played a big role in startup success. Johnson and Hargrow wanted to turn that randomness into something predictable. So they created an AI system that connects people based on who they’re looking to meet — whether that’s a mentor, cofounder, or investor.
Users train an “AI friend” by texting it via iMessage, explaining what kind of connection they want. The AI then searches the network for the best match, cutting out the need for cold emails or random LinkedIn messages.
Johnson, who studies computer science and economics, and Hargrow, a neuroscience major, designed Series to focus on private, intentional conversations. Unlike traditional platforms that reward likes and followers, Series is built to prioritize meaningful one-on-one connections.
“We’re 6’5”, Black and technical, “Johnson told Entrepreneur. “And that difference is the reason Series tells a new story of how people connect online.”
Both founders come from unique backgrounds. Johnson grew up in Irvine, California, and built assistive tools for the blind as a kid. Hargrow, from Queens, New York, used his background in sports to navigate the unpredictable world of startups.
Their fundraising journey started with cold emails and led to major investor meetings, including a dinner with Anne Lee Skates that secured their lead investment. Yale’s network helped open doors they may not have accessed elsewhere.
For the duo, Series is more than just tech — it’s about creating access for people who often get overlooked in the industry. Their goal is to help users find the right people — not more followers.
“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 said.