Yope, a startup building a private, algorithm-free social networking app, has raised $12.3 million in a round led by Northzone, with participation from Inovo, Redseed, and Geek Ventures, bringing total funding to $20 million.
The app centers on small “micro communities” where friends and family share photos, videos, and messages privately, without public content, advertising, or algorithmic feeds, relying instead on a subscription model for power users. London-based co-founder and CEO Bahram Ismailau said the concept grew out of more than 100,000 AI-assisted interviews examining how young people use social media, which found many relying on private “photo dump” accounts or messaging rather than public posting due to a desire for privacy without becoming influencers.
Ismailau said Yope uses AI not to generate content but to strengthen real-world connections, including upcoming AI-powered mini-games and tools to help friends meet up in person. The app, developed with co-founder Paul Rudkouski, lets users build customizable profile “walls” from photo stickers and includes AI-generated recaps of top moments.
Yope has grown to nearly 15 million registered users, with more than half opening the app at least five days a week, according to Ismailau. Northzone partner Pär-Jörgen Pärson said the firm approached Yope directly, citing its user-controlled approach as a contrast to larger platforms. The funding will support product development, team growth beyond its current 35 employees, and a new U.S. office.
