# Friendster

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/friendster

- Industry: Internet
- Headquarters: Mountain View, US
- Website: www.friendster.com
- Total disclosed funding: $46M
- Latest round: Series D (Aug 4, 2008)
- Investors on record: 5

## About

Friendster is a social networking platform that prioritizes user well-being and promotes positive interactions over traditional metrics, aiming to create a healthier online community experience.Friendster, founded in 2002 in Mountain View, US, is a social networking platform focused on fostering authentic connections. In December 2009, the company was acquired by MOL Global for USD 26.4 mn. The founder is Friendster Indonesia, with no prior company details available.Friendster's primary offering is a unique social networking platform that emphasizes user well-being over traditional growth metrics. The platform aims to create a healthier online environment by avoiding algorithm-driven feeds that often promote negativity and drama, which are prevalent in many existing social media networks. Instead of monetizing user data, Friendster focuses on fostering a positive community experience. This service is tailored for individuals seeking a more authentic and constructive interaction in their digital social lives. The platform is designed for users globally, with an explicit commitment to user privacy and engagement, marking a departure from the practices of conventional social media giants.The revenue model for Friendster centers around subscription-based services and partnerships that enhance user experience without compromising data privacy. Users may engage with various premium features that improve their interaction on the platform. The structure of transactions involves direct-to-consumer interactions, where users subscribe to enhanced functionalities within the platform. The emphasis on a subscription model suggests a predictable revenue stream tied to user engagement and satisfaction. Friendster’s commitment to user-centric services positions it to potentially capture a niche market of users seeking an alternative to conventional social media platforms.In December 2009, MOL Global agreed to acquire Friendster for USD 26.4 mn. Future growth plans include the development and release of new product features designed to enhance user engagement and expand into new markets by targeting specific regions. The funding from the recent acquisition will be utilized to support these initiatives, focusing on improving the platform's user experience and ensuring privacy remains a priority.

## Funding rounds

- Series D, Aug 4, 2008, $20M — Benchmark, Kleiner Perkins, Ridge Ventures
- Series C, Aug 21, 2006, $10M — Benchmark, Kleiner Perkins, DAG Ventures
- Series B, Oct 1, 2003, $13M — Battery Ventures, Benchmark, Kleiner Perkins
- Series A, Dec 1, 2002, $2.5M — Battery Ventures

## Investors

- Battery Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/battery-ventures) — Series A, Series B
- Benchmark (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/benchmark) — Series B, Series C, Series D
- Kleiner Perkins (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/kleiner-perkins) — Series B, Series C, Series D
- DAG Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/dag-ventures) — Series C
- Ridge Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/ridge-ventures) — Series D