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Can a social app fix the ‘terrible devastation’ of social media?
Biz Stone and Evan Sharp have launched West Co with a new social app, Tangle, aimed at mitigating social media's negative impacts. They secured $29 million in funding led by Spark Capital. Tangle encourages users to share daily intentions, fostering meaningful connections. The app's development may evolve before its public release.
Key points
- West Co is founded by Twitter's Biz Stone and Pinterest's Evan Sharp.
- The startup raised $29 million in seed funding, with Spark Capital as the lead investor.
- Tangle is an app that focuses on users' daily intentions and goals.
- The app is in invite-only mode, having launched in November.
- Sharp expressed a desire to address mental health issues caused by social media.
Why it matters
- The rise of mental health concerns linked to social media use has been documented, sparking a demand for more mindful platforms.
- Trends in 2025 highlight a shift towards apps promoting mental well-being and digital wellness.
- The push for user intention and deeper connections aligns with broader societal efforts to combat the isolation caused by traditional social media.
West Co's Tangle represents a potential shift in how social media can positively impact mental health, aligning with growing movements towards intentional, meaningful online interactions.