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Bluesky feed builder Graze raises $1M, rolls out ads

Graze, a startup focused on creating and monetizing custom feeds for Bluesky, has raised $1M in pre-seed funding led by Betaworks and Salesforce Ventures. With nearly 35M Bluesky users, the platform provides tools for easy feed management and is introducing an ad monetization model that allows feed operators better control and advertisers a more ethical approach, while enhancing user experience.

Key points

  • Graze raised $1M in pre-seed funding from Betaworks and Salesforce Ventures.
  • The startup enables users to create and manage custom feeds on Bluesky's platform.
  • Bluesky currently has nearly 35 million users who can follow custom feeds instead of algorithmic feeds.
  • Graze's software simplifies feed creation using templates for non-developers.
  • 200 feeds currently running ads with a cost of $1 per 1,000 impressions.
  • The advertising model allows feed operators to maintain editorial control over ads.
  • Graze takes a 30% cut of ad revenues to fund operations and software development.
  • The company is focused on ethical advertising practices and user empowerment.

Why it matters

  • The rise of personalized content and feed management relates to broader trends in social media and user agency.
  • The ongoing debate over ethical advertising practices and data privacy mirrors conversations in the tech industry.
  • 2025 IT trends emphasize user control and personalized experiences in digital environments.

Graze's innovative approach to feed management and advertising represents a shift towards user-centric social media experiences, foregrounding ethical considerations in monetization and operational methods.