Summary:
AI-powered social network Series uses chatbots to match students for various connections
Founder employed unconventional marketing tactics including robot promoters and unauthorized student headshots
Startup raised $3.1 million in pre-seed funding despite limited campus traction
Many students were confused or surprised by the aggressive marketing approach
Company plans campus competitions with European trips as prizes to drive adoption
AI Startup's Unconventional Campus Invasion
Nathaneo Johnson, co-founder of the AI-powered social network Series, has spent two weeks in Cambridge employing unorthodox marketing strategies to promote his company to Ivy League students. The Yale University senior launched Series in 2023, using AI to match and connect users with the goal of expanding to universities nationwide.
Bizarre Tactics That Left Students Confused
Johnson's campaign at Harvard included:
- A robot football fan that chased students through crowds
- Free matcha offered in exchange for app downloads
- A massive banner displaying student headshots without full consent
"It was strategic to target an audience prone to trying new things," Johnson explained. "Harvard's a good example of that."
How Series Works
Users create profiles describing interests like finding startup cofounders, freelance collaborators, dates, or party planners. The app's AI chatbots embedded in iMessages then match users with other students, aiming to create instant connections within an accessible social network.
Mixed Reactions and Ethical Concerns
Many students reported being unfamiliar with the app or caught off guard by the marketing. Nadia Olsen described the robot encounter as "very discombobulating" when it changed course to follow her. Multiple students featured on the banner expressed surprise at seeing their faces displayed across campus, despite Johnson claiming verbal consent was obtained.
Funding and Future Plans
The startup raised $3.1 million in pre-seed funding during a two-week period in April. Despite the marketing push, Series has yet to gain significant traction at Harvard. Johnson plans to continue campus events and launch a competition where the school with the most users wins a free spring break trip to Europe.
University Pushback
Johnson's efforts haven't always been welcome - Securitas guards escorted him away when he attempted to display his banner in Harvard Yard, highlighting the challenges of guerrilla marketing on campus grounds.
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