Yope raises $12.3M to build a private social network without algorithms or ads

A startup called Yope has raised $12.3 million to build a social network designed around private groups of real-world friends rather than large public audiences. The platform operates without algorithms, advertisements, or public content, instead using a subscription model and positioning itself as an alternative to major social media companies. Yope's approach is based on research finding that young people often share candid photos only with close friends and lack spaces for self-expression that don't require becoming an influencer. The app currently has nearly 15 million registered users who share between 10 million and 20 million pieces of content weekly, with more than half opening it at least five days per week.