A social media firm that aims to tackle negativity nets $3m in seed round

Social media platform ChekMarc announced it has raised US$3 million in its seed round from undisclosed investors as the company looks to set foot in India.

ChekMarc co-founder Vrinda Johnson/ Photo credit: Russell Reynolds Associates

Founded in 2020, the company helps users connect in a secure setting and aims to promote a supportive and positive network of individuals. It is available to users over the age of 18 and is accessible in over 35 languages including English, Italian, French, German, Japanese, and Korean, among others.

In an attempt to tackle the negativity on social media platforms, ChekMarc keeps the profile of an individual in private mode until they indicate wanting to connect with another user. The social platform also does not promote engagement metrics such as likes and shares as well as financial transactions.

Funds raised from the financing round will be used to develop the platform’s infrastructure and technology for community members.

“Too often in recent years, the internet has started to feel like an uncomfortable, hostile place, and it doesn’t have to be that way,” said Vrinda Johnson, co-founder of ChekMarc.

The platform will be accessible to Indian users through its website and app. It will offer its services in Hindi and Bengali.

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A research on the impact of social media platform on Indian users highlighted that 50.1% of the participants in the survey have had negative experiences online, such as hate speech, online abuse, and online financial fraud.