Buddy raises $1.1M for social utility app

Buddy, a social utility app designed to get you off your phone and socializing in real life, announced a $1.1 million pre-seed funding round from game veterans Tim Willits and Vince Zampella.

The Los Angeles startup also has signed up Dennis Fong, the first pro gamer and CEO of GGWP, as an adviser.

Buddy’s recent funding and industry expertise are set to accelerate its ambitious product roadmap, introducing groundbreaking AI-powered features that will reshape the gaming landscape.

“We’re not just in this to play along; we’re here to redefine the rules,” said Claire Wright, CEO and founder of Buddy. “I’m incredibly grateful to have such a stellar team of industry leaders who won’t rest until we’ve made a lasting, positive impact. We’re crafting more than just a product — we’re building a platform that empowers people to truly live, connect, and thrive in ways that resonate deeply. Our mission is to drive culture, inspire change, and redefine meaningful engagement with the world around us.”

Built in collaboration with Gen Z and Gen Alpha advisors, Buddy aims to reshape social interaction by blending digital and physical experiences with an emphasis on non-toxic, private connections. Using proprietary mesh technology, Buddy enables seamless connectivity, even without cellular or Wi-Fi networks. The company continues to innovate, anticipating and addressing the needs of future generations before they arise.

“Buddy’s core mission to create a healthier, safer social platform truly resonates with me as a parent of Gen Z triplets,” shared Tim Willits, chief creative officer at Saber Interactive. “I’ve seen firsthand how traditional social media can affect my kids, with endless scrolling that often leaves them feeling insecure and isolated. Buddy prioritizes real connections, giving them the tools to build genuine, supportive relationships, even in areas without stable cellular or Wi-Fi access.”

Vince Zampella, cofounder of Respawn Entertainment and an executive at Electronic Arts, echoed this enthusiasm: “Buddy’s patented technology and its experienced entertainment team are impressive. Their mission to promote authentic, real-world connections represents a refreshing cultural shift, and it’s one I fully support. As a father of digital natives, I’m always seeking investments that encourage more meaningful ways of connecting. Buddy’s vision marks an exciting evolution for social platforms.”

Dennis Fong, founder of digital safety company GGWP, which protects users on major online platforms, also shared his alignment with Buddy’s mission.

“I’m thrilled to be part of Buddy’s journey,” Fong stated. “Their commitment to fostering genuine, healthy connections in our digital age is essential, and I believe Buddy is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation.”

What Buddy will do

Buddy aims to revolutionize how people connect by turning digital interactions into real-life experiences. Through its proprietary mesh technology, Buddy enables seamless communication without relying on traditional networks, helping users build meaningful relationships in their everyday lives.

The app, which entered mobile beta testing in May, is supported by a team with extensive backgrounds in music, interactive entertainment, and technology from top Fortune 500 companies. CEO Claire Wright, a three-time founder with a successful direct-to-consumer (DTC) exit, brings deep expertise to the project. Chief Technology Officer and cofounder Logan Nguyen, previously of Luminary, Gilt Groupe, and S’More, has a history of successful exits, while Chief Strategy Officer and cofounder Ryh-Ming Poon led global communications and strategy for billion-dollar franchises at Activision Blizzard and Jam City. Together, this powerhouse team is creating what they call the world’s first “social utility” app.

When asked about the app’s target audience, Wright explained, “Buddy was built with Gen Z in mind, as they have specific expectations for features and UI/UX. Buddy is a social utility tool meant for everyone, offering connectivity without the need for communication infrastructure. But our anti-marketing approach, lo-fi design, and AI-driven, location-based gamification—rewarding users for real-life experiences—are definitely geared towards Zoomers.”

Wright added that Buddy’s unique acquisition strategy tackles rising customer acquisition costs for DTC apps. “Because we’re not tied to screen-time metrics, Buddy provides a much-needed alternative to the attention economy, enhancing lives instead of distracting from them.”

When asked what sets Buddy apart, Wright shared, “Buddy rewards people for getting out and experiencing life. It’s designed for those who have outgrown platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, or Instagram and who want genuine connections. Without a focus on screen time, we didn’t need to add features that keep users on their phones. Ironically, Buddy is an app that encourages users to get off their phones. It rethinks social networking much like Reddit did, offering an informational resource that actually benefits users. Buddy is a ‘buddies-only’ network—a true friends-only platform.”

She added, “Imagine it’s a Saturday morning, and you want to plan something spontaneous with close friends who are already on Buddy. Instead of a feed or group chat, Buddy becomes your real-time, invite-only map for shared experiences—no endless scrolling, no pressure to post, just genuine, close connections.”

How Buddy works

As an example of Buddy’s functionality, Wright explained that users can drop a “secret spot” to kick off the day—maybe a favorite breakfast place tagged with a quick note like, “Killer coffee and no line before 10 a.m.” These tips disappear after 24 hours, creating an exclusive, in-the-moment vibe for friends. If the spot becomes a favorite, users have the option to save it, shifting away from a “gatekeeper” mentality. This experience is ad-free, without features meant to keep you staring at your screen.

Throughout the day, friends can contribute to each other’s loops in real time. One friend might find a street vendor selling vintage vinyl records, while another shares a “Meet here” at a peaceful lakeside picnic spot. Each post, or “Spot,” includes a brief message and expires by day’s end, unless someone chooses to save it for later. This creates a trail of timely, meaningful tips rather than a permanent record.

Buddy also simplifies sharing status updates without clutter. Using the Loop feature, friends can check in with quick status updates like “On my way” or “Leaving in 5!”—simple, functional signals without the need for lengthy messages. Updates are only visible to those in your Buddy network, creating a private, purpose-driven social map.

At the end of each day, all Spots, Loops, and messages disappear. There’s no endless feed or permanent record, just the memory of a day well-spent with friends.

To keep things fresh, Buddy is also introducing AI-driven, location-specific activities that add a sense of adventure, helping users discover new places, connect with their city, and get off their phones to experience life firsthand.

Buddy is committed to creating a non-toxic environment. Built from extensive user research and data science, the app fosters a safe, connected space free from the pressures typical of other platforms. Unlike traditional social media, Buddy’s private network has no public profiles, likes, or follower counts, reducing anxiety around engagement metrics or appearance. Instead, Buddy focuses on real-time, purposeful, location-based interactions that are temporary and free from the pressure to maintain a curated persona. Over time, Buddy plans to incorporate tools like GGWP’s AI, which detects and reduces toxicity, further supporting a positive user experience.