Revolutionizing Social Connections: Mozi’s Bold Mission to Bring Meaning Back to Networking
A new social networking application called Mozi is taking an unconventional approach by encouraging users to spend less time on their phones. The app’s Seattle-based CEO and co-founder, Molly DeWolf Swenson, has partnered with Twitter co-founder Ev Williams to create a platform focused on facilitating real-world connections rather than digital engagement.
The startup, which secured $6 million in seed funding this past November, aims to strip away the addictive elements commonly found in social media platforms and return to the core purpose of social networking: connecting people in meaningful ways.
DeWolf Swenson, a Garfield High School alumna who studied at Harvard University, brings diverse experience to her role, including co-founding the media company RYOT and venture capital firm 3Rodeo during her decade in Los Angeles. Her career path has included unique experiences ranging from a White House internship to a brief stint on “American Idol.”
Now back in her hometown of Seattle, DeWolf Swenson leads Mozi’s remote operations alongside head of engineering Duoc Nguyen, whose previous experience includes work with Hulu, Nike, and Russell Wilson’s startup TraceMe.
The iOS app functions by accessing users’ phone contacts, allowing them to select specific connections to maintain within Mozi and designate close friends. Users can control who sees their updates and plans, and when actual conversation is needed, the app directs them to their phone’s native messaging features or platforms like WhatsApp.
One of Mozi’s key features allows users to notify specific friends when they’re visiting a particular city or attending an event. DeWolf Swenson compares the app’s intended usage pattern to that of health tracking apps like Strava or Oura Ring – tools used for specific purposes rather than endless scrolling.
Co-founder Ev Williams emphasized the app’s commitment to privacy in a Medium post, highlighting the absence of public profiles, follower counts, or interactions with strangers. This approach marks a significant departure from traditional social media platforms.
Currently, Mozi has attracted 20,000 users and plans to generate revenue through a freemium model, with early users already expressing willingness to pay for premium features to avoid advertisements.
The company maintains a global workforce of 12 employees spread across cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, New York, Medellin, Vienna, Dublin, London, and Madrid. While Williams operates from San Francisco, DeWolf Swenson chose Seattle as her base of operations, marking the first time she’s had the authority to make such a decision.
DeWolf Swenson’s vision for Mozi was shaped by her own social media experiences, from the early days of AOL Instant Messenger and MySpace to Facebook’s transformation from a college networking tool to a content-driven platform. She observed how social platforms evolved from simple friend-connection tools to engagement-focused content machines, losing their original purpose along the way.
Looking ahead, DeWolf Swenson expresses hope for Mozi’s growth in Seattle, envisioning the possibility of establishing a local office as the company expands. The startup’s mission represents a notable shift in social networking philosophy, prioritizing genuine human connection over digital engagement metrics.
