Hunch Secures $23 Million in Series A Funding for Global Expansion
Hunch, a Dubai-based social discovery app known for fostering open and anonymous discussions, has secured $23 million in Series A funding. Led by Alpha Wave and Hashed, along with other investors, this funding will fuel Hunch’s expansion into the United States and further growth in the Indian market.
Hunch sets itself apart by prioritizing genuine connections and honest conversations. The platform allows users to create polls on a wide range of topics, from pop culture to finance, fostering engagement and fostering a sense of community without the pressure of maintaining a curated online persona.
Hunch is Empowering Users
“We are thrilled to have this new funding, especially as Hunch scales across the US and India,” said Ish Goel, Co-founder and CEO of Hunch. “This investment validates our belief that Hunch has achieved product-market fit, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with our community.” Founded in 2022 by Goel alongside Nitika Goel and Kartic Rakhra, Hunch has grown rapidly, amassing over 640,000 polls and garnering more than 25 million user opinions.
Building Bridges with Anonymity
Hunch’s anonymous polling format empowers users to engage in conversations and explore viewpoints they might hesitate to express openly. This fosters a judgment-free space for users to connect with like-minded individuals who share their interests or perspectives.
Hunch for Gen Z’s Desire for Authenticity
“The social media landscape constantly evolves,” said Tak Lee, CEO & Managing Partner at Hashed Emergent. “Hunch is well-positioned to drive the next wave of change. With Gen Z increasingly disillusioned with apps promoting unrealistic lifestyles, there’s a massive opportunity to create a platform that celebrates authenticity and removes the pressure of online facades.”
AI-Powered Avatars Eliminate Profile Pic Woes
Hunch leverages GenAI technology to address the social pressures surrounding profile pictures. By answering a series of poll questions, users can unlock an AI-generated avatar, eliminating the need for a real photo and the anxiety of choosing the “perfect” profile picture.
The Hunch team plans to leverage user feedback to introduce new features and continuously enhance the platform’s appeal and value proposition for its growing user base.