Clyx Secures $14M to Tackle Loneliness Epidemic with Community-Driven Social Platform

Clyx Raises $14M to Combat Loneliness Epidemic with Social Platform Alyx der Vorm's frustration with trying to make plans with friends sparked the creation of Clyx, a social platform that helps users find community events. The startup has now secured $14 million in funding to expand its user base and tackle the growing issue of loneliness. Der Vorm, 30, founded Clyx in 2020 after realizing that making social connections was becoming increasingly difficult. "I should do something with someone," she thought on a Friday evening, but found herself alone once again. This experience inspired her to create an app that would simplify finding community events and make it easier for people to connect. Clyx uses machine learning algorithms to match users with relevant events based on their interests and location. The platform currently has 50,000 active users who have purchased tickets for events such as concerts, festivals, and workshops. Der Vorm's background in computational neuroscience at Harvard University and her work at a lab studying social connections' impact on mental and physical health gave her the confidence to tackle the issue of loneliness. "The data is stark," she said. "Isolation can be as physically damaging as things we universally agree are bad for us. That gave me the confidence that working on friendship isn't soft – it's a real health problem." Clyx's funding round, led by investors including Founders Fund and Khosla Ventures, will enable the company to expand its user base and develop new features such as personalized event recommendations. The loneliness epidemic is a growing concern worldwide. According to a 2020 report by the American Psychological Association, 67% of adults in the United States reported feeling lonely at least some of the time. This trend is particularly concerning among younger generations, with Gen Z members reporting higher levels of loneliness despite being constantly connected through social media. Clyx's approach to tackling loneliness has resonated with users and investors alike. "We believe that Clyx is addressing a critical need in society," said Founders Fund partner, Brian Singerman. "By making it easier for people to connect with others who share similar interests, Clyx has the potential to make a significant impact on mental health." As Clyx continues to grow, its founders are committed to using data and technology to create a more connected world. With $14 million in funding, the company is well-positioned to tackle the loneliness epidemic head-on. Background: Clyx's mission to combat loneliness is rooted in der Vorm's personal experience and academic background. Her work at Harvard University focused on how social connections impact mental and physical health, and she has continued to study this topic through her work with Clyx. Additional Perspectives: Experts say that Clyx's approach to tackling loneliness is innovative and much-needed. "We're seeing a growing recognition of the importance of social connections for our well-being," said Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychologist who studies loneliness. "Clyx's use of machine learning algorithms to match users with relevant events is a clever solution to this problem." Current Status: With $14 million in funding, Clyx is poised to expand its user base and develop new features that will help people connect with others who share similar interests. As the company continues to grow, it remains committed to using data and technology to create a more connected world. Next Developments: Clyx plans to use its funding to further develop its platform and expand its reach. The company is also exploring new features such as personalized event recommendations and social connections tools. With its innovative approach and commitment to tackling loneliness, Clyx is well-positioned for success in the years to come. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*