WeAre8 Company Profile

Background

Overview

WeAre8 is a social media platform founded in 2020 by Sue Fennessy, a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in advertising and media intelligence. The company aims to revolutionize the digital advertising landscape by creating a platform that prioritizes people and the planet, offering users the opportunity to earn money by watching advertisements. This innovative approach seeks to address issues such as user exploitation and environmental impact associated with traditional social media platforms.

Mission and Vision

WeAre8's mission is to unite 1% of the global population to make a positive impact every day. The platform envisions a world where users are rewarded for their time and attention, with a significant portion of advertising revenue directed towards charitable causes and environmental initiatives.

Industry Significance

As a certified B Corporation since December 2020, WeAre8 adheres to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. This certification underscores the company's commitment to ethical practices and its role in promoting a more sustainable and socially responsible digital ecosystem.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• User Empowerment: Provide users with the ability to earn money by engaging with advertisements, thereby redistributing value back to the audience.

• Social Impact: Allocate a portion of advertising revenue to support charitable organizations and environmental projects, fostering a sense of community and purpose among users.

• Sustainability: Implement business practices that minimize environmental impact, including carbon offset initiatives and partnerships with eco-friendly organizations.

Areas of Specialization

• Digital Advertising: Develop and manage a sustainable ad-buying engine that enables brands to reach consumers while supporting social and environmental causes.

• Creator Support: Offer a Creator Fund to support verified creators on the platform, funding content creation and community engagement activities.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Serverless Architecture: Adopted through AWS to optimize resource usage and reduce carbon emissions.

• AI-Driven Content Moderation: Employed to maintain a hate-free and positive environment on the platform.

Primary Markets Targeted

• United Kingdom: Initial market with established partnerships and user base.

• Australia and New Zealand: Expanded presence with localized content and partnerships.

• United States: Recent market entry with plans for significant user acquisition.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

• Series B Funding (March 2022): Raised $15 million led by Channel 4 Ventures and Centerstone Capital.

• Crowdfunding Campaign (May 2022): Launched on Crowdcube, allowing users to invest and own shares in the company.

Notable Investors

• Channel 4 Ventures: UK's largest 'media for equity' fund, leading the Series B round.

• Centerstone Capital: Participated in the Series B funding, supporting the company's growth initiatives.

Utilization of Capital

• Customer Acquisition: Expand user base, particularly in the United States.

• Platform Development: Enhance technological infrastructure and user experience.

• Marketing and Partnerships: Increase brand awareness and establish strategic collaborations.

Pipeline Development

Key Initiatives

• Creator Fund (November 2022): Launched to support verified creators with grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, funded by 5% of WeAre8’s profits.

• 8Fest Initiative (July 2025): Reimagined social media experience leveraging AI technology to enhance user engagement.

Target Conditions

• User Engagement: Increase active participation and content creation on the platform.

• Brand Partnerships: Attract and retain a diverse range of advertisers committed to social responsibility.

Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

• Short-Term (2025): Launch 8Fest and expand U.S. user base.

• Medium-Term (2026): Achieve significant market penetration in key regions.

• Long-Term (2027): Establish WeAre8 as a leading platform for ethical digital advertising.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Sustainable Ad Manager: Facilitates easy ad buying for brands while supporting social and environmental causes.

Significant Scientific Methods

• AI-Driven Content Moderation: Ensures a safe and positive user environment by identifying and managing inappropriate content.

Leadership Team

Sue Fennessy – Founder and CEO

• Professional Background: Founded Standard Media Index (SMI) in 2009, leading it until 2014.

• Contributions to WeAre8: Established the company's mission and strategic direction, focusing on ethical digital advertising.

George Taskos – Chief Technology Officer

• Professional Background: Extensive experience in technology and product development.

• Contributions to WeAre8: Led the development of the platform's technological infrastructure, including the sustainable ad-buying engine.

Rio Ferdinand – Brand Ambassador

• Professional Background: Former professional footballer and sports commentator.

• Contributions to WeAre8: Serves as a high-profile ambassador, promoting the platform's values and mission.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

• Market Size: The global digital advertising market is substantial, with significant growth potential for platforms offering ethical and user-centric models.

• Industry Trends: Increasing demand for transparency, user empowerment, and social responsibility in digital platforms.

Competitor Analysis

• Traditional Social Media Platforms: Companies like Facebook and Instagram dominate the market but face criticism over data privacy and user exploitation.

• Emerging Ethical Platforms: WeAre8 differentiates itself by offering a model that rewards users and supports charitable causes, addressing gaps in the current market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

• Channel 4 Ventures: Provided significant investment, enabling expansion and development.

• Ecologi: Partnered to offset carbon emissions and support environmental initiatives.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

• Market Position: WeAre8 positions itself as a unique alternative to traditional social media, focusing on user empowerment and social impact.

• Competitive Advantages: Ethical business model, user-centric approach, and commitment to sustainability.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Roadmap

• Short-Term (2025): Enhance platform features, expand user base, and strengthen brand partnerships.

• Medium-Term (2026): Increase market share in key regions and diversify revenue streams.

• Long-Term (2027): Establish WeAre8 as a leading platform for ethical digital advertising and social impact.

Contact Information

• Official Website: www.weare8.com

• Social Media Profiles:

• Facebook: WeAre8

• Instagram: @weare8

• Twitter: @weare8

• LinkedIn: WeAre8