Yale Student Secures $3.1M for AI Startup While Balancing College Life
In a remarkable tale of ambition and grit, 21-year-old Nathaneo Johnson, a senior at Yale University, has co-founded Series, an innovative AI-powered social networking platform.
While navigating the rigors of college life, Johnson and his co-founder Sean Hargrow secured $3.1 million in pre-seed funding in March 2025.
This achievement not only validates their vision but also challenges the conventional wisdom that aspiring entrepreneurs must choose between education and innovation.
As they gear up for a Series A round, Johnson’s story highlights how young minds can thrive in the fast-evolving AI landscape.
Johnson’s passion for technology ignited early. In seventh grade, he delved into coding with modular robots, and by eighth grade, he engineered a smart walking stick for the blind using Arduino sensors and 3D printing.
These youthful projects laid the groundwork for his proficiency in languages like C, Python, and Swift. Despite his tech savvy, Johnson opted for Yale over MIT for its interdisciplinary offerings in computer science, philosophy, and art—resources he credits for fostering well-rounded creativity.
The spark for Series came during his time at Yale. Inspired by “The Founder Series” podcast he launched through the Yale Entrepreneurial Society, Johnson recognized the value of “warm introductions”—trusted connections that open doors to opportunities.
He envisioned automating this process with AI to match people seamlessly. Initially built for voice and email, Series evolved dramatically over winter break 2024 with a breakthrough integration into iMessage, launching officially in July 2024.
The platform now connects users effortlessly, leveraging AI to foster genuine relationships in a digital world often plagued by superficial interactions.
Raising funds wasn’t without hurdles. Johnson bootstrapped early conversations with venture capitalists to test scalability. The pivotal moment arrived post-dinner in March 2025, when they inked a million-dollar deal, unlocking resources to scale the product and hire developers.
Notably, Johnson forgoes a personal salary, reinvesting every dollar into growth—a bold move rooted in his upbringing by a single mother, which instilled a “nothing to lose” mindset. Without a financial safety net, he dives in fully, avoiding the complacency that cushions might breed.
Balancing it all demands superhuman discipline. Johnson logs 120-hour weeks, blending Yale classes with startup demands in an 18-hour daily office grind.
“Being a student is easy: you just go to class and pass,” he quips. Extracurriculars and social distractions that consume peers’ time fuel his venture instead. Success lies in ruthless prioritization, delegation, and sacrifice. As Series eyes expansion, Johnson’s euphoria is palpable: “There’s nothing better than living your dream.”
This update is significant as it exemplifies the democratizing force of AI startups. In an era where social networks dominate daily life, Series could redefine how we build connections, making networking more authentic and efficient.
For users, it promises a less overwhelming way to expand circles—think personalized matches via iMessage that feel human, not algorithmic.
Businesses might see ripple effects too: enhanced user engagement could boost retention for partner apps, while inspiring a wave of student-led AI innovations.
As AI tools permeate social tech, platforms like Series could level the playing field, empowering individuals without vast resources to compete. Johnson’s path proves that with focus, the middle ground between academia and entrepreneurship isn’t just possible—it’s a launchpad for disruption.
FAQ
How did Nathaneo Johnson raise $3.1 million for his AI startup while at Yale?
Johnson leveraged “warm introductions” from his Yale network, including insights from his “Founder Series” podcast. He pitched to VCs after building a prototype, securing pre-seed funding in March 2025 by demonstrating Series’ scalability and AI-driven matching via iMessage.
Can college students successfully start an AI company?
Absolutely, as Johnson’s story shows. With strong time management—prioritizing 120-hour weeks on essentials—and reinvesting funds into development, students can balance classes and startups. His key advice: delegate, sacrifice distractions, and embrace a “nothing to lose” approach for full commitment.
Image Courtesy of Nathaneo Johnson
