9 Count

9 Count Inc. is a mobile application company established in 2019 with a focus on creating platforms that foster human connection. The company was founded by Alex Hofmann, who previously served as the President of musical.ly (now TikTok), and Joe Viola, who handles day-to-day operations and product strategy. Hofmann's experience with the precursor to TikTok informs the company's strategic direction, particularly its focus on what he terms "private social networks".

The company operates in the social networking and mobile app market, targeting a broad consumer base, with a specific emphasis on Gen Z users for some of its products. Its business model appears to be centered on a freemium structure, generating revenue through in-app purchases and advertising. In 2022, the company was recognized as one of the top 50 most promising startups by The Information, and co-founder Joe Viola was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Consumer Technology in 2023. 9 Count has secured $27.5 million in funding from venture capital firms including Redpoint, GGV Capital, and Greycroft.

9 Count's portfolio includes a variety of applications designed for social interaction. Its flagship product, Wink, is a friend-discovery and dating app that facilitates over 50 million friendships per month. Wink operates with a swipe-based interface, allowing users to connect with others for friendship or dating. The company has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions, such as the queer social app Lex. Other apps developed by 9 Count include Soda for making new friends, Summer for dating, Juju for games, and Corgi for polls. The company's mission is to create positive and judgment-free online communities that enrich the user experience of social media interaction.

Keywords: mobile apps, social networking, friend discovery, dating apps, Gen Z, consumer technology, Alex Hofmann, Joe Viola, Wink app, Soda app, Lex app, Summer app, private social networks, in-app purchases, digital media, online communities, social connection, GGV Capital, Redpoint