New social app Linkup secures over half a million dollars to revolutionise the way we socialise

Linkup, a Manchester-founded social app that makes it easier to meet new people, has raised over half a million dollars in pre-seed funding. The app, launching in Q4 2022, aims to revolutionise socialising in a digital, post-covid era. The pre-seed raise, with investment from angel investors and high-profile individuals, has helped the team lay the foundations to fully develop the app and hit the market this year.

Linkup is the trailblazing new social app that paves the way for like-minded people to forge new connections, and build friendships based on common interests. A post-pandemic society has seen people naturally struggling to get back out into the real world and build new relationships. Linkup is tackling this problem head-on by providing a unique free-to-use tool that allows users to connect with people in their area, right in the very moment, making socialising easy to arrange and enjoy.

Sparking interest amongst big names in the entertainment industry, Linkup’s potential was recognised by a variety of key early investors, including famous Youtubers, Footballers and Music Artists. An app that stands for socialising, fighting loneliness and connecting people was incredibly potent to investors, who were keen to get behind the solution for such a fundamental problem.

Casyo ‘Krept’ Johnson, one half of duo Krept & Konan and an early Linkup investor said: “When I saw what Linkup was doing I was immediately interested. It's very unique and no one else is connecting people simply and quickly in this way. I truly believe what they're building is going to be a game changer. I saw how I could use this personally but also professionally as an artist. The applications are endless, hence the huge size of the opportunity. This is why I decided to personally invest and help support the business!”

Linkup joined forces with UK-based App Development firm Tappable, to develop the app from the ground up. Their unwavering focus on user experience allows the app to be navigated with ease, creating a seamless way for users to swipe through different types of linkups from sociable drinks to a game of tennis. Users can simply request to join a linkup, and once the creator accepts they’ll be added to the linkup group chat, which features all the event details, including the specific location, with integrated safety features.

Linkup was founded by Jack Peagam and Ben Whatson, two British entrepreneurs with a passion for building something that will help people develop relationships and connect in person during a time where technology is a strong pillar of society. Jack and Ben have seen the way young people’s mental health has steadily declined in recent years and were determined to create a fun and exciting app that connects people together over common interests and hobbies. Jack and Ben have valuable skills and experience in business, with two previous startup ventures between them, and they understand what it takes to build a successful business. With innate skills in digital innovation, creativity and ultimately a shared passion for bringing their vision into reality, the two founders are determined to drive forward an era of in-person connections and linkups.

Co-founder Jack Peagam said, “The pandemic hit everyone hard, and it was daunting to meet new people once restrictions were lifted, let alone taking into account how reliant most generations are now on their digital screens! After two years of social distancing, people are still struggling to develop new friendships, get to know new cities they’ve moved to, or even discover new hobbies. 

“We wanted to create something that actively supports users to get back out into the real world, go on adventures, and do more of what they love. This investment has brought our business vision to life and supported us to build the fundamentals of the app and we can’t wait to launch Linkup to the public later this year.” 

Linkup is currently on the search for student ambassadors, based in Manchester, who believe in the Linkup mission and want to help spread the word and revolutionise socialising. Ambassador perks include free merchandise, rewards and exclusive events as well as being a founding member of the pioneering social app that actually makes people social.

Linkup is launching in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in September 2022, just in time for Freshers Week.