A rising UK startup just landed a massive financial boost to help people meet offline. Cliq secured a major seven figure investment to move people from screens to streets and fight the global loneliness epidemic. This fresh funding aims to take the platform worldwide after it gained traction without spending a penny on ads.
Massive Investment for Global Growth
The social networking landscape just got a serious shake up. Cliq recently confirmed it raised a significant seven figure sum to fuel its expansion plans. This funding round includes backing from the venture capital firm Artesian. Several angel investors and a private family office also joined the round to support the vision.
Co-founder Nicola Gunby broke the news regarding the financial milestone. She highlighted that this capital is vital for scaling their operations globally. The app already operates in key markets like the United Kingdom and the United States. It also sees heavy usage in Australia and the digital nomad hub of Bali.
Key Investment Details:
- Amount: Seven-figure sum (undisclosed exact total)
- Lead Investors: Artesian VC, Family Office, Angel Investors
- Purpose: Global expansion and technology scaling
- Previous Funding: Over £500,000 raised prior to this round
This influx of cash comes at a critical time for consumer apps. Many startups struggle to raise funds in the current economic climate. Securing this amount proves investors believe in the mission to cure social isolation. The founders plan to use these resources to improve the app infrastructure. They want to ensure it handles the growing influx of new users seeking genuine connection.
Cliq app interface on smartphone with people meeting in background
Building Communities Without Ads
One of the most impressive parts of this story is how Cliq grew before the money came in. The team managed to attract over 100,000 users entirely through organic growth. They spent zero pounds on traditional marketing channels. This indicates a desperate market need for what they are offering.
Why Users Are Flocking to Cliq:
- Interest-Based Groups: Users find tribes based on hobbies like running, reading, or entrepreneurship.
- Local Events: The app focuses on getting people to attend things happening nearby.
- Safety First: Community guidelines ensure a safer space than open social networks.
- No Doom Scrolling: The interface encourages action rather than passive content consumption.
Users are clearly tired of the perfectly curated lives seen on Instagram or TikTok. They want raw and real interactions. Cliq provides a digital hallway that leads to a physical door. It acts as a bridge rather than a destination.
“Two years ago, we set out with one mission: to challenge the social networking industry and build something that gets people off their phones and back into real life.”
— Nicola Gunby, Co-founder of Cliq
This organic growth strategy relies heavily on word of mouth. People attend a Cliq event and tell their friends. The loop continues naturally. This creates high trust among the user base. Investors look for this kind of “product market fit” before writing big checks.
Fighting the Modern Loneliness Epidemic
The core mission of Cliq goes deeper than just planning parties or coffee dates. The founders built the platform as a direct counterpoint to typical social media. Data shows that while we are more connected digitally, we are lonelier than ever.
Recent studies indicate a sharp rise in feelings of isolation across major cities. Young adults often feel this the hardest. They move to new cities for work and struggle to make friends outside the office. Cliq targets this exact pain point.
The Problem vs. The Solution
| Traditional Social Media | The Cliq Approach |
|---|---|
| Encourages passive scrolling | Encourages active meeting |
| Focuses on likes and views | Focuses on attendance and vibes |
| Increases feelings of FOMO | Eliminates FOMO by inviting you |
| Keeps you on the phone | Gets you off the phone |
The app positions itself as a “social networking” tool rather than “social media.” The distinction is important. Networking implies active participation and value exchange. Media implies consumption. By focusing on shared interests like faith, exercise, or literature, the app removes the awkwardness of meeting strangers. You already have something to talk about before you even say hello.
Who Is Behind the Tech
The driving force behind this anti loneliness movement is a dynamic duo. Nicola Gunby and her partner Jason Iliffe founded the company in 2023. Their swift success highlights their understanding of modern social dynamics.
Gunby serves as the Chief Marketing Officer alongside her founder role. Her ability to grow the platform to hundreds of thousands of users without an ad budget is rare. It speaks to her skill in community building and brand messaging.
Founder Background:
- Names: Nicola Gunby & Jason Iliffe
- Founded: 2023
- Headquarters: UK (London base)
- Mission: Accelerate real life connection
The pair previously raised £500,000 to get the initial version off the ground. This new seven figure injection validates their initial work. It gives them the runway to hire talent and improve the app features.
They are betting on a future where people value face to face time over screen time. It is a risky bet in a digital first world. However, the rapid adoption suggests they are right. People are craving humanity again. This investment ensures Cliq will be there to facilitate it.
As they look toward the US and Australian markets, the challenge will be maintaining the community feel. Scaling a tech product is easy. Scaling a community vibe is hard. But with millions in the bank and a proven organic playbook, Cliq is ready for the fight.
We are seeing a shift in how we view the internet. Apps like Cliq represent “Social Media 2.0” where the goal is utility, not addiction. This funding news is a win for anyone who wants a better social life. It signals that the tech industry is finally waking up to the dangers of isolation.
