Ghost Angels Fund: Snap Alumni Invest in Next-Gen Social Media 2026

20 Snap alumni have launched an angel fund to back the next generation of social media and consumer AI startups, with at least 5 companies already invested and plans to deploy remaining capital into at least 15 more within the next year.

Introduction to Ghost Angels Fund

The fund, called Ghost Angels, has been launched by a group of 20 Snap alumni who believe that "social" and "media" have split. This comes at a time when social media companies are facing increased scrutiny, with Meta, Snap, and TikTok recently paying a combined $27 million to settle a lawsuit with a Kentucky school district. The settlement, which is 8% more than the district's annual budget, highlights the significant financial stakes involved in the social media landscape.

Market Context

• The global social media market is projected to grow to $264.5 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% from 2021 to 2026, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets.
• The consumer AI market is expected to reach $13.4 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 30.2% from 2021 to 2026, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets.

"The concept of social engineering is often associated with phishing and other scams, but it can also be used for good, such as shaping human behavior at scale," said a researcher at IEEE Spectrum.

What the Sceptics Say

Some critics argue that the Ghost Angels fund is simply a way for Snap alumni to invest in the next big thing, without necessarily considering the potential negative consequences of social media on society. For example, a study by the Pew Research Center found that 70% of adults believe that social media has a negative impact on society.

What This Means for the Industry

The launch of the Ghost Angels fund is likely to have significant implications for the social media and consumer AI industries. Companies such as Meta, Google, and Softbank are likely to be impacted by the fund's investments, and may need to adapt their strategies to stay competitive. In the next 6-12 months, we can expect to see a surge in new social media and consumer AI startups, as the Ghost Angels fund deploys its capital.

Key Takeaways

1. Engineers: should consider the potential applications of social engineering for good, and explore ways to use AI and machine learning to shape human behavior at scale.
2. Investors: should keep a close eye on the Ghost Angels fund and its investments, as they are likely to have a significant impact on the social media and consumer AI industries.
3. Business Leaders: should consider the potential implications of the Ghost Angels fund for their companies, and explore ways to adapt their strategies to stay competitive.
4. Consumers: should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of social media, and take steps to protect their personal data and online security.

Sources

• The Next Web: Snap alumni launch Ghost Angels fund for next-gen social media
• The Next Web: Social media companies pay $27 million to settle lawsuit
• BBC Technology: Starmer vows to act on social media after meeting bereaved parents
• The Guardian Tech: Gen Z using social media to get hired
• IEEE Spectrum: Reclaiming Social Engineering for Good