Ello.co is an ad-free social network that launched into rapid growth while still in beta. The company filed in Delaware as a Public Benefit Corporation to legally prohibit ads, the sale of user data, or any acquirer from reversing that commitment. Ello requires members to follow common-sense conduct rules and supports the use of real or anonymous identities. The product is still incomplete in many areas: the site’s UI and search functionality are reported as janky or nonfunctional and Alexa traffic has fallen from peak hype. At its peak the service reportedly received around 40,000 invite requests per hour in September. To generate revenue without advertising, Ello plans to sell personalized features and other small-priced services through an online store inspired by the Apple App Store.

Total raised

$6M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Oct 2014