A startup threatening Twitter’s stance in the realm of social media has raised $1.1 million in funding. It hasn’t decided on a permanent name but the increasing interest is hinting at its possible success in the future.
Quick Facts
- The early alpha version of the app has less than 100 users as of now
- T2, led by Gabor Cselle, has closed an investment deal with a group of angels including Rich Miner, Bradley Horowitz, and the former CEO of Wikipedia, Katherine Maher
- Cselle, a former employee in both Google and Twitter, has sold many startups to both companies
New service T2 started as a series of Cselle’s tweets where he spoke about Twitter’s misgivings after Musk’s acquisition. They eventually turned into the driving force behind Cselle’s new startup.
In November 2022, he introduced his brainchild to the world with the working title “T2.” Originating from the Bay Area, the startup has released an early-stage closed alpha. It has seven employees on the team and T2 is now looking to use the funds to bring in more people including ex-employees of Twitter Cselle himself.
Cselle is eager to use the funds to strengthen his workforce and hire workers in a variety of roles. Some of them are expected to be in important positions like CTO. Additionally, he wishes to continue upgrading and making improvements to the product.
When Cselle was asked about his vision for T2, he said he wants to create a “familiar place that is very close to the original.” He has been a prominent presence on Twitter for topics like building companies and products. His ideas are immensely popular among people who have pitched in funds for their execution.
Will Twitter alternative T2 overtake the original?
Although Cselle is determined to create a product similar to the original, it is not known what version he is referring to. The company has undergone countless changes over the years and T2 is setting precedents on where its priorities lie.
The character count on the original Twitter was 140 but its potential successor T2 allows 280 characters. T2 wants to provide an easy experience to its users and by inducing familiarity, it aims to achieve that.
Through more engagement, the social media app will report increased activity and a bigger community. “In consumer social, it’s all about the community,” said Cselle. As of now the app has 100 users but its needs to hit a key critical mass to ensure future success.
However, Cselle disclosed that the number of people waiting to sign up is around tens of thousands and it has space for more users. “We have a product and we are going as quickly as possible,” he shared.
T2 can grow as a company not just if it launches successfully, but also if it raises more money. The founder is currently in touch with VCs and other institutional investors who could benefit the company. However, they will not invest in the startup unless it crosses some milestones.
If T2 rakes in 5,000 active users, the bar will be met.
T2 could be challenged by other competitors
As the product is under development, Cselle and his team are attending brainstorming sessions over a publicly accessible Google spreadsheet called “What Would It Take To Build Another Twitter.”
Through active discussions that are meant to boost operations in the company, Cselle is also reaching out to people watching and observing the space. Interestingly, it is not the only service trying to outdo Twitter despite having cleared the first step of the test: collecting funds.
Spill, another platform founded by Twitter alums is looking to raise $1.3 million. Post, a platform that is already thriving financially, wants to raise around $250 million. Now, T2 is swimming not only against Twitter but also other potential competitors.
