We started with a vision: to leverage social networking for collective action. We wanted to build an organising tool that actually connected people in a positive way. With unwavering determination, we delved deep into the problem, engaged in conversations with anyone willing to listen and sketched out in notebooks our game-changing model. A model focused on active participation and being a part of something bigger than oneself.
Nick, Co-Founder of Curv secured initial funding from his other company, kickstarting development. In three months, we created a minimum viable product (MVP), granting access to a select group of 100 individuals. At first, we encountered some hiccups. It broke. And broke again. However, with each setback, we persevered and diligently addressed the issues. We learned and grew alongside the invaluable thoughts and ideas shared by the community we had built.
Now, after six months, we've reached a significant milestone: open beta. However, our vision extends far beyond what you currently see, as we strive to create something truly exceptional...
Curv's Revenue Model will revolutionise the traditional advertising approach through three alternative means:
First, Curv Coins will allow members to directly support Movements and Content Creators they admire, creating a decentralised giving experience that empowers members to make a tangible impact.
Second, the Amplification Model will feature selected Movements on the Explore screen, generating revenue while promoting principled Movements that align with Curv's values.
Lastly, the Alignment Model will enable brands to establish long-term partnerships with Movements that share their values. This approach will empower brands to provide financial support, sponsor events, and back specific actions, all while connecting them with their primary audience.
Each of these models has the potential to transform revenue generation into a force for positive change.
At the centre of Curv is a new model that emphasises joining movements rather than following individuals, and taking action instead of chasing likes. This simple shift to collective individualism is incredibly important. The current system encourages obsession with metrics such as follower count and likes, with the pursuit of higher numbers increasing the chances of you posting more and scrolling endlessly. The result is social feed addiction and, in many cases, anxiety as we compare ourselves to others and attach our self-worth to a double tap of a screen. This is not human-centred design.
With Curv, we are building a vision that prioritises communities, supports its members and provides opportunities to connect with new friends, discover new passions, and find happiness in being a part of something bigger than oneself. We are still early in this journey, but the potential for something magnificent can already be felt and seen on Curv, even at this early stage.
The status quo of social media emphasises the importance of freedom of speech. However, we believe that freedom from harm, violence, disinformation, and exploitation is equally as important and must be deeply considered when designing a social space like Curv.
With this ethos in mind, Curv will establish an array of advisory boards focused on areas such as AI, mental health, and democracy. Additionally, we will require ID verification from anyone who wants to share content, making us one of the first social platforms to do so. Our principles are designed to promote empathy and inclusivity whilst every movement on Curv must adhere to these same principles before going live, preventing a wild west scenario from playing out.
As we continue to grow, this will undoubtedly become more challenging. However, it is important to note that combining verification with principled movements will allow Curv to stay in control and take meaningful action when needed to serve and protect its community in a way that no other platform can.
Misinformation is a significant threat to society, and the current platforms are failing us with a system that actively amplifies click-bait and can be manipulated for political gain.
To combat this, we will further develop our ‘Leave a Source’ feature, enabling members to back up their claims. We will build out a labelling functionality that warns of any potential risk of mis-truth or content-washing. Additionally, we will create an algorithm that prevents such unbacked, potentially misinformed content from reaching a mass audience and encourage the opposite behaviours through what is amplified.
We will add the ability to create Source Packs and Source Requests. We will curate a Black & Green List (with the help of a trusted mis/disinformation partner) to prevent questionable sources from spreading. And by implementing ID verification, manipulation will drop drastically whilst persistent bad actors will be removed. With these measures in place, we can, and will create a safer, healthier information ecology.
Curv will deliver a democratic approach that consistently connects the Curv team to the communities driving action on Curv. To maintain this ethos of connection, transparency and accountability, we will soon be launching Curv's Open Book Project.
Through the Open Book Project, we will share a wealth of information associated with Curv to anyone who would like to learn more. This includes upcoming features being developed right through to board-level decisions and anything in-between.
Furthermore, all members will have regular opportunities to share their thoughts, vote on important decisions, participate in consultations, join theme-specific channels, and access educational masterclasses tailored to their interests, thus creating regular ties between the community and the Curv team - a bond that is mightily important in ensuring Curv stays true to those who matter most - the members of our growing community.
Curv is already an amazing platform for sharing and being a part of something bigger than yourself. However, this is just the beginning, and our ambitions for this platform are huge.
So as we prepare everything we need for investment to truly kick this project into gear, we urge you to jump in now - to download the app, join movements, and get involved in what resonates with you; to share your thoughts and invite your friends to be a part of this journey with you.
The power is in our hands. Let's see where we can take this.