In this episode of Founders’ Future, host Joseph Fitzgerald sits down with Karl Smith, the innovative mind behind Circles—a new kind of social media platform built on privacy, security, and user-centric values. Karl shares the story behind Circles, a paid, anonymous social media platform designed to combat the frustrations of traditional platforms dominated by ads, propaganda, and privacy concerns.
Karl explains how Circles aims to restore the essence of true social connections by offering users multiple profiles to manage their multifaceted lives while ensuring no visible or invisible data connections between them. The platform rejects advertising entirely, making it a haven for users seeking a genuine and distraction-free online experience.
Joseph and Carl dive into the challenges of launching such a disruptive platform, the importance of crowdfunding to maintain independence, and Carl's bold vision to eliminate identity fraud and redefine the social media landscape. With an alpha launch targeted for mid-2025, this conversation offers an exclusive look at the philosophy, challenges, and aspirations of a founder determined to bring integrity back to the digital world.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or someone frustrated with the current state of social media, this episode will leave you inspired by Carl’s thoughtful approach and unwavering commitment to making Circles a game-changer in the industry.