In an era where most social media platforms are designed to keep users scrolling endlessly, Twitter co-founder Evan Ev Williams is taking a radically different approach with his latest venture. His new social app Mozi aims to facilitate real-world connections rather than digital ones, representing a philosophical shift in how we might use technology to enhance our social lives.
A Return to SXSW
Williams plans to officially launch Mozi at SXSW 2025 in Austin, the same event where Twitter made its breakthrough in 2007. This symbolic return to Austin underscores the cyclical nature of tech innovation, as Williams attempts to redefine social networking nearly two decades after helping to revolutionize it. The choice of venue is strategic, given SXSW's abundance of events and gatherings—the perfect testing ground for an app designed to connect people face-to-face.
Addressing a Personal Realization
The inspiration for Mozi came from Williams' own life experience. When planning his 50th birthday celebration, he had what he described as a sad realization—despite his professional success, he hadn't cultivated the robust network of meaningful friendships he desired at that stage in his life. This personal insight catalyzed his vision for a platform that prioritizes authentic relationships over digital engagement metrics.
How Mozi Works
Unlike conventional social networks, Mozi alerts users when their contacts are in the same city and notifies them about events their friends are attending nearby. The app's newest feature, Local Plans, enables users to share their event attendance, allowing others in their contact list to see these plans and join if interested. The platform deliberately avoids the common features of mainstream social media—there are no public profiles, follower counts, likes, or comments, elements Williams has previously criticized as unhealthy.
A Different Kind of Social
What we used to call social apps really don't do that, Williams told Bloomberg, referring to genuine social connection. That's not how they've evolved. They're media and entertainment. This observation highlights the fundamental shift in how social platforms have transformed from tools for connection into content consumption engines. Mozi represents Williams' attempt to reclaim the original promise of social technology—helping people be more social in the real world.
Business and Leadership
The startup has already secured $6 million in venture funding from investors including Williams' own fund, Obvious Ventures, alongside notable figures in the social networking space such as Path co-founder Dave Morin, Foursquare co-founder Dennis Crowley, and Musical.ly (now TikTok) co-founder Alex Hofmann. Molly DeWolf Swenson serves as CEO, having joined the project after a chance meeting with Williams at a holiday party in San Francisco in late 2022—fittingly, the kind of serendipitous in-person connection Mozi aims to facilitate.
Mozi Key Facts
- Founded by: Evan "Ev" Williams (Twitter co-founder)
- CEO: Molly DeWolf Swenson
- Funding: $6 million in venture capital
- Notable investors: Obvious Ventures, Dave Morin (Path), Dennis Crowley (Foursquare), Alex Hofmann (Musical.ly/TikTok)
- Team size: Approximately 12 employees
- Launch venue: SXSW 2025 in Austin
- Core feature: Alerts when contacts are in the same city or attending nearby events
- Distinguishing factor: No likes, comments, or public follower counts
Market Challenges
Mozi enters a challenging marketplace dominated by established giants with billions of users. While currently free, the platform may eventually monetize through premium features or brand and event partnerships, according to Swenson. The more significant challenge, however, may be behavioral: can users accustomed to the dopamine-driven mechanics of conventional social media embrace a platform designed to ultimately get them off their phones?
A Philosophical Shift
In the quest to maximize engagement, the timeline of friends and people you picked to follow turned into a free-for-all battle for attention, Williams wrote in a blog post introducing Mozi. This critique of the attention economy that drives most social platforms positions Mozi as more than just another app—it's a philosophical statement about how technology should serve human connection rather than exploit it.
The Future of Social Technology
As concerns about digital wellness and screen time continue to grow, Mozi's approach could signal an emerging trend in how social technology evolves. By focusing on facilitating real-world interactions rather than digital engagement, Williams is betting that users are ready for a social platform that measures its success not by how long it keeps them online, but by how effectively it helps them connect offline.