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Following the abandonment of safety guardrails from social media giants like Meta and X, large swathes of the population already feeling the impacts of isolation have been left with fewer protections in online communities and conversations. But a social app founded in Melbourne last year hopes to turn the tide.
Spoony, a social app designed to empower neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled people, has raised $1 million dollars in a pre-seed round led by Antler, NDIS provider Melba Support and Trampoline as it takes its mission to build a safe, stigma-free space global.
Founded by CEO Nicholas Carlton and CTO Kenneth Liang, Spoony is redefining social connection for a global audience historically underserved by mainstream platforms with its 22,000 beta users reporting on average a 25 per cent reduction in loneliness.
Alongside social connection, Spoony will connect its users to quality healthcare support making it easy to connect with therapists, healthcare providers, and disability support services on the same platform.
Carlton was inspired to start Spoony based on his own experience of chronic illness and social isolation, envisioning a platform that fosters genuine connection while addressing key accessibility gaps.
“Neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled people experience a disproportionately high degree of social isolation that has a very real impact on their health and wellbeing. We’re creating a safe space where people can be their authentic selves, without fear,” says Carlton
“Spoony is the right product at the right moment. The social media landscape is in flux - X and Meta are ditching safety measures, TikTok is on the chopping block, and governments are restricting children's access to social platforms.
Launching in September 2024, the app has quickly gained traction, with 42,000 people joining its waitlist and 22,000 users participating in a soft launch. Beta testing revealed high engagement, with users logging in 3.5 times daily.
Viral content on platforms like TikTok, amassing millions of views, has further amplified Spoony’s global visibility and impact.
"The disability community has been clear – they want modern, accessible ways to connect with others who understand their experiences,” says Hayley Dean, CEO of Melba Support Services. “By joining forces with Australia's leading disability app developer, we're answering that call in a way that not only upholds peoples human right to intimacy but also prioritises safety, dignity, and genuine connection.”
“We’re proud to have been backing Nick and Kenneth from day one as they set out to redefine social connection and integrated support for neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled communities,” says general partner of Antler in Australia, Mike Abbott.
“Their deep personal connection to this mission, paired with their exceptional technical and commercial expertise, positions them to create a category-defining platform that truly understands its users, as reflected in Spoony’s outstanding beta growth and results.”
Former COO of the largest National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support marketplace, Mable, Piroska Bisits-Bullen has also invested in Spoony and been appointed chair of the advisory board which includes Hayley Dean, Isis Nair, and Muhilan Sriravindrarajah.
One in six people worldwide lives with a disability, making this community the largest minority globally. With neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled people among the biggest consumers of healthcare services, Spoony addresses a growing demand for safe, stigma-free spaces that integrate community and health support.
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