**Creating a Safe and Supportive Social Media Platform for Women**
Olivia DeRamus, the founder of Communia, is challenging the narrative surrounding social media by asking the question: What if scrolling through social media didn’t make us miserable? With her platform, DeRamus aims to create a space where women can feel supported and empowered rather than overwhelmed.
Communia functions as both a social platform and a mental health tool. Users can post updates in a community feed or privately journal and track their emotions over time. However, to foster a sense of safety and intimacy, users are required to verify their identity before fully accessing the app. This approach may polarize some users but ensures that people feel comfortable sharing vulnerable experiences and discussing topics like PMDD and difficult life experiences.
DeRamus’s motivation for creating Communia stems from her own personal journey. As a survivor of sexual assault, she turned to online communities during a time when discussing such experiences was challenging. This firsthand experience highlighted the need for a supportive online platform where women can have conversations about sensitive topics.
Communia’s approach to monetization involves onboarding creators. The platform envisions fans paying to access more intimate communities with creators they know. The focus is on the connections within the group rather than solely on the relationship with the creator. To develop this creator strategy, Communia has enlisted the expertise of Amrapali Gan, the former CEO of OnlyFans. Gan’s experience in building a platform with emphasis on safety aligns with Communia’s mission.
Communia is taking a deliberate approach to its growth. While it participated in TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield 2022, the platform has been cautious in its marketing efforts. This slow growth strategy is appropriate for Communia as its success hinges on maintaining strong content moderation capabilities while scaling up safely. The platform is currently embarking on its first institutional fundraise to secure additional funds for navigating this stage of growth.
Overall, Communia represents a fresh perspective on social media, challenging the notion that it inevitably leads to negative experiences. By prioritizing safety, support, and intimate connections, DeRamus is paving the way for a more empowering and positive online environment for women.
