In a world dominated by social media platforms that prioritize individualism and algorithm-based content, entrepreneur Raamayan Ananda felt that something was missing. He believed that social media should be a space for community co-creation and incentive alignment. This realization led him to create Veme, a Web3-powered short-form social video network designed specifically for communities.
Veme aims to bridge the gap in the current social media landscape, where video has become the predominant medium of cultural exchange. With approximately 90% of internet traffic projected to be video-based this year, Ananda saw an opportunity to create a platform that combines the best aspects of TikTok and Reddit.
Ananda’s background and experience in community-building and impact investing have greatly influenced the development of Veme. As the CEO of Veme, he brings a wealth of knowledge from his involvement with organizations like the Social Venture Circle, which has overseen over $250 million in impact-related projects. Additionally, Ananda co-founded Unify, a meditation platform that successfully brought together millions of people in synchronized meditations for world peace.
Unify’s limitations in reaching its own users due to platform constraints inspired Ananda to create Veme. He realized that communities are built on shared interests rather than algorithms alone. With Veme, Ananda aims to enable social discussions over video and provide a platform for community engagement and retention.
To bring this vision to life, Veme has raised $2 million through two rounds of token sales and is currently closing a $2 million venture round. The company has also developed an AI video meme generator, which allows users to convert text into viral, culturally relevant short-form video memes. Users can engage in meme battles using short-form social videos, fostering lively debates and discussions within their communities.
Veme’s decentralized public library offers thousands of clips that users can utilize to create content and express their views. Community admins or mods can choose prompts for the community, and an AI model can auto-generate prompts based on user preferences. For example, a cat community member can share their daily cat moment, while fitness influencers can post challenges for their community members.
The integration of blockchain technology into Veme is another key aspect of the platform. Decentralized advertising allows for real transparency, and the company splits advertising revenue with community members, creating a tipping and rewards system. This incentivizes community participation and fosters a sense of ownership within the platform.
Veme is currently in beta testing and plans to officially launch in September. The platform has already gained traction, with $1.1 million in non-fungible token sales and over 40,000 Twitter followers. Ananda believes that Veme’s focus on community-building sets it apart from its competitors, making it more likely to go viral organically.
The team behind Veme includes experienced individuals like Duke Jones (CTO), Marchiano Loen (Chief Product Officer), and Sebastian Roberts (COO). Investors such as Michael Birch (founder of Bebo Social Network) and Ted Field (founder of Interscope Records) have shown their support for the platform.
Veme’s beta launch in June will introduce features like video threading and other solutions to enhance user engagement. Ananda believes that the power of video lies in its ability to convey emotions and create stronger connections within communities. By providing a platform that enables community co-creation and fosters organic traction, Veme aims to become a major player in the social media landscape.
