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Ghost Angels: Snap Alumni Launch Fund To Accelerate Social Media Innovation

A cohort of 20 former Snap executives and innovators has united to introduce Ghost Angels, a new investment fund targeting the future of social media. The fund, which has already supported five companies and plans to invest in at least 15 more over the coming year, remains discreet about its total capital raised.

Strategic Formation And Diverse Expertise

Founded in 2025 by former Snap global partnerships executive and current Microsoft AI executive Max Rivera, Ghost Angels brings together approximately 20 former Snap leaders, operators and founders. Among the founding members are Alexandra Levitt, who previously led Snap’s corporate accelerator, and former Snap product and design leader Will Wu. The fund aims to leverage the operational and product expertise of its members to support early-stage founders building consumer technology companies.

Redefining Social Media Dynamics

Rivera argues that social media is entering a new phase, with platforms increasingly separating content distribution from community building. Rather than relying solely on advertising-driven business models, many emerging startups are experimenting with subscriptions, usage-based pricing, tokenized economies and other alternative monetization strategies. According to Rivera, smaller teams are also able to launch and iterate products more quickly, creating opportunities for new entrants to challenge established platforms.

Embracing AI-Driven Innovation

Ghost Angels is primarily targeting pre-seed and seed-stage AI startups focused on consumer and social applications. The fund believes artificial intelligence can reshape how users discover content, interact with communities and create digital experiences. Support from former Snap executives is particularly valuable for founders navigating challenges around engagement, product design and platform growth, Rivera said.

Future-Forward Strategies

Alongside investments in AI-powered social products, Ghost Angels is backing companies developing AI-native content formats and creative tools across industries, including music, gaming, sports and fashion. The fund sees generative AI as a way to lower barriers to content creation and distribution while enabling new forms of digital engagement. Its investment strategy reflects broader shifts across the technology sector, where entrepreneurs are increasingly building specialized communities and niche platforms rather than competing directly with large social networks.

Web Summit 2026 Brings 70,000 Participants From 164 Countries To Lisbon

Around 70,000 people from 164 countries attended this year’s Web Summit in Lisbon, with China sending its largest delegation to the event so far. More than 50 representatives from the country’s artificial intelligence and robotics sectors took part, reflecting China’s growing presence in technologies reshaping manufacturing and services.

Founded in Dublin in 2009, Web Summit moved to Lisbon in 2016 and has since developed into one of Europe’s major technology conferences. The event brings together start-ups, investors and industry leaders, providing a platform for companies to present new technologies and explore business opportunities.

This year’s gathering also highlighted China’s expanding influence in the global technology industry, a trend noted by Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave.

Storm Charles Interrupts Conference Programme

The summit’s schedule was disrupted on November 11, when Storm Charles forced organisers to cancel activities for the day. The programme resumed on November 12, allowing the event to conclude as planned.

Despite the interruption, this year’s Web Summit highlighted several key developments shaping the technology sector, including advances in robotics and automation, intensifying international competition and continued demand for platforms connecting businesses with investors.

For Lisbon, the conference remains an important international technology gathering, bringing together companies and decision-makers while showcasing innovations moving towards commercial application.

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