Now, at the age of 52, the visionary behind notable platforms such as Blogger, Twitter, and Medium is embarking on an intriguing new venture. His latest startup, Mozi, represents a bold step away from the social media norms that dominate today’s digital landscape. Unlike typical social networks, Mozi is a private social platform devoid of public profiles or follower tallies, designed to foster genuine in-person connections. The app vibrantly alerts users when their contacts are in the same city, showcasing a network of acquaintances attending local events, reminiscent of a digital town square where friends can easily gather.

 

This week, Mozi will unveil a cutting-edge feature at the renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, amplifying its mission to promote local engagements. As Williams articulated in an insightful interview with Bloomberg, the primary goal is to inspire more real-world meetups with familiar faces, shifting the paradigm from what he recognizes as a media-driven interpretation of social apps to a platform that prioritizes authentic social interactions. Reflecting on his experience while organizing his 50th birthday celebration, Williams had a startling revelation:

 

“I didn’t have a robust set of friendships I felt great about given my stage in life.” Managing relationships online posed significant challenges; he noted, “We’re not wired to have true social interactions in public.” In his eyes, most existing networks facilitate performative rather than genuine connections, igniting his desire to create something different. Though the idea of a private social network tantalized him, Williams was initially hesitant about diving into the complexities of running another business after stepping down as CEO of Medium, a platform which had struggled to establish a successful business model in the volatile world of online media.

 

The spark for Mozi truly ignited at an in-person gathering in San Francisco, where Williams crossed paths with Molly DeWolf Swenson during a holiday party. Their conversation on the dance floor quickly revealed mutual potential; Williams needed a dynamic CEO to partner with, while Swenson, an adept entrepreneur with a background in media and investment, was keen to dive into the business-building process that Williams felt reluctant to embrace.

 

Eighteen transformative months later, in late 2024, Mozi proudly launched with Williams as chairman and Swenson at the helm as CEO. The company, now with a dedicated team of twelve, recently secured $6 million in venture funding from an impressive lineup of investors, including Williams’ own fund, Obvious Ventures, and notable figures in the social networking sphere like Path co-founder Dave Morin and Foursquare Labs co-founder Dennis Crowley.

 

At SXSW, Mozi will introduce an exciting feature dubbed “Local Plans,” allowing users to share their activities, whether attending a thought-provoking speaker session or a lively concert. This innovative tool will encourage others in their contact list to join in and engage, strengthening the sense of community. Currently available for free, Mozi may explore premium features or collaboration with brands and events as it evolves, according to Swenson.

 

Building a substantial user base will be crucial an uphill task familiar to Williams from his Twitter days, where the dual challenges of attracting users to a still-infant platform weighed heavily. Social networks often encounter a problem: potential users delay joining until their friends are already part of the community, yet early adopters might find an empty and uninviting experience. While many social networks stumble, those that thrive often adopt a familiar formula built on public-facing components like comments and likes elements that Williams has described as “unhealthy” in the context of true social connection.

 

Swenson aims to differentiate Mozi by focusing on in-person interactions, hoping that this intentional design will encourage people to remain engaged, even as the app is in its nascent stages. She recognizes the allure of existing platforms, like Instagram, which offer entertainment and distraction, but also acknowledges that the innate human desire for connection has become overshadowed by an overwhelming urge to consume information superficially.

 

This coming weekend, Williams and Swenson will be present at SXSW to showcase Mozi and the new local events feature, envisioning a vibrant atmosphere where users can seamlessly reconnect with their friends and discover what everyone else is experiencing at this electrifying festival known for its parties, compelling conversations, and nightlife. It’s worth remembering that Twitter’s ascent began at SXSW back in 2007, where it captured the spotlight and won accolades for its innovative approach to blogging. With Mozi, Williams aims to nurture connections that thrive off-screen, enriching the fabric of our social lives.