Cosmos Raises $2.6M for Social & Work Platform

Across the globe, numerous startups are entering the field of “digital interaction and collaboration.” Consider the possibility of a startup developing a platform akin to “Club Penguin” designed for an adult audience?

Introducing Cosmos Video, a platform offering virtual spaces where individuals can collaborate, socialize, and connect. The company has recently secured $2.6 million in seed funding led by LocalGlobe, with additional investment from Entrepreneur First, Andy Chung and Philipp Moehring (AngelList), and Omid Ashtari (formerly of Citymapper).

The company’s founders, Rahul Goyal and Karan Baweja, both previously held product leadership positions at Citymapper and TransferWise, respectively.

Cosmos empowers users to construct virtual environments by integrating video communication with engaging game-like features. The goal is to recreate the spontaneous interactions that were common in physical settings. Users select an avatar and then connect with coworkers or friends within a web browser-based environment. As avatars approach each other, a video conversation can begin, mirroring real-life interactions.

The platform’s competitors include established video conferencing solutions like Zoom and Microsoft Teams; however, these platforms typically involve structured meetings with predetermined durations—they can feel restrictive and predictable. Cosmos, in contrast, allows users to move through the virtual space and seamlessly engage in a series of video calls, attempting to replicate a sense of chance encounters.

Beyond its social aspects, Cosmos facilitates collaborative work using tools like whiteboards, Google Docs, and Figma. Users can also enjoy virtual board games or simply gather for informal conversations.

Currently, Cosmos is being tested in a private beta program by a limited number of companies for hosting virtual offices and social gatherings, such as holiday parties. It is also being utilized for hosting events, meetups, and family reunions.

According to co-founder Rahul Goyal, “Following the onset of the pandemic, we both observed increased productivity within our teams, but also a noticeable longing for the dynamics of an in-person work environment. While video conferencing platforms excel at facilitating meetings, they often lack the element of spontaneity. Cosmos aims to restore that essential human connection lost during extended online activity, by providing a virtual world where colleagues can enjoy a game of trivia or pong after work, or celebrate a friend’s birthday together.”

George Henry, a partner at LocalGlobe, commented: “We were particularly impressed by Cosmos’s vision and potential. Expanding live experiences online represents a significant opportunity within the internet landscape. With the necessary video infrastructure now established, we are confident that products like Cosmos will pave the way for innovative forms of online engagement.”