love - Modern Video Messaging App | User-Controlled

A New Approach to Connection: Introducing LOVE

A London-based startup, LOVE, has secured a $17 million valuation after its pre-seed funding round. The company is poised to revolutionize how individuals maintain connections with their nearest and dearest. They are launching a messaging application that uniquely blends live video calls with asynchronous video and audio messaging.

Privacy and an Ad-Free Experience

The app prioritizes user privacy and offers an experience free from advertisements. It also includes several innovative features, such as artistic filters and both real-time transcription and translation capabilities.

Beyond the Product: A Democratic Vision

However, LOVE’s true distinction may lie not solely in its features, but in its core philosophy.

User-Driven Development

LOVE intends to guide its product development through direct input from its user community, adopting a democratic approach. This contrasts with traditional corporate structures where decisions are made by a select few.

Future Ownership with Users

The company’s long-term objective is to transfer ownership and governance of the app to its users, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.

Embracing the Web 3.0 Paradigm

These concepts align with the emerging trends of “Web 3.0,” the next evolution of the internet.

Decentralization and Data Protection

Web 3.0 emphasizes decentralized services, enhanced user privacy, robust data protection, and transactions conducted on distributed digital ledgers, like blockchain technology.

Founders with a Vision

LOVE’s founders are strong advocates for this new internet model.

Samantha Radocchia: A Blockchain Pioneer

Serial entrepreneur Samantha Radocchia, previously the founder of three companies and co-founder of Chronicled – a blockchain firm specializing in pharmaceutical supply chains – is a key figure. She has been a long-time proponent of blockchain technology.

Expertise in Emerging Technologies

Radocchia’s interest in emerging technologies dates back to her anthropology thesis on currency exchanges within “Second Life.” She currently serves as faculty at Singularity University, lecturing on blockchain, AI, IoT, and the future of work. She is also the author of “Bitcoin Pizza,” an introductory guide to blockchain.

Christopher Schlaeffer: Telecom Innovation

Co-founder Christopher Schlaeffer brings extensive experience from Deutsche Telekom, where he held roles including chief product & innovation officer, corporate development officer, and chief strategy officer. He was instrumental in launching the first Android-powered mobile phone, alongside Google executives. He also served as chief digital officer at VEON.

A Collaborative Team

Schlaeffer initiated the team-building process for LOVE, which now includes Chief Technologist Jim Reeves, also formerly of VEON, and Chief Designer Timm Kekeritz, whose background includes interaction design at IDEO and founding the design consultancy Raureif.

Values-Driven Approach

Radocchia explained that her decision to join as CEO stemmed from the opportunity to build a company grounded in positive values – a sentiment reflected in the brand name “LOVE.”

Reimagining Business Models

She is also keen on exploring innovative business models that move away from reliance on advertising and user data harvesting.

Monetization Without Advertising

LOVE intends to generate revenue without employing advertising. The company plans to offer services through optional subscriptions and granular permission settings.

Prioritizing User Control

“Our users would prefer to pay for services they actively choose and grant permissions for, rather than having their data exploited for advertising purposes,” Radocchia states.

Further Details to Come

LOVE plans to reveal more specifics about its monetization strategy next year.

The LOVE App: Features and Functionality

The LOVE app itself is a well-designed mobile messenger offering a unique combination of features.

Video and Audio Communication

Users can engage in video calls with friends and family, both individually and in groups, with current support for up to five participants, with plans for expansion.

Asynchronous Messaging

The app also supports asynchronous video and audio messaging, similar to features found in apps like WhatsApp and Marco Polo, but with enhanced capabilities.

Distinctive Features

LOVE differentiates itself through several key features.

Brevity and Clarity

Video messages are limited to 60 seconds to encourage concise communication. This addresses the issue of lengthy, difficult-to-catch-up-with videos common in other platforms.

Real-Time Transcription and Translation

Users can view real-time transcriptions of video content, enhancing accessibility and providing a convenient alternative to listening in public or without headphones. Conversations can also be translated into 50 different languages.

A New Perspective on Communication

“We’re approaching communication from a different angle than traditional platforms,” Radocchia explains. “Instead of adding video to a text-based interface, we’re prioritizing video and adding text as a transcribed supplement, minimizing the need for typing.”

User Interface and Design

The app’s user interface is designed to promote natural eye contact during conversations.

Encouraging Natural Interaction

Design elements, such as floating bubbles and speaker focus, encourage users to look at each other rather than at their own image on the screen.

Artistic Filters

LOVE is collaborating with Hans Ulrich-Obrist, curator of the Serpentine Gallery in London, to develop filters that focus on visual expression and comfort, rather than beautification or gimmicks. Currently, a filter is available that subtly abstracts the user’s appearance, resembling animation or other art forms.

Security and Privacy

The app prioritizes user security and privacy.

End-to-End Encryption and Automatic Deletion

LOVE utilizes end-to-end encryption and automatically deletes content after seven days, except for messages users choose to save as “memorable moments.”

Commitment to Privacy

“We are committed to privacy and the right to be forgotten,” Radocchia emphasizes. “We don’t want to store unnecessary user information.”

Launch and Future Plans

LOVE has been soft-launched on the App Store and is growing its user base through an invite-based onboarding process.

Strategic Investment

The company’s $17 million valuation follows pre-seed investments from a mix of traditional investors and strategic angels in tech, film, media, TV, and financial services. A seed round is planned for this fall.

Platform Availability

The app is currently available on iOS, with an Android version expected later this year. Compatibility issues with the iOS 15 beta are being addressed in an upcoming app update.