Rent a Cyber Friend - Get Paid to Chat Online

Rent a Cyber Friend: Addressing Loneliness Through Paid Conversation

Francesco Vitali initially expressed skepticism when his co-founder, Chris Siametis, proposed the concept of Rent a Cyber Friend. He questioned the viability of individuals paying for simple conversation.

“The initial thought was, ‘Who would pay for the privilege of speaking with someone?’” Vitali shared with TechCrunch. However, Siametis remained steadfast in his belief, a perspective influenced by his millennial background, contrasting with Vitali’s Gen X viewpoint.

Having collaborated with Siametis for approximately two decades through 48FILM, an international short film festival (where Vitali also serves as a film producer), Vitali decided to trust his partner’s vision. This vision centered on a video chat platform enabling users to pay a per-minute fee for casual interactions with a “cyber friend.”

Rapid Growth Without Traditional Marketing

Rent a Cyber Friend experienced substantial growth, reaching 3 million registered users without relying on venture capital funding or traditional marketing expenditures. Remarkably, the company lacks a social media presence due to limited staffing resources.

The startup is currently participating in Startup Battlefield and is scheduled to present at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place later this month in San Francisco.

This rapid expansion validated Vitali’s initial doubts, but personal experience with the platform revealed a significant demand for genuine human connection, particularly in an era where individuals are increasingly engaging with AI chatbots.

“Currently, the most widespread ailment globally is loneliness,” Vitali stated. “A vast number of people experience isolation, and many are either underemployed or searching for meaning. Therefore, we created a platform where human time is valued, and where the essence of being human is paramount.”

How the Platform Works

Potential “cyber friends” undergo a vetting process to confirm their identities. They then establish a per-minute rate for their conversations, with the platform retaining a 20% commission.

The service extends beyond mere companionship. Cyber friends with expertise in academic fields or specific subjects, or those fluent in languages users wish to practice, may charge higher rates.

Safety and Future Development

Maintaining a safe environment and effectively moderating content presents challenges for any social platform, especially those facilitating real-time video interactions. Vitali acknowledges the platform’s existing block feature.

However, he emphasizes the need for further investment in maintaining a healthy environment as the company grows. A priority for future development is a more efficient and thorough system for vetting prospective cyber friends.

A Pivotal User Experience

Vitali’s perspective shifted after interacting with a 19-year-old user from China shortly after the platform’s launch. This individual was a highly active user, spending approximately $200 daily on conversations.

Vitali modified the site to make himself the sole available cyber friend, using the opportunity to inquire about the user’s experience without revealing his identity as the company’s founder.

“The user explained, ‘I don’t feel secure meeting strangers in public places like malls, but this site allows me to exchange cultures and connect with people worldwide,’” Vitali recounted. “This was the moment I understood the potential of our platform.”

The Value of Human Connection

While Vitali believes in the irreplaceable nature of in-person connections, he recognizes the significance of offering an alternative in a digital landscape dominated by potentially addictive and harmful interactions with AI chatbots.

Rent a Cyber Friend represents a deliberate turn towards prioritizing humanity.

To discover more about Rent a Cyber Friend, alongside numerous other startups, their presentations, and insights from guest speakers across four stages, attend Disrupt, October 27 to 29, in San Francisco. Learn more here.