Openvibe, Backed by Automattic, Unites Social Web

Openvibe, the innovative app that bridges multiple open social networks, has taken a significant step toward shaping the future of decentralized social media. The company recently announced it secured $800,000 in funding led by Czech Founders VC, with additional investments from Automattic (the parent company of WordPress.com and Tumblr) and Tensor Ventures. Notably, Jan Široky, former CTO of Mews, also participated with a separate personal investment.

A Unified Gateway to the Open Social Web

Launched in 2024, Openvibe’s mission is to simplify the decentralized social web. Initially supporting Mastodon (ActivityPub), Bluesky (AT Protocol), and Nostr, the app later integrated Instagram Threads as the platform opened up to ActivityPub and developer tools. By offering a single, user-friendly platform, Openvibe allows users to seamlessly connect across these networks, consolidating their timelines and enabling cross-posting to multiple platforms.

CEO Matej Svancer explained that the app is designed as an "easy-to-use gateway" for the open social web, addressing the challenges posed by the variety of protocols these networks use. Without Openvibe, users often need to navigate separate apps or restrict their activity to their preferred network. Openvibe solves this by combining all their social feeds in one app, simplifying engagement across platforms.

Future Plans: Growth and Refinement

The newly secured funding will be used to accelerate product development, expand the user base, and enhance the app’s user interface. Openvibe also plans to deepen its integrations with additional social platforms, offering even more connectivity for its users. These developments aim to position Openvibe as a cornerstone of the open social ecosystem.

Automattic’s involvement underscores the growing interest in supporting open-source projects designed to challenge Big Tech’s dominance. The company has historically backed decentralized and open-source initiatives. However, its CEO, Matt Mullenweg, has faced criticism within the WordPress community for his handling of open-source principles, leading to debates about Automattic’s alignment with these values.

Growing Momentum for Open Social Apps

Openvibe’s successful fundraising highlights increasing investor interest in apps leveraging open social protocols. Mark Cuban recently encouraged developers to create video apps on Bluesky’s AT Protocol, signaling a broader industry appetite for decentralized platforms. Bluesky itself secured $15 million in a Series A funding round last fall, further validating this trend.

As the decentralized social space matures, Openvibe’s ability to unify diverse networks gives it a unique edge. The app is currently free on iOS and Android, but the company plans to introduce a subscription model to generate revenue and sustain growth.

A Bright Future for Open Social Web Integration

With the backing of prominent investors and the potential to simplify decentralized social networking for mainstream users, Openvibe is poised to play a crucial role in the evolving social media arena. By addressing the fragmentation of the open web, the app makes it easier than ever for users to stay connected and engaged across multiple platforms.

As Openvibe continues to refine its platform and expand its reach, it’s clear the app is more than just a convenience—it's a vision for a more open, integrated, and user-focused social web.