Lex: A Text-Based Social App for Queer Women and Non-Binary Communities Raises $1.5M
Lex, a groundbreaking social app designed for women, trans, genderqueer, and non-binary individuals, has successfully closed a $1.5 million seed funding round. The platform revives the nostalgic charm of personal ads with a modern, inclusive twist.
Key Investors and Backers
The funding round was led by Female Founders Fund, with participation from prominent investors including:
- Corigin Ventures, X-Factor Ventures, and Tusk Ventures
- Angel investors like Michelle Kennedy (Peanut), Andy Dunn (Bonobos), and Amanda Bradford (The League)
- Notable figures such as Roxane Gay and Tavi Gevinson
The Inspiration Behind Lex
Founded by Kell Rakowski, Lex (short for Lexicon) emerged from Rakowski’s popular Instagram account, Herstory, which curated lesbian content from the 1800s to the 1990s. The account’s focus on vintage personal ads—witty, direct, and evocative—inspired Rakowski to reimagine the format for today’s queer community.
“The personal ads were just so hot and cool,” Rakowski shared. “They allowed women to express themselves in a clear, inspiring way.”
After testing the concept with her followers, Rakowski received an overwhelming response, with hundreds of personal ads submitted monthly. This enthusiasm paved the way for Lex’s official launch in November 2019.
How Lex Works
Lex distinguishes itself from traditional dating apps with its text-first, lo-fi approach:
- Profile Creation: Users set up profiles and post personal ads.
- Browse and Connect: The feed displays text-based ads, and users can “like” or message authors directly—no mutual matching required.
- No Photos (Yet): The app currently avoids images, though users can link to Instagram profiles.
Future Plans and Growth
With fresh funding, Lex aims to:
- Expand Features: Introduce optional profile pictures (hidden in feeds) and group chat functionality.
- Freemium Model: Eventually roll out a subscription for premium features.
- Diverse Hiring: Prioritize underrepresented talent in tech, with 80% of the current team identifying as LGBTQ and 40% as people of color.
“We’re flooded with applications from incredible queer tech talent,” Rakowski noted. “People are sharing heartfelt stories about how Lex resonates with them. Hiring is our top priority.”
Why Lex Stands Out
In a digital landscape dominated by swipe-based apps, Lex offers a refreshing, community-driven alternative. By blending nostalgia with inclusivity, it’s carving a unique space for queer connection—one witty personal ad at a time.
Interested in joining Lex’s mission? Check out their open positions.
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The HKT – Mug is a simple, stylish companion for your daily moments of reflection—whether you’re scrolling through Lex’s text-based connections or curating your own digital space. Its ergonomic handle and generous capacity make it perfect for those long sessions of reading personal ads or drafting your next post. Made from high-quality ceramic, it’s designed to withstand the heat of your favorite brew while keeping things cool on the outside.
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