The LGBTQ+ social and dating app, Lex, has been acquired by 9count, a mobile app conglomerate specializing in social networks. Lex, originally an Instagram page in 2017, quickly gained popularity and transformed into an app in 2019. With a $1.5 million seed round and the addition of Jennifer Lewis as co-founder and CEO, Lex aims to provide a safe space for queer individuals to fully express their identities.
Users of Lex have high expectations for the app, as mainstream social platforms have historically neglected and mistreated the LGBTQ+ community. Despite concerns about the app's rebranding to focus more on socialization than dating and hookups, the acquisition by 9count promises to bring new features and enhance content moderation capabilities at a faster pace.
9count, led by Alex Hofmann, aims to replicate the success of ByteDance by operating multiple apps under one corporate umbrella. With Lex's user base surpassing a million downloads and millions of messages exchanged monthly, the acquisition signifies a step towards empowering niche communities through vertical social networks.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Lex by 9count marks a strategic move towards enhancing the social networking experience for the LGBTQ+ community. With a focus on community empowerment and user safety, this partnership promises to bring innovative features and expand the reach of Lex to serve its dedicated user base better.