Spoony, a social app for neurodivergent, ill and disabled people, connects with $1 million pre-Seed raise

Spoony, a social app designed to help neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled people, has raised $1 million in pre-Seed funding.

The round was led by Antler, NDIS provider Melba Support and Trampoline, with support from former Mable COO Piroska Bisits-Bullen.

Spoony emerged from the Antler program in mid-2024, cofounded by CEO Nicholas Carlton and CTO Kenneth Liang, who previously worked at Shippit and the NDIS support app Mable. Carlton was inspired by his own experience of chronic illness and social isolation.

The duo set out to redefine social connection for people underserved by mainstream social media platforms.

Carlton said Spoony is the world’s first social app designed with accessibility at its core, and also helps users find healthcare support.

“Neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled people experience a disproportionately high degree of social isolation that has a very real impact on their health and wellbeing. We’re creating a safe space where people can be their authentic selves, without fear,” he said.

“Spoony is the right product at the right moment. The social media landscape is in flux—X and Meta are ditching safety measures, TikTok is on the chopping block, and governments are restricting children’s access to social platforms. People— particularly vulnerable communities— are craving safer online spaces, and Spoony is stepping up to fill that gap for this community.”

The demand was clear when Spoony launched in September 2024, and had 42,000 people on its waitlist. They took on 22,000 beta users, who reported, on average, a 25% reduction in loneliness, with users logging in 3.5 times daily.

One in six people worldwide lives with a disability.

Melba Support Services CEO Hayley Dean said the interest in Spoony clearly shows the view of the disability community.

“They want modern, accessible ways to connect with others who understand their experiences,” she said.

“By joining forces with Australia’s leading disability app developer, we’re answering that call in a way that not only upholds peoples human right to intimacy but also prioritises safety, dignity, and genuine connection.”

Antler in Australia general partner Mike Abbott said they’re proud to have backed the duo from day one.

“Their deep personal connection to this mission, paired with their exceptional technical and commercial expertise, positions them to create a category-defining platform that truly understands its users, as reflected in Spoony’s outstanding beta growth and results,” he said.

Investor Piroska Bisits-Bullen is chairing Spoony’s advisory board, joined by Hayley Dean, Isis Nair, and Muhilan Sriravindraraja.