Social Discovery Group launches $20M venture fund to invest in social discovery startups
Social Discovery Group said it is starting SDG Lab, a $20 million corporate venture fund that will invest in social discovery startups.
The mission is to transform virtual intimacy into the new normal. Led by Alex Kudos, former CMO of Social Discovery Group, SDG Lab is more than just an investor—it is a hands-on partner for entrepreneurs building innovative social discovery and connection technologies.
SDG Lab is poised to back early-stage startups in AI-powered communication, VR/AR advancements, and social discovery platforms with an annual investment fund of $20 million. The venture studio provides founders with critical resources, including legal assistance, back-office support, tech infrastructure, and marketing expertise—allowing them to focus on innovation and scale.
“Social interaction is evolving, and digital intimacy is the next frontier,” said Kudos, CEO of SDG Lab, in a statement. “At SDG Lab, we’re not just funding ideas—we’re co-creating the future of human connection. By investing in and partnering with bold entrepreneurs, we are building technologies that make meaningful relationships possible, no matter where people are in the world.”
With over 20 years of market leadership, Social Discovery Group brings operational expertise and a network of 500 million users spanning 150 countries and over 60 online communication platforms, including Dating.com and DateMyAge. Companies in SDG Lab’s portfolio benefit from access to 1,200+ experts across SDG’s ecosystem, leveraging deep industry knowledge in user engagement, AI and digital communication.
SDG Lab aims to simplify the startup journey with a straightforward fundraising process. Entrepreneurs can secure seed funding for MVP development and additional capital for scaling, ensuring their vision becomes a profitable reality.
New social startups
In fact, the fund has already backed a diverse range of innovative companies that redefine how people connect online, including:
Flure – A next-generation dating app emphasizing safety, respect, and personal expression.
AstroLove – An online dating platform that matches users based on horoscope compatibility.
Kiseki – Japan’s first digital romance communication platform connecting singles across borders.
Terra – An AI-powered martech tool that optimizes user engagement through smart automation.
The One – An AI-driven communication assistant enhancing digital conversations.
VR Chat&Date – A VR-powered platform that transforms video chats into immersive, lifelike experiences.
“Virtual relationships and AI-driven connections are no longer science fiction—they are a fundamental part of our digital lives,” added Kudos. “SDG Lab is building the next generation of products that will shape how people connect, engage, and build relationships online.”
