Lex, a vibrant social and dating platform tailored for the LGBTQ+ community, has officially joined the 9count family, a mobile app conglomerate known for its innovative social networks. This acquisition marks an exciting evolution for Lex, which began as an Instagram page inspired by vintage lesbian personal ads in 2017. Founded by Kell Rakowski, the platform transitioned into a full-fledged app in 2019, quickly raising $1.5 million in seed funding. With Jennifer Lewis stepping in as co-founder and CEO, Lex has since worked to create a safe and inclusive space for its users.
"Mainstream social platforms really don’t serve this audience," Lewis said, highlighting the importance of dedicated spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. With reports indicating that LGBTQ+ people are twice as likely to face online harassment, the need for safe, affirming platforms has never been clearer. "What I’m passionate about at Lex is building a social platform where users can meet people like them while expressing their identities freely."
Despite its success, Lex has faced scrutiny, especially after rebranding last year to prioritize general socialization over traditional dating. Some users voiced concerns that the app might lose its unique identity. However, with the backing of 9count, Lewis assures users that Lex is poised for growth. "We’re able to ship new features probably three times the rate of before the acquisition," she said, emphasizing the benefits of increased resources and enhanced content moderation capabilities.
Under the leadership of Alex Hofmann, former CEO of Musical.ly, 9count aims to foster a portfolio of vertical social networks that empower niche communities. Hofmann envisions a future for social media that diverges from the conventional model of chasing vast user bases with ad revenue. "We believe the future is vertical social networks that empower communities," he stated, echoing the mission of Lex.
While Lex has amassed over a million downloads—modest compared to mainstream dating apps—the platform's engagement is robust, with millions of messages exchanged each month. Although the specifics of the acquisition deal remain undisclosed, the union between Lex and 9count signals a promising future for the app and its community. As Lex continues to evolve, its commitment to providing a safe, supportive environment for LGBTQ+ users remains steadfast, ensuring that every voice can be heard.
