SPILL, known as the social media platform for US, has taken a step toward ensuring its users have a stake in its future. Earlier this month, SPILL launched an equity crowdfunding round, inviting everyday people to own a piece of the platform that prioritizes safety, creativity, and cultural representation.
SPILL was founded in June 2023 by former Twitter employee Alphonzo Terrell to create a more inclusive social media space—one that values Black, Brown, and queer communities who often set trends but are rarely compensated or acknowledged for their influence.
It was designed as a visual conversation app allowing users, known as “Spillionaires,” to add 90 characters of text to an image, GIF, or video to express themselves creatively.
Since its launch, SPILL has had over 500,000 downloads and more than $5 million in funding from high-profile venture capital firms like MaC Venture Capital and celebrities such as Kerry Washington. Now, the platform is giving users a chance to invest directly with a minimum investment of just $250.
The decision to launch an equity crowdfunding round aligns with SPILL’s mission to democratize ownership and value the very communities that contributed to the platform’s success. Users who choose to invest will receive exclusive benefits such as SPILL Investor Profile Badges, early access to new features, first looks at company updates, invitations to exclusive events, and official company merchandise.
The move is already showing signs of success. Since launching the investment round on March 10th, SPILL users have poured nearly $300,000 into the platform.
Instrumental to the platform’s growth and user-centric approach is Kenya Parham, SPILL’s first Black woman to hold the role of Chief Growth Officer. Parham joined SPILL two years ago as Vice President of Community and Partnerships and has been pivotal in propelling the platform’s vision forward.
“SPILL is an app for the world,” Parham told Forbes. “We believe that by centering culture-driving communities, namely Black, Brown, and queer communities, we can make a safer, more fun, more enjoyable space on social for everybody.”
Under Parham’s guidance, SPILL saw a 282% increase in user sign-ups between the third and fourth quarters of 2024. This impressive growth has been supported by her experience in political strategy, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Having crossed $1 million in annualized revenue, SPILL’s future is looking bright. With plans to develop even more features throughout 2025, the platform wants to solidify itself as the premier social media space for culture-driven conversations and creative expression.
