Communia: Transforming Social Media into a Positive Space

Olivia DeRamus is reimagining the role of social media, especially for women, with her innovative platform, Communia. Unlike mainstream social platforms that often contribute to stress and negativity, Communia aims to create an environment where users feel supported and uplifted.

Communia functions as both a social platform and a mental health tool, offering users the ability to post updates in a community feed or privately journal and track their emotions over time. A key feature of Communia is its emphasis on safety and intimacy, which is facilitated by requiring users to verify their identities before fully accessing the app. This measure helps establish a secure and supportive space for users to share their personal experiences.

DeRamus’s inspiration for Communia stems from her own experiences. Previously working in the nonprofit sector focusing on women’s anti-violence efforts, she understood the importance of a supportive online community firsthand. After experiencing sexual assault in college, she turned to social media to process her trauma. This personal journey highlighted the need for a safe online space for women to discuss sensitive issues.

“We don’t have all the answers at Communia, but even with our limited resources, we believe the solutions to many of the internet’s issues are simpler than big tech platforms would have us believe,” DeRamus explains. This perspective drives her mission to build a better digital world for women and create a sustainable tech product.

Unlike many tech startups, Communia has a clear monetization strategy. The platform plans to onboard creators, allowing fans to pay for access to more intimate communities. This model focuses on fostering connections within the group rather than individual relationships with the creators.

To refine its creator strategy, Communia has brought on Amrapali Gan, former CEO of OnlyFans, as a strategic partner and growth adviser. Gan’s experience in managing rapid growth and emphasizing safety at OnlyFans aligns with Communia’s mission. Her involvement is expected to enhance Communia’s decision-making and growth strategies while maintaining the platform’s commitment to safety.

Despite its relatively slow growth, Communia is gaining traction. The platform participated in TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield 200 in 2023 and is now embarking on its first institutional fundraise. This careful approach to scaling is essential to ensure that Communia can maintain its supportive and safe environment as it expands.

As Communia moves forward, it aims to transform social media into a positive force, empowering women to share their stories and connect in meaningful ways. With DeRamus’s vision and Gan’s expertise, Communia is poised to make a significant impact on the social media landscape.