Social media is meant to connect people—but for many neurodivergent and disabled users, it often does the opposite. Complicated apps, unkind interactions, and a lack of accessibility make popular platforms hard to use.
That’s why Nicholas Carlton and Kenneth Liang created Spoony, a social media app built specifically for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled communities.
And it turns out, they’re onto something big. Since its September launch, Spoony app has drawn in 22,000 users looking for a safer, more understanding digital space.
Now, with $1 million in pre-seed funding, the Melbourne-based startup is set to grow even bigger, bringing its unique approach to people around the world.
So what makes Spoony App different? And why is it catching on so quickly? Let’s take a closer look.
Spoony: Social media that gets neurodivergent & disabled users
Spoony, the neurodivergent and disability-friendly social media app, is set to redefine online connections for people who struggle to thrive in mainstream social media apps.
Spoony’s founders established the platform to support those who feel excluded from popular social media. Carlton’s personal experiences with loneliness and chronic illness motivated him to create a platform that genuinely understood its users.
The startup wants to reshape online social connections for people disregarded for too long by combining a strong blend of technical and business expertise.
Spoony app is the first social app built with accessibility at its core. It is designed to help users connect while also finding healthcare support.
The spoons feature
Spoony app’s key feature is the “spoons” status display, which lets users show their mental or physical energy levels.
This idea comes from a popular metaphor in the disability and chronic illness community, where spoons represent daily energy.
This feature allows users to set expectations for chats by sharing their spoon status. It helps other users realise when they might be less engaged rather than presuming they’ve lost interest.
Spoony App’s unique approach and its market potential
While the bigger social platforms have helped people build friendships over the years, they’ve also become places where bullying and toxic behaviour can flourish unchecked.
As the social media world changes, many seek a safer place to connect online. Popular platforms like X and Meta are becoming less protected spaces, and with TikTok’s future uncertain, these communities need somewhere new to call home. That’s where Spoony steps in.
In the era of inclusivity, Spoony aims to create a safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled people and helps them build soulful connections.
Spoony’s launch in September has already made waves, attracting 22,000 people looking for a more welcoming place to connect online. With thousands more waiting to join and users checking in several times a day, they’ve tapped into something special.
From funding to future: Spoony’s next steps
Spoony has secured $1 million in pre-seed funding in a round led by Antler Ventures, who previously hosted the startup in their residency program. The investment was joined by NDIS provider Melba Support, early-stage investment syndicate Trampoline, and former Mable COO Piroska Bisits-Bullen.
While founded in Melbourne, less than a quarter of users are Australian. Its viral TikTok videos are driving global interest from the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand—all markets where Spoony aims to expand.
The startup aims to become Australia’s first “impact unicorn” by establishing itself as the default platform that unites the global community of neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled people.
Spoony plans to earn revenue by giving businesses and healthcare providers access to its community through advertising or more direct approaches. It is also exploring educational content and additional AI-powered support features.
As Melba Support Services CEO Hayley Dean puts it, this answers a clear call from the disability community for modern, accessible ways to connect with others who understand their experiences.
-By Alkama Sohail and the AHT Team
