Otis Chandler, the co-founder of Goodreads, is back with a new venture – Smashing. This AI and community-powered content recommendation app aims to help users discover hidden gems from the internet, ranging from news articles to social media posts and more. The invite-only beta launch seeks to connect users with their interests in a more meaningful way.
In a landscape where news consumption is evolving rapidly, Smashing offers a refreshing approach. With a focus on quality content and user engagement, it aims to address the challenges faced by both readers and publishers in the current media ecosystem.
Chandler’s vision for Smashing goes beyond just articles; it encompasses various forms of content like podcasts, blogs, and videos. The platform aims to provide a curated experience that highlights valuable content and encourages users to explore further by visiting the original publishers’ sites.
Inspired by his own quest for relevant content during a sabbatical, Chandler saw an opportunity to create a more efficient and engaging platform. Partnering with co-founder Greg Veen, Smashing was born out of a desire to simplify the content discovery process and cater to individual interests.
Driven by a community-centric approach, Smashing leverages AI to offer content summaries, key excerpts, and personalized recommendations. Users can engage with the platform by submitting their own content, voting on submissions, and interacting with like-minded individuals.
With a strong belief in the value of long-form content, Chandler emphasizes Smashing’s role in promoting quality journalism and driving traffic to publishers. The platform’s commitment to uncovering internet gems highlights its mission to elevate the online content experience.
Smashing’s invite-only private beta is set to launch this Tuesday, offering a glimpse into a new era of content discovery. With $3.4 million in seed funding from reputable investors, the startup is poised to make a significant impact in the digital media landscape.
