Mastodon

Open-source social network with federated communication

Berlin, Germany

About Mastodon

Mastodon is a free, open-source social network that allows users to connect with friends and share various types of content such as links, pictures, text, and videos. It operates on the ActivityPub protocol, which enables a federated network structure. This means that users on one Mastodon server can communicate with users on other servers, even if those servers use different software that supports ActivityPub. This interoperability sets Mastodon apart from many traditional social networks. The platform caters to a wide range of users, including individuals, communities, and organizations looking for decentralized social networking options. Mastodon is funded through community support, donations, and contributions from users and developers who appreciate its open-source nature, allowing it to remain free and accessible to everyone.

Berlin, GermanyHeadquarters
2016Year Founded
VENTURE_UNKNOWNCompany Stage
Consumer Software, Social ImpactIndustries
1-10Employees

Risks

Bluesky's rapid growth to over 4 million users threatens Mastodon's market share.
Meta's potential entry into the fediverse could overshadow Mastodon due to vast resources.
The 'Lists' feature may not retain users accustomed to more polished interfaces from competitors.

Differentiation

Mastodon operates on a unique federated network structure, enhancing user privacy and control.
The platform supports seamless communication across servers, including non-Mastodon software using ActivityPub.
Mastodon's open-source model relies on community support and voluntary contributions for revenue.

Upsides

Integration with Bridgy Fed boosts interoperability with platforms like Bluesky, enhancing user engagement.
The 'Lists' feature on mobile improves user experience, attracting Twitter/X users.
Flipboard's shift to Mastodon aligns with its values, potentially increasing user and content creator base.