A female-founded technology and marketing startup RTRO has launched its own social app this week to promote positive connections between friends, creators and brands. Acting as an alternative to algorithm-driven content, the app is divided into two sided – one for personal connections, and the other for content generated by brands and creators.
RTRO’s founders, Nicole Falco and Tristan Brennan, found that user complaints with modern social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok revolved around the amount of irrelevant content and ads in the feeds. There was also a demand for a simpler social media platform that was focused on connection-building rather than algorithms. Thus, the concept of RTRO was born – a name derived from a misspelling of ‘retro’, in reference to a simpler time for social media involvement.
RTRO’s personal-side allows users to stay in touch with their family and friends through ‘Circles’, whereas the RTRO TV side dedicated its space to creators and brands’ content. This means that users have complete control over what they view and consume from their feed. Additionally, brands and creators can post up to multiple times a day without fear of seeming over-promotional as they can also set up private circles.
The app also implements more stringent content moderation with a focus on keeping the app free of bullying and toxicity, and has recently implemented the integration of ChatGPT to give users ideas and inspiration.
RTRO’s current list of brands and creators encompass of Alastin Skincare, KISS Nails, Loops Beauty, Halo 42, JOAH and more. With the aim of bringing an outsourced team in-house in the near future, the team of under a dozen is currently backed by angel investment, including investment from both co-founders. Furthermore, the app is currently working on releasing revenue models in the next quarter.
Nicole Falco is a highly experienced marketer, having worked with some of the world’s leading Fortune 500 and 1000 brands on various digital products and websites. She formed a marketing agency called TH Experiential with co-founder Tristan Brennan and together they have a mission to make social better through technology.
Tristan Brennan is a growth strategist, who specializes in Social Media, App marketing, and Public Relations. He has worked in major agencies to help large companies build global brand awareness by utilizing cutting-edge strategies. Having a special relationship with the development team, Tristan Brennan has taken charge of creating a team of people to drive results and lead RTRO to success.
