Graze, a platform focused on empowering users to customize their social media feeds on Bluesky, has successfully raised $1 million in pre-seed funding. This investment signals growing interest in alternative social media models that prioritize user control and customization over algorithm-driven content delivery. The funding round was led by Betaworks and Salesforce Ventures, with additional support from Factorial, Apertu Capital, Skyseed, and angel investors from Mozilla and Protocol Labs.

Graze's core mission is to "dismantle the restrictive barriers of traditional social media platforms" by leveraging open infrastructure. The platform allows individuals and organizations to build custom feeds on Bluesky, giving them the autonomy to shape their social media interactions according to their preferences. This approach directly addresses the concerns of many users who feel "force-fed content" by algorithms that often prioritize engagement over relevance or personal interests.

The shift towards user-controlled feeds is gaining momentum, particularly among journalists and news outlets. Several are leaving traditional social media platforms due to concerns about harmful content and algorithmic bias. The Guardian, for example, has significantly reduced its presence on X (formerly Twitter) and has seen traffic from Bluesky to its website double that of Threads. Reportedly, nearly 1 million people have accessed news directly through feeds created on the Graze platform.

Since its launch in November 2024, Graze has delivered curated content to approximately 1.8 million Bluesky users. This represents a significant portion of the platform's active user base and highlights the demand for personalized, algorithm-free content experiences.

Graze empowers developers by offering flexible tools to build and customize new experiences on Bluesky, including:

• No-Code Feed Creation: A visual editor enables quick, custom feed design without complex coding.
• Advanced Content Filtering: Support for complex logic combinations allows for fine-tuned content curation.
• Real-Time Updates: Instant feed updates ensure users always get the most current content.

Graze is also exploring monetization options for feed creators, with plans to allow them to monetize their efforts through advertising, sponsored posts, and subscriptions. This could provide a viable business model for Bluesky content creators, potentially fostering a new wave of influencers. In this model, users will maintain complete editorial control over the brands allowed on their feeds, and brands will not be able to collect user data directly. Graze plans to take a 30/70 split on monetized feeds.

Graze equips media brands and content creators with the tools they need to take back control of how their content is distributed and consumed, which include:

• Boost Visibility: Custom feeds ensure content reaches targeted audiences, increasing engagement.
• Maintain Editorial Integrity: Full control over feeds allows creators to align content with their brand's voice and values.
• Access In-Depth Analytics: Data-driven insights help optimize content strategies based on real audience interactions.

The success of Graze underscores the growing importance of open protocols and decentralized social networks like Bluesky. These platforms offer users greater control over their data and online experiences, paving the way for a more participatory and user-centric social media landscape.