Slushy, an innovative Miami-based adult content platform backed by The Chainsmokers, has secured $10.2 million in seed funding.

CEO David Gross shared the news, marking a significant milestone for the company and the broader creator economy. This development highlights the continued investor interest in adult content platforms and their potential within the creator economy.

Florida has emerged as a major hub for adult content, second only to California. According to 2023 data from the Free Speech Coalition, the state is home to an estimated 175,000 adult content creators. Slushy’s successful funding round underscores the growing recognition of the adult content industry and its potential for substantial growth and innovation.

Founded in 2020, Slushy offers a platform where creators can share both free and paid content, including explicit material. The platform reached one million users and 10,000 creators in the first quarter of 2024, demonstrating its rapid growth and popularity.

The seed funding round saw participation from both new and returning investors. The Chainsmokers’ Mantis VC, Electric Feel Ventures, former Shutterstock CEO Jon Oringer, and Tinder co-founder Sean Rad were among the notable participants. High-profile angels, including Edison Chen, founder and CEO of Clapper, and Brooklyn Johnny, a six-time GRAMMY-winning music entrepreneur, also invested.

Slushy differentiates itself from other platforms like OnlyFans by combining a sophisticated tech stack with robust moderation, security, and compliance measures. The platform supports creators with tools to enhance discoverability and monetize their content effectively. New features include AI-driven discovery tools and integrations with third-party apps like STXT and Party Hat AI, enabling creators to produce fresh content and engage with their audience through hyperrealistic avatars and AI-based chatbots.

“Creators need discoverability and promotion. Consumers need intimacy and connection,” said CEO David Gross. “We merge best-in-class commerce and social tools for creators to connect with and monetize their audiences directly while helping users discover their new favorite content. These funds will advance the growth and development of Slushy on the heels of year-over-year platform success.”

Austin Rosen, General Partner at Electric Feel Ventures, emphasized the platform’s sustainable payout structure and compliance focus. “From predatory business models for creators to a lack of guardrails and identity verification for users, adult content platforms have proven too risky to investors for the last decade. Slushy’s status as the first venture-backed content platform is a testament to the company’s sustainable payout structure for creators and emphasis on compliance and regulation. We are thrilled to recommit to the platform’s continued growth.”

The fresh capital will support the development of new features, the onboarding of additional creators, and expansion into new markets, including South America. Slushy’s unique promise in the digital landscape is to empower and safeguard creators while providing a personalized user experience.

Slushy has carved a niche for itself in the adult content industry with its innovative approach and robust support for creators. As it continues to grow and evolve, it promises to redefine the landscape of adult content platforms, providing a safe, secure, and engaging environment for both creators and consumers.

You can follow Slushy on X at @SLUSHYdotcom.