Wable, a social networking app for neurodivergent people, inspired by the ABC TV series Love on the Spectrum, has raised $1.5 million to expand in the US and UK.
The round was led by Paul Sharbanee from Taurus Capital.
The app is designed to connect neurodivergent people for friendship, dating, jobs, and support, filling a gap left by other platforms that don’t adequately serve the needs of neurodivergent users, who represent up to 1-in-5 members of the population.
Alongside its global push, the funds will see Wable increase its headcount, invest in marketing, and roll out a number of new product features.
Founder Holly Fowler launched Wable in 2024, after watching Michael Theo’s relationship ambitions unfold on the 2019 series Love on the Spectrum. He’s now a Wable ambassador, and is pursuing his acting ambitions in the ABC comedy-drama series Austin, also starring Ben Miller and Sally Phillips, and now in its second series.
Since launching in 2024, thousands of users in Australia and New Zealand have joined the app, which launched in the US and UK last month.
The Wable app
The app offers customisable colour schemes for sensory preferences, an interactive Chat Wheel for conversation starters, and safety measures including 18+ age restriction, AI selfie verification, no direct photo/video messaging, no link sharing, and two-factor authentication.
The app’s Toolbox, features counsellor-led video resources on dating and social skills, and access to community resources like a neuro-inclusive jobs board and a directory of safe, sensory-friendly venues.
Fowler said the app is designed to make online relationship-building easier and safer for neurodivergent people.
“The neurodivergent community experiences higher rates of loneliness and unemployment, and has been overlooked by traditional social and dating apps for far too long,” she said.
“This funding means we can scale faster, bring Wable to more people globally, and continue building a platform that understands and celebrates the way our community connects.”
Fowler has also signed on Aesha Scott from Below Deck, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, and The Amazing Race, as a celebrity ambassador.
Taurus Capital’s Paul Sharbanee said Wable is tackling a significant gap in the market.
“We believe Wable has the vision, team, and timing to become a global leader in this space,” he said.
The app is free on iOS and Android, with a premium subscription also offered.
Daily startup news and insights, delivered to your inbox.