GET A PIECE OF TRUSO
Inclusive and Empowering For All
$73,072.88 Raised
Reasons to Invest
With over 295 million people in the U.S. actively using social media (Source), the U.S. Social Networking industry, valued at $62.5 billion (in 2021), is expected to grow by 17.1% in 2021 alone (Source).
TruSo has an experienced leadership team with over 50+ years of combined industry experience, as well as high-profile individual spokespersons including, NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, National Radio Personality Sway Calloway, Actor Kareem Grimes and 2x USA Olympian Miki Barber.
TruSo has over 2,000 individuals on the waitlist ready to participate in the TruSo beta, as well as over 200 individuals eager to invest.
Overview
A new kind of social media platform.
*The above graphic contains images of our beta app which is currently not available for general use.
In an era where more and more communication is happening online, we believe individuals need a meaningful alternative to audio-only and popularity-based platforms. We developed a platform that promotes empowering, real conversation, collaboration and community-building for all individuals, both locally and globally. We built TruSo to embrace all mobile phone users, as well as the 360 million individuals worldwide who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Source). We are currently in the pre-revenue phase of our business. Our application is currently in development in beta mode and is not available to the greater public.
THE PROBLEM
Social media platforms should empower its users
Research shows that social media algorithms skew towards negativity--which results in certain groups and individuals feeling marginalized and/or ostracized (Source).
Data shows that the regular use of social media platforms contribute to poor self-image and depression among young people, as well as higher levels of loneliness, envy, anxiety and narcissism in adults ages 28-73. (Source)
Social media platforms often require individuals to have thousands of followers and/or views in order to monetize. (Source)
Individual content creators’ content is often utilized without the creator receiving credit or compensation (Source)
We believe individuals worldwide need a social networking space that is truly empowering, inclusive and rewarding.
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THE SOLUTION
TruSo is inclusive, empowering and rewarding
*The above graphic contains images of our beta app which is currently not available for general use.
TruSo has created a social networking app that is truly social, inclusive and empowering for all individuals.
As a video-based app, TruSo creates a social environment that is as close to face-to-face as one can get—which psychologists say provides “a great way to feel more emotionally connected to other people and creates meaningful interactions.”
Unlike audio-only based applications, TruSo was built from the ground up to embrace all mobile phone users, as well as the over 360 million individuals worldwide who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
TruSo is a social networking platform created to empower individuals both professionally and financially with a built-in monetization structure and in-app resource library with over 100 documents and forms for entrepreneurs. One doesn’t need thousands of followers to monetize on TruSo. Community+ members can monetize simply by inviting others who decide to subscribe to the platform.
Truly Social, TruSo is an app-based extension of the barbershop and beauty shop where significant conversation occurs in communities around the world, founded by individuals who understand the nuances of niche communities. TruSo also includes built-in chat, allowing individuals to directly connect with other individuals without leaving the platform.
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We are built on a foundation of connecting individuals within the African Diaspora and cultures worldwide through empowering conversation, collaboration, and community building. We have a business model similar to other social media platforms where we charge for ad space and offer free and paid subscriptions.
OUR TRACTION
TruSo garners the attention of celebrities, media, consumers and investors
We are ecstatic to announce that TruSo has a fully functioning video-based social networking application. Moreover, we have also secured partnerships with high-profile spokespersons such as NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, National Media Personality Sway Calloway, Actor Kareem Grimes and 2x USA Olympian Miki Barber. The combined network of these influencers tops 100 million people.
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As a result of TruSo’s early media traction, TruSo has a waitlist of over 2,000 individuals ready to participate in the TruSo beta. In fact, as a result of Truso’s first national radio interview, TruSo attracted over 200 interested investors. TruSo has also benefited from positive press mentions from popular outlets such as AfroTech, Sway In the Morning radio show, and David Meltzer’s Office Hours.
THE MARKET
A social app with roots within the African Diaspora
TruSo is the barbershop, beauty shop and brainchild of the Black community. We have drawn upon this cultural inspiration to create an online space to continue and advance the conversations that begin in these familiar spaces. The founder of TruSo recognizes the unique and profound impact Black culture and content has had on the world throughout generations. We aim to highlight and maximize that impact as a template for a truly inclusive social media platform.
Our goal is to be the premiere video-based social networking platform with over 10 million users — connecting individuals within the African Diaspora and cultures worldwide, for positive conversation, collaboration and community-building—both socially and financially. The real impact of TruSo’s vision will be felt and heard by underserved communities around the world in the form of charity, social justice and the tens of thousands of individuals who receive the gift of hearing, in the form of hearing aids, from TruSo’s foundation.
WHY INVEST
Help us build a community that’s truly for everyone
We want to take the community, comradery, and support that the black community gets from local gathering spots like the barbershop and beauty shop, and create a platform that empowers everyone who needs a voice. TruSo is about more than connecting people. TruSo is about building a community, helping people achieve their dreams, and giving disabled people and individuals in niche communities, a space in which to thrive. By investing in TruSo, you’re not just investing in a nuanced social media platform, you’re backing a movement for a truly genuine and empowering social experience.
ABOUT
HEADQUARTERS
651 N Broad St, STE 205 #4700
Middletown, DE 19709
WEBSITE
View Site
TruSo is a true social network based on video. It’s a virtual extension of the barbershop, beauty shop, and other real communities where real conversations happen.
TEAM
Matthew Newman
Founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
A true entrepreneur at heart, Matthew launched his first company— a natural, organic lawn maintenance company—in his early twenties. My Lawn Mower & Me has won awards for landscaping—including the Greater East Dallas Chamber's Lake & Garden Districts People's Choice Business of the Year. Alongside the lawn company, Matthew founded #FoodforCompost; an organic compost non-profit corporation that aims to help meet local and state waste reduction goals.
To many, Matthew Newman is best known for his commitment to giving back to the community. Since 2017, Matthew has hosted the Annual Christmas Bike Giveaway through his foundation, “For The Life of You Mentoring Foundation”—most recently donating 100 bikes to 4th and 5th grade students in two states and four communities: Inglewood/Watts in California, and Dallas/Fort Worth in Texas.
Matthew Newman and his various ventures have been featured on The Dallas Morning News, KTLA 5 News in Los Angeles, News 8 ABC in Dallas, KERA/NPR in Dallas, CBS News 11, Advocate Magazine, The Dallas Post Tribune, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and The Los Angeles Sentinel.
Matthew is a 3-year graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. He earned his Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership from Criswell College. Today, he resides in Inglewood, CA with his lovely bride and is actively engaged in community redevelopment efforts and serves on the Inglewood Airport Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. Matthew is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.®
Please note Matthew is currently the CEO of 3 other businesses and splits his time between these companies. Please review the Offering Materials for more details on Matthew's roles and the related Risks section.
Kareem Grimes
Consultant
Mikele "Miki" Barber
Consultant
She is the twin sister of Me'Lisa Barber, who has also won relay medals on the world stage.
Terrell "TO" Owens
Consultant
Terrell Eldorado Owens was born in Alexander City, Alabama on December 7, 1973 where he attended Benjamin Russell High School. There he excelled in several sports including football, basketball, baseball and track.
After being recruited by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) football program, Owens made a name for himself as an explosive receiver, earning first team All-Southern Conference honors and setting a school record for catching a pass in 11 consecutive games.
Terrell was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 1996 NFL draft, spending 8 seasons with the team. Owens’ made his mark in the league by amassing a highlight reel of spectacular plays and performances. These include a game-winning touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in a 1998 wild-card playoff games that was dubbed “The Catch II”, a record-breaking day of December 17, 2000 when he surpassed the 50 year old mark for the single-game reception total, and his role in leading the 49ers to the second greatest comeback in NFL playoff history, which occurred against the NY Giants in 2002.
In 2004, Owens joined the Philadelphia Eagles. His presence made an immediate impact on the team. He averaged one touchdown per game, helping the Eagles to win 13 of its first 14 games, paving the way to Super Bowl XXXIX. Despite a late season injury that doctors had projected would take weeks to heal, Owens started the game and had nine receptions and 122 yards in a disappointing loss to the New England Patriots.
Owens went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys in 2006, embarking on another storied legacy. In his first season with the team, Owens led the league with 13 regular season touchdowns and this despite a serious tendon injury to his finger. While doctors recommended season ending surgery, Owens elected to wait until the end of the season to repair the damage. In 2007, Terrell set a Dallas Cowboys record with 15 touchdown receptions and helped lead the team to the NFC East divisional title for the first time since 1988. Owens also amassed 69 catches for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns in his last season for the Dallas Cowboys. Owens entered his 14th NFL season with the Buffalo Bills. It was in this season, Terrell became only the sixth player to record 1,000 career catches. Owens also added stints with the Cincinnati Bengals to his resume.
Owens has garnered countless awards and accolades for his work, on and off the field, including, six Pro Bowl appearances, 5-time Associated Press All-Pro, recorded five seasons with 13 or more touchdowns, and the first to score a touchdown in seven straight “Monday Night Football” games. On September 15, 2008, in yet another remarkable Monday Night Game, Owens moved into second place on the NFL’s all-time career touchdown list.
Owens’ work on the field is only mirrored by his accomplishments off the field including partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association which is near and dear to his heart. Owen’s beloved grandmother Alice succumbed to the disease. In 2000, he testified before Congress to continue to raise awareness about the disease.
Owens is also a respected and best-selling author, penning a children’s book, “Little T Learns To Share” and a fitness book “T.O.’s Finding Fitness”. Owens’ latest endeavor, the “What TO Do” Global Campaign is an initiative aimed at empowering and motivating youth around the world through speaking, workshops and with the launch an inspirational clothing line for men, women and children.
Owens most recent accomplishments include being featured on the cover of the Official EA Madden NFL “Hall of Fame” video game. In April of 2018 Owens was officially inducted to the Alabama Hall of Fame and the NFL Hall of Fame.
Sway Calloway
Consultant
Sway first caught the public's eye when he and his partner King Tech staged break dancing and rap performances in and around their hometown of Oakland, California. Recognizing Sway's instincts for great sound and promising talent, Interscope enlisted him and Tech to produce an album called This or That, featuring artists such as Eminem, KRS-One and RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan.
He is the key correspondent for MTV's Choose or Lose campaign and newly launched Power of '12 campaign for the channel. Since his involvement, he has interviewed various political leaders like Republican National Committee Chair Ed Gillespie, Hillary Clinton, Ron Paul, John McCain and Mitch Romney. The 2008 presidential campaign presented stellar opportunities for Sway. Throughout the course of the campaign, he sat down with President Barak Obama four times. In 2012, Sway and MTV captured another memorable moment with President Obama that garnered millions of watchers.
Sway's other MTV News endeavors have included the "All Eyes" series which featured top artists like Kanye West and 50 Cent, "MTV News Now: Jay-Z vs. Nas: Beats, Battles & Beef," "MTV News Presents: After the Storm" and the highly anticipated yearly Hottest MC's list.
Sway is an integral part of MTV News' annual live-event coverage of the MTV Video Music Awards, Grammy pre-show and the European Music Awards (EMA). Sway also serves as an MTV Executive Producer and brings new programming ideas to the station. He also includes additional duties with MTV2 and host of the weekly MTV Radio syndication show that airs in over 50 plus cities across the country.
His work continues throughout the nation and community where he has been a part of various panels and discussions hosting and moderating on important issues like Hate Crimes, Racism and Education.
Lastly, be sure to listen Monday through Friday on Sirius XM's popular morning show, SWAY IN THE MORNING on the Shade45 channel entertaining the "Citizens" from 8am-12pm (est.)
TERMS
TruSo
Overview
PRICE PER SHARE
$1.95
DEADLINE
Sep 28, 2022
VALUATION
$16.16M
FUNDING GOAL
$10k - $1.07M
Breakdown
MIN INVESTMENT
$117
MAX INVESTMENT
$106,998.45
MIN NUMBER OF SHARES OFFERED
5,128
MAX NUMBER OF SHARES OFFERED
548,717
OFFERING TYPE
Equity
ASSET TYPE
Common Stock
SHARES OFFERED
Common Stock
Maximum Number of Shares Offered subject to adjustment for bonus shares
Voting Rights of Securities Sold in this Offering
Voting Proxy. Subscriber shall appoint the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”), or his or her successor, as the Subscriber’s true and lawful proxy and attorney, with the power to act alone and with full power of substitution, to, consistent with this instrument and on behalf of the Subscriber, (i) vote all Securities, (ii) give and receive notices and communications, (iii) execute any instrument or document that the CEO determines is necessary or appropriate in the exercise of its authority under this instrument, and (iv) take all actions necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the CEO for the accomplishment of the foregoing. The proxy and power granted by the Subscriber pursuant to this Section are coupled with an interest. Such proxy and power will be irrevocable. The proxy and power, so long as the Subscriber is an individual, will survive the death, incompetency and disability of the Subscriber and, so long as the Subscriber is an entity, will survive the merger or reorganization of the Subscriber or any other entity holding the Securities. However, the Proxy will terminate upon the closing of a firm commitment underwritten public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 covering the offer and sale of Common Stock or the effectiveness of a registration statement under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 covering the Common Stock.
*Maximum number of shares offered subject to adjustment for bonus shares. See bonus info below
Investment Incentives and Bonuses*
Time-Based
Friends and Family Early Birds
Invest within the first 7 days and receive an additional 15% bonus shares.
Super Early Bird Bonus
Invest within the next 7 days and receive an additional 10% bonus shares.
Early Bird Bonus
Invest within the next 3 days and receive an additional 5% bonus shares.
Amount-Based Perks:
Tier 1
$117-249
TruSo Badge + Wall of Fame placement
Deciding to invest $117-249 in the TruSo Community will grant you an exclusive TruSo Social badge and guarantee your place on the TruSo Wall of Fame. Show it, post it... brag a little!
Tier 2
$250-799
TruSo Badge + TruBlue Wristband
You're moving on up! Deciding to invest $250-799 in the TruSo Community will grant you two exclusive gifts; TruSo Badge and TruBlue Wristband. Whether you post it or wear it, we're certain you'll create the ultimate FOMO!
Tier 3
$800-1,199
3X bundle; TruSo Badge, TruBlue Wristband, TruSo T-Shirt
You believe in us, don't you?! Deciding to invest $800-1,199 in the TruSo Community will grant you what we call the "3X Bundle," which includes three exclusive gifts; TruSo Badge, TruBlue Wristband, and TruSo T-Shirt. We'll call you the G.O.A.T.!
Tier 4
$1,200-4,999
ALL OF THE ABOVE + TruSo Celebrity Shoutout
Told you! You for sure don't need 1 million followers to be an Influencer with TruSo. Deciding to invest $1,200-4,999 in the TruSo Community will grant you all of the above, plus a TruSo Celebrity Shoutout. We're ok with you making your friends jealous!
Tier 5
$5000+
ALL OF THE ABOVE + Ultimate TruSo Influencer Box + BONUS!
Need anything else? Deciding to invest $5,000+ in the TruSo Community will grant you all of the above, plus the Ultimate TruSo Influencer Box which includes, the USA Olympian, Miki Barber, inspired TruSo Track Jacket, TruSo Tumbler, PLUS 30% Affiliate Revenue!
*All perks occur when the offering is completed.
The 10% StartEngine Owners' Bonus
TruSo will offer 10% additional bonus shares for all investments that are committed by investors that are eligible for the StartEngine Crowdfunding Inc. OWNer's bonus.
This means eligible StartEngine shareholders will receive a 10% bonus for any shares they purchase in this offering. For example, if you buy 100 shares of Common Stock at $1.95 / share, you will receive 110 shares of Common Stock, meaning you'll own 110 shares for $195. Fractional shares will not be distributed and share bonuses will be determined by rounding down to the nearest whole share.
This 10% Bonus is only valid during the investor's eligibility period. Investors eligible for this bonus will also have priority if they are on a waitlist to invest and the company surpasses its maximum funding goal. They will have the first opportunity to invest should room in the offering become available if prior investments are canceled or fail.
Investors will only receive a single bonus, which will be the highest bonus rate they are eligible for.
Irregular Use of Proceeds
The Company might incur Irregular Use of Proceeds that may include but are not limited to the following over $10,000: Vendor payments. Salary payments made to one’s self, a friend or relative. Any expense labeled “Administrative Expenses” not strictly for administrative purposes. Any expense labeled “Travel and Entertainment”.
PRESS
Terrell Owens, Sway Calloway Endorse TruSo, A Black-Owned Social Network Poised To Topple Clubhouse
TruSo, a Black-owned social networking app, has come out the gate swinging. In a press release announcement, it was revealed that the new app — backed by the likes of Sway Calloway, Kareem Grimes, Terrell Owens, and Miki Barber — is poised to solve the challenges posed by audio-only apps like Clubh
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JOIN THE DISCUSSION
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Omoniyi Mutiu
4 months ago
Hello. I just called but it went into the voicemail. Sorry for your loss. Please go to the emergency if you fill you are not safe at home and feel your will hurt yourself or others. In addition, we an outpatient service and could not prescribe a medication to sedate a patient since we are not able to monitor response. Again, my recommendation is you go to nearest psychiatry hospital for immediate care to ensure your safety currently.
I am one of the 182 investors in TruSo during its offering on the start engine website. I'm sending this email to inquire because I haven't heard from the company on the status of the investment since I invested more than a year ago.
Please let me know how the company is doing. Has it launched or it is still in the process? In case it is no longer going forward, please let me know how I can receive my fund back.
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Lionel Hilaire
a year ago
I’m in! I’m excited to see what’s next. I’d like to know how can I download the app from my iPhone?
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Colby Brooks
a year ago
3 days left to invest in this platform we need an alternative to Twitter there must be a rival!
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Colby Brooks
a year ago
I invested in this company a week ago is there a way to access this social media platform? Also, will there be a way to share ideas on growing the company?
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BERNARD WELLS
a year ago
Question: How come your website is not active? When I click the link it says the domain name isn't connected to WIX.
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Ericka Pheanious
2 years ago
Once I invest what should I expect from TruSo?
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Ivan Wallace
2 years ago
Hello, I have invested and I think this can blow up to be very nice, if all goals are met will the app be available on the android play store? I could not locate it, thanks.
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Lea C
2 years ago
Hello,
Could you tell us more about how you are planning to get revenue?
Thank you!
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Sean Rogers
2 years ago
I'm in. Let's Gooooooo!
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HOW INVESTING WORKS
Cancel anytime before 48 hours before a rolling close or the offering end date.
WHY STARTENGINE?
REWARDS
We want you to succeed and get the most out of your money by offering rewards and memberships!
SECURE
Your info is your info. We take pride in keeping it that way!
DIVERSE INVESTMENTS
Invest in over 200 start-ups and collectibles!
With Regulation A+, a non-accredited investor can only invest a maximum of 10% of their annual income or 10% of their net worth per year, whichever is greater. There are no restrictions for accredited investors.
With Regulation Crowdfunding, non-accredited investors with an annual income or net worth less than $124,000, are limited to invest a maximum of 5% of the greater of those two amounts. For those with an annual income and net worth greater than $124,000, he/she is limited to investing 10% of the greater of the two amounts.
At the close of an offering, all investors whose funds have “cleared” by this time will be included in the disbursement. At this time, each investor will receive an email from StartEngine with their Countersigned Subscription Agreement, which will serve as their proof of purchase moving forward.
Please keep in mind that a company can conduct a series of “closes” or withdrawals of funds throughout the duration of the campaign. If you are included in that withdrawal period, you will be emailed your countersigned subscription agreement and proof of purchase immediately following that withdrawal.
StartEngine assists companies in raising capital, and once the offering is closed, we are no longer involved with whether the company chooses to list shares on a secondary market, or what occurs thereafter. Therefore, StartEngine has no control or insight into your investment after the close of the live offering. In addition, we are not permitted to provide financial advice. You may want to contact a financial professional to discuss possible investment outcomes.
For Regulation Crowdfunding, investors are able to cancel their investment at any point throughout the campaign up until 48 hours before the closing of the offering. Note: If the company does a rolling close, they will post an update to their current investors, giving them the opportunity to cancel during this timeframe. If you do not cancel within this 5-day timeframe, your funds will be invested in the company, and you will no longer be able to cancel the investment. If your funds show as ‘Invested’ on your account dashboard, your investment can no longer be canceled.
For Regulation A+, StartEngine allows for a four-hour cancelation period. Once the four-hour window has passed, it is up to each company to set their own cancelation policy. You may find the company’s cancelation policy in the company’s offering circular.
Once your investment is canceled, there is a 10-day clearing period (from the date your investment was submitted). After your funds have cleared the bank, you will receive your refund within 10 business days.
Refunds that are made through ACH payments can take up to 10 business days to clear. Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the bank, but we will do everything we can to get you your refund as soon as possible. However, every investment needs to go through the clearing process in order to get sent back to the account associated with the investment.
Both Title III (Regulation Crowdfunding) and Title IV (Reg A+) help entrepreneurs crowdfund capital investments from unaccredited and accredited investors. The differences between these regulations are related to the investor limitations, the differing amounts of money companies are permitted to raise, and differing disclosure and filing requirements. To learn more about Regulation Crowdfunding, click here, and for Regulation A+, click here.
Omoniyi Mutiu
4 months ago
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