Uplevyl Launches UP, a Female-Forward Social Platform as Women Increasingly Abandon Traditional Social Media

Uplevyl founder and former Google executive Shubhi Rao aims to amplify voices with a more authentic social space 

AUSTIN, Texas, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Uplevyl, a female-forward technology platform, today announced the launch of UP, a groundbreaking social platform designed to amplify women's voices and create meaningful connections in the digital space. The launch comes as new research reveals that 48% of women have stopped using at least one social media platform in the past year, with safety and privacy being cited as top concerns. 

Rao made history as the first woman and person of color to serve as Officer of Alphabet, the first woman to be Treasurer of Alphabet/Google, Tesco and Assistant Treasurer of Ford of Europe. She founded Uplevyl in 2021 after recognizing the opportunity to create technology platforms that better serve women. With an extensive background in engineering and executive leadership at major corporations, Rao is uniquely positioned to develop innovative technologies that help women thrive in the digital age.

She is joined by another trailblazer, Jacki Zehner, who will assume the role of Chief Engagement Officer. Zehner was the youngest woman and first female trader to become a partner at Goldman Sachs in 1996. She went on to co-found Women Moving Millions, a membership organization that has collectively committed over $1 billion to improve the lives of women and girls. She recently founded SheMoney, a company dedicated to advancing women's financial wellness through community, content and consulting.

As we celebrate Women's History Month 2025, these two history makers launch the first-of-its-kind social platform by women for women. 

"We built what we wanted to exist in the world - a place for women to discover, connect, share and amplify their voices," says Shubhi Rao, founder and CEO of Uplevyl. Zehner adds," Social media, especially micro-blogging platforms, are not working for women. We are turning the model right-side UP."

UP differentiates itself through several key features:

• Transparent data collection policies and robust security measures
• Advanced content moderation tools and clear community guidelines
• Zero tolerance for hate speech, harassment, or disinformation
• Ad-free environment ensuring a cleaner, more focused member experience
• Featured experts across the content categories of personal, professional and financial
• Subscription-based model prioritizing user privacy over advertising revenue

"We're creating an ad-free, welcoming environment, where women can find others who share their interests, easily explore topics that matter, and feel confident that community standards—led by women—are there to keep everyone's experience positive and protected."

This platform builds on Uplevyl's existing enterprise solutions that enable organizations to attract, retain, and develop female talent, as well as its Accelerator Program, which provides AI and digital acumen upskilling. 

"Our research shows that women are actively seeking alternatives to traditional social media platforms that are not serving them," stated Rao. "With UP, we're not just building another social network - we're creating a space where women's voices are prioritized, protected, valued and amplified." Zehner adds "UP is a technology whose time has come. It is founded by women, for women."

For more information about UP and our survey, visit: https://www.uplevyl.com/ 

About Uplevyl

Uplevyl is a female-forward technology company committed to reshaping the digital landscape by integrating curated gender data, advanced AI technology, and online communities to ensure women thrive in the digital age. Founded by Shubhi Rao, a former Alphabet/Google executive, Uplevyl corrects for the biases in data and algorithms present in alternative technologies while providing enterprise solutions and digital accelerator programs to help organizations attract, retain, and develop female talent. Its flagship social platform, UP, reflects this mission by creating a place where women's voices are prioritized, protected, valued and amplified.

SOURCE Uplevyl