"Lapse App Raises $30M to Revolutionize Social Media for Gen Z"
Lapse, a startup that turns smartphones into old-school cameras, has secured $30 million in funding, bringing its total funding to over $42 million. The app, which has gained millions of users and captures 100 million photos monthly, aims to recreate the analog photography experience on smartphones. It plans to enhance the "unedited" photo treatment, add more features, and eventually move into video. Despite facing scrutiny for growth-hacking tactics, the app no longer requires forced invites and is evolving into a platform for sharing with small groups of friends. Investors believe there's potential for a simpler alternative to dominant social apps.