Razoo A New Breed Of Socially Responsible Social Networks

The Washington Post had an article today about the “new” type of socially responsible social networks. They featured a DC startup, Razoo. They have built a social network, but with a twist. Instead of connecting people for personal/business networking reasons, they connect people to support humanitarian goals.

humanitarian objectives such as preventing homelessness in the United States and helping families who live in a Nicaragua trash dump. Users and causes each have their own pages.

Razoo’s founder, J. Sebastian Traeger, is looking to build upon a previously successful internet company which he built and sold. The article touches on the challenges sites like Razoo and Kiva have in a fast paced profit based Internet. While companies like Facebook are enjoying $15 billion valuations, this other niche is looking for its own success which may not necessarily show on the true bottom line.

I have looked at sites like Prosper.com and have been intrigued as to the possibilities. The idea of helping others out and being able to follow along puts a warm face on an otherwise faceless world of these social networks.