Raya (app)
Raya is a membership-based social network application for iOS, founded by Daniel Gendelman and Atlas Benjelloun in 2014. Originally a dating app, Raya has since added features to promote professional networking and social discovery. Raya’s membership is largely restrictive, limited to celebrities, high-profile industry individuals, and internet personalities, through a long selection process or invitation.
History
Raya was created by Daniel Gendelman and Atlas Benjelloun in 2014 and went live in February 2015. Gendelman had the idea for the app while studying in Israel. The app is only available on Apple devices.
Format
Users link their profile to their Instagram account, add personal information, including their background, profession, and interests, and must create a photo montage for their profile. After creating a profile, users interact and connect with the global Raya community through features such as a map and member directory.
Privacy
If a user screenshots a profile within the app, Raya warns the user that they may be removed from the platform, and repeated screenshots lead to termination of the user’s account.