Sage Haven, a consumer technology startup developing an AI-moderated messaging and voice calling platform designed for children, has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding to accelerate product development, expand its platform, and support the launch of a safer digital communication environment for kids. The company is focused on helping children build healthier online habits while giving parents greater visibility and control over early digital experiences.

The pre-seed round was led by Anamika Ventures and Fabric Ventures, with participation from Hustle Fund, How Women Invest, NEXTBLUE, Gaingels, ExitFund, Graham & Walker, and Fuel Venture Capital. The financing will support the company as it expands its AI-powered safety tools and grows adoption among families seeking alternatives to traditional social messaging platforms.

Founded by sisters and entrepreneurs Kate Doerksen and Anne Pizzuti, Sage Haven was created to address concerns surrounding children’s first experiences with smartphones, group chats, and online communication. The founders built the company around the idea that children need a safer introduction to digital interaction, rather than immediate access to adult-oriented social platforms that may expose them to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and unhealthy technology habits.

Sage Haven’s platform is designed specifically for children ages 8 to 12, providing messaging and voice calling features combined with artificial intelligence-based moderation. The company uses AI technology to identify and block harmful or inappropriate messages before they are sent, while also encouraging more positive communication between children. Parents receive oversight tools through a dedicated hub that provides contact approvals, alerts, message summaries, and activity insights.

The company believes existing parental control solutions often focus primarily on restricting access rather than helping children develop responsible communication habits. Sage Haven’s approach combines safety protections with guided online experiences, allowing children to participate in digital conversations while parents maintain visibility into interactions. The platform is designed to provide what the company describes as a gradual, safer transition into the broader online world.

The newly raised capital will help Sage Haven continue improving its artificial intelligence moderation systems, expand product development, and support broader market adoption following the platform’s successful beta period. The company officially launched its product alongside the funding announcement, marking a transition from early testing into commercial availability.

Chief Executive Officer Kate Doerksen and Chief Operating Officer Anne Pizzuti founded Sage Haven after observing challenges families face when children begin using connected devices. The founders said they wanted to create a communication platform that acknowledges children’s growing need for independence while addressing parents’ concerns about online safety.

Sage Haven operates as a Public Benefit Corporation, reflecting its focus on creating a technology product centered around child safety and responsible digital development. The company aims to balance the benefits of online communication with safeguards designed to reduce harmful interactions and improve children’s experiences with technology.

Investor participation highlights growing interest in technology platforms focused on online safety, artificial intelligence, and family-oriented digital products. Early-stage investors including Anamika Ventures and Fabric Ventures have backed Sage Haven’s mission of creating a safer digital environment for children, while participation from organizations such as Hustle Fund, How Women Invest, and NEXTBLUE adds additional early-stage startup expertise to the company’s investor base.

The funding comes as concerns around children’s online safety continue increasing. Families, educators, and policymakers have become more focused on the impact of social platforms on young users, particularly regarding cyberbullying, privacy, and excessive screen use. Sage Haven is positioning itself within this emerging category by building communication tools specifically designed around children’s developmental needs rather than adapting platforms originally created for adults.

Beyond AI moderation, Sage Haven’s product strategy emphasizes parental involvement and transparency. The company provides parents with tools to understand how their children are communicating while allowing kids to build confidence and social skills in a controlled environment. This approach aims to create a middle ground between unrestricted access to online platforms and overly restrictive parental controls.

With $3 million in pre-seed financing and backing from a group of technology-focused investors, Sage Haven is positioned to expand its AI-powered communication platform and continue developing tools that support safer digital experiences for children. As families increasingly seek solutions that help children navigate the internet responsibly, the company aims to establish itself as a leading platform for kid-focused messaging and online safety.

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