CEO at Coverstar
Ryan So
I'm a dad and an exited founder. I want to make a better world for my kid and her entire generation.
Questions & Answers
What's the story behind your company?
As parents, we all strive to give our kids a brighter future. Today’s social media crisis has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health, but we believe it’s not too late to make a difference. With 65% of Gen Alpha spending up to four hours daily on social media, Coverstar is stepping in to offer a safer, more positive alternative to dangerous apps like TikTok. Our platform is built for no doom scrolling, no bullying, no DMs, and no explicit or toxic content. Coverstar has all the fun of social media, without the BS!
What sets you apart from others in your industry?
What sets Coverstar apart is that we actually understand Gen Alpha, not just from a safety or compliance perspective, but from a product and engagement standpoint. Other platforms either feel too restrictive (like YouTube Kids) or too unsafe (like TikTok), leaving a huge gap for kids & teens who want a fun, social experience that parents can trust. Unlike competitors, Coverstar isn’t just a passive content feed - it’s built around participation. Our challenges encourage users to be active, creative, and social, rather than just scrolling endlessly. This activity-first approach has driven high engagement and organic growth, something no other Gen Alpha platform has cracked. Simply put, Coverstar is the first social platform that gets it right for Gen Alpha, combining fun and safety in a way no one else does.
Can you share a distinctive achievement or highlight from your career?
Sold my first company in college.
What inspired you to start your business?
The market found us. Coverstar started as a K-pop dance app, but we quickly saw a much bigger opportunity. A group of kids began using our app because TikTok was either too dangerous for them or they kept getting banned. Then, all of a sudden, their entire school was on Coverstar. As parents ourselves, my co-founder and I recognized the gap—Gen Alpha needed a safe, engaging social platform designed specifically for them. That insight led us to pivot and build Coverstar into what it is today: a place where kids can be creative, active, and social in a way that’s both parent-approved and genuinely fun. The market is massive, and the demand keeps growing.
