Grammy-winning artist and EGOT-status holder John Legend has ventured into the tech startup world with his latest endeavor, “It’s Good.”
The social app, launched in March 2023, has raised $5 million in a recent funding round, with participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners, a California-based venture capital firm specializing in multi-stage investments across various sectors.
“It’s Good,” launched in March 2023 by Legend and tech entrepreneur Mike Rosenthal, is a social app designed to offer personalized food and travel recommendations based on users’ social connections.
Similar to popular review platforms like Yelp and Google Reviews, this innovative platform operates under the guiding principle that “a restaurant recommendation from one trusted friend is more valuable than recommendations from 10,000 strangers.”
Legend, known for his achievements in the entertainment industry, explained the inspiration behind the venture, stating: “My friends always reach out to me for ‘my list’ of restaurants in the cities I’ve visited. With ‘It’s Good,’ we sought to create a trusted community for food-lovers to recommend their favorite spots and discover new ones through a user-friendly platform that’s easily shareable and beautiful.”
Rosenthal, co-founder and CEO at “It’s Good” expressed his pride in the platform they have built, stating: “For years, I’ve dreamed of a platform built specifically for those trusted connections, to help me travel, or find a new local favorite. I’m so proud of what we’ve built, and I’m so excited for what we have coming.”
The app not only allows users to review and explore their friends’ favorite places but also includes recommendations from high-profile celebrities.
As “It’s Good” transitions from an invite-only platform to forming its community, the company plans to prioritize growth over revenue, thanks to the $5 million-investment secured from investors. Additionally, the team is exploring potential partnerships with hospitality and food companies.
Legend’s Impact Extends Beyond Entertainment to the Business World
Beyond his achievements in the entertainment industry, Legend has made a mark in the business world, venturing into private investments and endorsements for various brands.
In February 2023, he joined forces with dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye to launch Loved01, a personal care brand aimed at democratizing skincare by offering high-quality, unisex skin and body products tailored to melanin-rich skin at affordable prices.
Legend’s diverse portfolio extends to real estate and investments in startups like Get Lifted Film Co., Our Happy Company, Walker & Company, and Thrive Market. His brand endorsements include collaborations with Walgreens, VRBO, and Google.
