jiraffeThreads aims to alter the social media experience

If you’re involved with the Delaware startup scene, you’ve probably seen jiraffeThreads on social media over the last few months with their colorful caps, inspirational texts and giraffes. Many giraffes.

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“jiraffeThreads stands for something we all embody within ourselves — standing tall, staying strong, adapting and achieving,” said founder James Fencil. “Giraffes are the best physical representation of those words.”

Fencil, a digital developer who moved to Newark several years ago, started jiraffeThreads in October 2018. A collector of snapback hats, he noticed he’d often get compliments on hats branded by other companies. “I thought, why am I advertising someone else? I should be advertising myself.

“So I did.”

He created the design and logo himself, and started selling snapback hats and t-shirts. But the jiraffeThreads mission is less about clothing products, and more about social interaction, bringing people together and supporting good causes. For instance, a portion of proceeds from each “Original” snapback goes to, not surprisingly, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, which protects wild giraffes in Africa.

“This is a way for me to support initiatives out there that already have amazing organizations,” Fencil said. “Where things get really exciting is when technology is introduced.”

Through jiraffeThreads’ popular social media channels, the founder has started to collaborate with other creators on artwork and designs for future products.

And, of course, he’s developing an app, which will work in tandem with social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

“[The jiraffeThreads app] will be released in beta through the iOS platform in March,” Fencil said. “It will allow everyone to post a photo once a day on a feed that’s wiped fresh every 24 hours. Tokens can be earned on the photos toward free products and monthly giveaways.”

Though the app will be geared toward users all over the country and beyond, Fencil said he is planning to invite businesses to host QR challenges to interact with hometown communities — and “since jiraffeThreads is local to Newark, we will be looking for nearby businesses to collaborate first, then will organically spread throughout the United States.”

The beta of the iOS app will launch on or around March 20. If you’re interested in being a beta tester, sign up on jiraffethreads.com.