March 24, 2025
In today’s hyper-connected world, the way we share and consume digital content has evolved at an unprecedented pace. Yet, while technology has made sharing easier than ever, it has also exposed millions to new risks - sextortion, revenge porn, and AI-generated deepfake misuse are rapidly escalating societal challenges.
At Calm/Storm, we believe in backing founders tackling the most pressing and often overlooked issues of our time. That’s why we’re excited to announce our investment in Linq, a pioneering privacy-focused platform designed to give users full control over their intimate images in an increasingly vulnerable digital landscape.
In the UK alone, one in four adults has sent intimate images, and nearly 40% have received one. Yet, digital privacy protections have failed to keep pace with this shift in behavior, leaving individuals exposed to exploitation. The consequences extend far beyond legal and reputational damage - victims of image abuse often suffer from severe mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Linq steps in at precisely the right moment, offering a secure, privacy-first platform for storing and sharing sensitive images. By ensuring that users maintain full control over their digital footprint, Linq empowers individuals to protect themselves from abuse and misuse.
Linq is changing the way people think about privacy in the digital age. With built-in protections that give users more control over their content, it ensures that personal images are shared securely and responsibly. Through advanced privacy controls, Linq helps prevent misuse while allowing for seamless management of shared content. Prioritizing privacy rather than treating it as an afterthought, Linq is setting a new standard for safe and thoughtful digital interactions.
As data privacy concerns grow, the demand for solutions that protect individuals in digital spaces is increasing. The market for privacy-first media sharing remains largely underserved, with massive opportunities for Linq to expand.
We see Linq’s impact reaching far beyond its initial user base. In a world where digital footprints are permanent, we envision a future where privacy protection becomes a norm rather than an afterthought, where individuals can engage online without fear of exploitation.
Linq’s founding team brings together a blend of deep technical expertise and strategic execution. With backgrounds in strategy and growth consulting, combined with cutting-edge technology development from Formula 1, they have the perfect mix of product vision, technical acumen, and go-to-market experience.
They’ve already assembled a world-class team, with developers from F1 and BeReal, and a network of top-tier advisors guiding their journey. We have strong conviction in their ability to execute and scale Linq into a leading force in digital privacy.
At Calm/Storm, we invest in startups that push the boundaries of innovation while addressing urgent societal challenges. We focus on industries that are often overlooked due to stigma or discomfort, believing that real impact comes from tackling the conversations others shy away from.
Linq embodies this mission - ensuring that as technology redefines intimacy, privacy remains a fundamental right, not a luxury.
We’re proud to support their vision and can’t wait to see the impact they create.
Philippa Allen
Investment Manager
