Warning: This post is light, but full of spoilers. If you have not seen the series finale of “Game of Thrones,” do not read beyond this point.
“What’s west of Westeros?” That’s the question “Game of Thrones” character Arya Stark — the beloved woman warrior who battled her way around her fictional world for much of the HBO series’ run — set out to answer as the show drew to its close.
Maisie Williams, the actress who plays her, has far less nebulous plans for her next chapter.
The 22-year-old superstar recently co-launched an app, Daisie, that expands users’ talent networks by connecting them via a social network. On it, people can find collaborators, share their work and learn about others’ projects.
[Related: Carolines on Broadway Got Famous by Discovering Comedy Stars. Now, its Founder is Spotlighting Women]
It’s already a hit. Just 11 days after launching, the company reports over 100,000 users. And Daisie just closed a seed round that, according to the company, yielded $2.5 million. It was led by Founders Fund, and also included 8VC, Kleiner Perkins, and Shrug Capital. Angel investors also reportedly pitched in, bringing the total fundraising amount to $3 million.
Williams says the app’s aim is to give creators more control over their work and career paths. At present, most of that growing talent network is, like the app itself, based in London, but she and her team have plans to expand into other cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Berlin.
[Related: Why Zoe Saldana Was Inspired to Start Her Own Media Brand]
An increasing number of young famous women, from Rihanna to Kylie Jenner, have been using their considerable platforms to turn profits, setting examples for other entrepreneurs in the process. It’s good news for everyone, as The Story Exchange’s own research shows that over one-fifth of women business owners (22 percent) find inspiration in celebrities, with famous billionaire Oprah Winfrey being cited the most.
We recently wrote about the qualities of the Arya Stark character that women entrepreneurs should aspire to embody. Williams seems to be applying them herself as she sails into her own unknown.
[Related: Chloe X Halle Went From YouTube to the Grammys, Thanks to Beyoncé]