Catholic App Hallow Raises Millions for Prayer and Meditation

Hallow, a religious app designed for Catholics, has raised substantial venture capital to support its mission of helping users build prayer routines and deepen their spiritual lives [1]. The app has attracted attention in the burgeoning market for faith-based technology, which has seen a significant increase in investor funding in recent years [1].

Key takeaways

• Hallow is a subscription-based app focused exclusively on Catholic content and teachings [1].
• The app features exclusive content from figures like Jonathan Roumi, Father Mike Schmitz, and Bishop Robert Barron [1].
• Faith-based apps attracted over $175 million in venture funding by mid-December of a recent year, a significant increase from previous years [1].
• Hallow has surpassed 1.5 million downloads and completed over 25 million prayers [1].

Hallow's Growth and Offerings

Hallow has secured $40 million in Series B funding from investors including Peter Thiel and Drive Capital, adding to its total funding of $50 million for a recent year [1]. The app aims to help users cultivate a routine of prayer and spiritual journeying [1]. Its content is described as 100% authentically Catholic and aligned with the teachings of the Catholic Church [1].

The app offers a range of features, including daily Mass readings, rosary prayers, and a music library featuring Gregorian chants, traditional music, and contemporary Christian songs [1]. Exclusive content includes meditations led by Jonathan Roumi, the actor who portrays Jesus in "The Chosen," and contributions from prominent Catholic figures such as Father Mike Schmitz, Bishop Robert Barron, Dr. Scott Hahn, Sister Miriam, and Sister Josephine [1]. Hallow operates on a subscription model, with a free version offering over 1,000 meditations and a premium "Hallow Plus" unlocking up to 3,500 custom meditations [1]. The company has reported crossing 1.5 million downloads and 25 million completed prayers [1].

The Faith-Based Tech Landscape

Hallow operates within a growing sector of faith-based apps, which have seen a dramatic rise in venture capital investment. By mid-December of a recent year, these apps had attracted over $175 million in funding, a substantial increase from $48.5 million the previous year and $6.1 million in 2016 [1]. Other apps in this space include Glorify, a Christian well-being app that raised $40 million in Series A funding and plans to incorporate social networking features, and Pray and Abide [1]. Hallow's founder, Alex Jones, noted that while they are fans of other apps helping people deepen their spirituality, Hallow's exclusive focus on Catholic theology differentiates it [1]. The app is also expanding its reach internationally, recently launching Spanish content, and is focusing on partnerships with schools and parishes [1].

Why it matters

The significant investment in Hallow highlights a trend of increasing investor interest in faith-based technology platforms [1]. Hallow's approach, focusing on prayer, meditation, and scripture within a Catholic framework, aims to provide a peaceful digital space distinct from the often stress-inducing nature of social media [1]. The app's growth and funding suggest a demand for digital tools that support religious practice and spiritual well-being [1]. This development occurs amidst broader discussions about the impact of , with some expressing concerns about its rapid development and potential to create a "fake world" that distances individuals from and God [2].