SOCIAL8 launch in the Hamptons draws creators, investors and celebrities

SOCIAL8 debuted in Southampton, Water Mill and East Hampton with a week of private events that drew entrepreneurs, creators, investors and TV personalities. A viral Anthony Scaramucci encounter helped push the launch past 650,000 views in less than 48 hours and spotlight the invite-only membership community's push to expand beyond the Hamptons.

Why it matters: - SOCIAL8 is positioning itself as a private network for creators, founders, investors and brands looking for business relationships, not just social access. - The Hamptons launch generated broad online attention fast, which can help the new community recruit members and expand into other markets. - SOCIAL8 plans to grow beyond the Hamptons into New York City, Miami, Los Angeles and Dubai.

What happened: - SOCIAL8 launched over a week of private events across Southampton, Water Mill and East Hampton. - The invite-only community brought together entrepreneurs, creators, investors, executives and luxury brands. - The founding team includes entrepreneur Richie Hosein, Netflix's "Owning Manhattan" star Jordan March and Google executive and creator Reza Khan. - Reza Khan's "What do you do for a living?" content captured one billion cumulative views across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn, the release says. - A video of Khan meeting former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci on Main Street in Southampton topped 650,000 views in less than 48 hours.

The details: - SOCIAL8 is built around invitation-only events, strategic introductions, educational programming and exclusive experiences. - The launch was presented as a weeklong series of private dinners, masterminds and curated introductions rather than a single party. - Guests included Jennifer Aydin, celebrity chef Rossella Rago and entrepreneur Michael Morcos. - Attendees also came from New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Dubai. - The week began with a Miami Chamber of Commerce | Dubai networking reception at the Baker House. - Khan Journey hosted an invitation-only branding mastermind based on a framework he previously presented at Columbia University. - Other stops included Maison Close, the Hamptons Fine Art Fair, Eddie Bogaert's Art Affair, Calissa in Water Mill and Talia's MTK in Montauk. - Hosein said the next billion-dollar businesses will be built through relationships, communities and storytellers. - Hosein said SOCIAL8 was created to put extraordinary people in the same room and create opportunities that do not happen online. - Hosein has said his companies have collectively generated more than $1 billion in sales across healthcare, technology, media, hospitality and venture investing. - Hosein previously held leadership roles at Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. - Hosein founded TRE Medical Technology Consultants and later led Empire Surgical, where annual revenue rose from $2 million to $60 million in four years. - Hosein has also launched and invested in 1nfluenc3 Media and FreeHealth.ai and supports healthcare philanthropy through the Global Healthcare Leaders Foundation.

Between the lines: - SOCIAL8 is selling access to a hybrid model of networking, media, and deal flow. - The viral Scaramucci moment turned a private launch into a broader marketing engine. - The timing suggests the Hamptons is being used as both a social stage and a lead generator for the brand's larger rollout.

What's next: - SOCIAL8 plans additional expansion into New York City, Miami, Los Angeles and Dubai. - The community is expected to keep using curated events and introductions to build its member base and extend its reach.

The bottom line: - SOCIAL8 is trying to turn elite networking into a scalable, cross-city membership brand, and its Hamptons debut gave it a strong first burst of attention.