Two black entrepreneurs and co-founders have created an app that they say allows users to connect in a more authentic way.

The software, called PLUG.ME.IN, is offered by Ernest Dancy and Ubong Ekpe. The app is intended to offer a more individual, absolute and authentic option than other social media apps. Aiming to stand out from their competition, the founders claim on their website that PLUG.ME.IN is the first true social networking app designed specifically for your phone to foster authentic connections.

“It’s a return to the future that allows you to communicate exclusively, to share [and] stay in touch with people in your “real social network” as listed on their website.

Their application would allow people to give unrequited access to their social network based on their personal relationship with the person. Some of its features include voicemail, video chat, voicemail, and other services. Photos, videos and music can also be shared.

“Essentially, the PLUG will eliminate the need to swap phone numbers,” Dancy said publicly. “With people choosing to donate their Plug IDs, instead, full control over their communications pipeline will revert to the people themselves. Society deserves the right to choose.

Geographically, Dancy and Ekpe hope their application will become a big success in Africa, especially Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. Mobile Internet and broadband capacities are said to be increasing in these countries. And these areas could offer the pair to build a solid client base and distance them from other tech startups targeting or expanding into other markets.

Dancy and Ekpe’s new venture comes as black founders have yet to raise capital to fund their businesses. While many are promising and talented startups, securing funding is often a barrier to scale. The problem is often not the lack of high-quality black-run businesses, but the lack of funding.

This funding is necessary.

Fewer than 420 black founders have previously been backed by venture capital, while more than 8,000 founders receive venture funding each year, according to theblackfounderlist.com. Lack of access to finance and opportunities for black founders hinders the growth of their businesses and prevents everyone from accessing life-changing technologies.