Startup Led by AI Veteran Introduces a Social Network Where Bots Do the Work
A new AI startup wants to make bots do more than just answer questions or recommend playlists. Socontra, launched this week by AI researcher and entrepreneur Dr. Don Perugini, is building a network where AI agents interact directly with one another—no human input required. The idea is to automate everyday tasks, especially online shopping.
The platform introduces a new framework where digital assistants can represent users and businesses, carry out social coordination, and finalize purchases. According to the company, Socontra focuses on enabling agent-to-agent communication that aligns with real-world contracts and transaction standards.
What the Platform Does
Not Just Automation—Interaction Between Agents
Socontra is more than a marketplace or a backend tool. It functions as a kind of social network for AI agents. Developers can build bots that engage with other bots, using communication protocols modeled on how people and companies interact in real life. These interactions aren’t limited to software processes—they include shopping, scheduling, and other routine decisions.
One of the main features is the ability for agents to take over tasks like organizing a group dinner or ordering supplies for a team. Once trained, an AI agent can coordinate with others to make decisions and complete actions based on pre-set preferences or real-time needs.
Commercial Use Cases and Beta Launch
Early Focus on Online Shopping and Social Planning
The company’s initial use case centers on automating e-commerce. Rather than a person clicking through a website or app, their AI agent could interact with another business’s agent to evaluate products, negotiate price options, and place an order. The system supports Web Agents—digital storefronts created for bots instead of humans. These agents simulate the function of a website but are built for structured, AI-to-AI conversations.
A pre-release version of the platform is already available to developers. Socontra is encouraging early-stage experimentation by those building agents for consumers or businesses.
How Socontra Compares to Others
A Focus on Social Use, Not Just Software Infrastructure
While other frameworks like Google’s A2A and Anthropic’s MCP have made it easier for AI agents to connect with software tools and APIs, Socontra moves the focus to people and organizations. The platform is designed for what the company calls “social systems,” where bots work on behalf of users, not just devices or applications.
That shift in focus allows for new types of automation—like AI agents handling customer service, arranging deliveries, or managing ongoing transactions between parties. Instead of software talking to software, it’s assistants acting for actual humans and businesses.
Background of the Founder
Dr. Don Perugini brings a long track record in artificial intelligence. His experience includes founding two previous AI startups and contributing to national defense research. The core algorithms behind Socontra were first developed during his PhD work and refined during his time as a scientist at the Department of Defense. That background gives the platform roots in both academic theory and applied use.
What to Watch Going Forward
As AI agents grow in popularity, so do the expectations. Socontra is betting that users will want more from their digital assistants than weather forecasts and reminders. With its agent-to-agent network, the company is positioning itself for a shift in how automation supports daily life.
The product is still in beta. But if it catches on, it could change how people handle everything from group plans to grocery lists—without lifting a finger.