Conn. MBA grads start social site "shizzlr.com"

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Two University of Connecticut business school graduates have received support from the state's venture capital fund to begin an online social network.

Nick Jaensch (Yensh) and Keith Bessette received $350,000 in private and state money to develop shizzlr.com, a corner of the Internet dedicated to college students and 20-somethings.

Shizzlr is intended to bring together friends who text message their social plans. Users opt in those they want to include.

Jaensch said that while most people are in touch with a wide range of people through Facebook, shizzlr is designed for a small circle of close friends.

Peter V. Longo, president of the state investment agency Connecticut Innovations, said he was eager to support the Internet start-up because he believes it will eventually generate jobs.