Pinterest 2015: men, mobile, and Apple Watch – but definitely not a social network

Pinterest co-founder Evan Sharp talks about the power of digital curation and what the app really does: 'It's really this great tool for discovering creative ideas and saving them for later'

"Pinterest is not a social network. Really. It's not about your friends! The last thing I need is another messaging app, y'know?" says Evan Sharp, thumping his fist on the table for emphasis. "It's really this different kind of unique thing."

Sharp should know: he co-founded it. And since its launch in 2009, Pinterest has reached a large audience - 47.1 million active users in the US alone this year according to eMarketer - raising a startling $764m of funding along the way.

Related: Pinterest promises 'smarter search' including manly pins for men

No eyeball-frying uglyfest

Related: Ben Silbermann: the modest genius behind Pinterest