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Paraform Funded $20M to Empower Recruiters Over AI in Hiring Marketplace

recruiters

Paraform is a San Francisco, CA-based developer of a recruiting platform intended to connect companies with specialized recruiters. The company’s platform provides a platform for connecting with companies and businesses, referring candidates to job opportunities with specialized recruiters at a lower cost, and monitoring their performance to adjust flexibly based on demand. This enables individuals to find jobs through a digital portal at their desired startups and companies.

Paraform was funded $20 million led by Felicis, with participation from A*, BOND, DST Global, Liquid 2, and angel investors, including the co-founders of Canva, Instacart, YouTube, and xAI, along with Shyam Sankar, Harley Finklestein, Mark Pincus, and others.

The company intends to utilize the funds to scale its platform to meet the demand of startups and enterprises alike, deepen product development, and expand its global community of recruiters.

In a landscape saturated with generative AI tools for recruitment—automating resume parsing, outreach, and even interviews—Paraform is making a bold, contrarian bet: human recruiters, not AI, should steer the hiring process.

Jason Rumney, a top recruiter on Paraform’s network, explains that recruiting platforms today use AI to replace recruiters, but Paraform uses it to empower them. Paraform streamlines the busywork, allowing them to focus on what drives results – building relationships and closing critical hires.

Paraform’s CEO and co-founder, John Kim, likens elite recruiters on the platform to sports agents: strategic figures who navigate complex negotiations and advocate for talent. The company’s proposition: equip recruiters with powerful AI tools—call transcription, CRM automation, candidate matching—while leaving key decisions firmly in human hands.

John Kim notes that AI cannot evaluate soft skills, predict team dynamics, or assess whether a candidate will make a meaningful contribution to long-term success. Paraform is betting that these human judgments differentiate a good hire from a transformative one.

Currently connecting high-growth startups and enterprises—such as Palantir, Cursor, Windsurf, Decagon, and Hightouch—with independent recruiters and boutique search firms; Paraform boasts placements 3 times faster than traditional agencies.

The Series A funds will support:

  • Expansion of its global recruiter community
  • Enhanced product development, including deeper AI workflow tools and CRM systems
  • Scaling to address surging demand from both early-stage and enterprise customers

Paraform’s rise occurs amid a broader boom in AI recruiting. While many startups chase fully automated hiring, a growing segment emphasizes human-centric workflows. A mid-year survey from Staffing Industry Analysts found that AI is best suited for specific tasks rather than full-scale role replacement—suggesting fertile ground for platforms like Paraform.

Post‑funding, Paraform has also made strategic acquisitions, such as Styx—a sourcing tool that enhances AI-driven candidate fit by pulling signals from GitHub and Stack Overflow. Already, 25% of candidate-interview matches on Paraform are AI-suggested—a hybrid approach that enables faster and more informed selection.

Paraform’s fresh war chest—$20 million—marks a clear investment in people over AI, utilizing technology to amplify human hiring expertise, not replace it. As AI continues to reshape HR, Paraform asserts that a recruiter-first model can offer a competitive edge, providing faster placements, a stronger candidate-company fit, and outcomes that AI alone cannot deliver.

By: K. Tagura

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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Angel Investing Trends 2025: How the Landscape Is Evolving

Angel Investing

As we step into 2025, the angel investing landscape is undergoing significant transformation. Driven by technology, global connectivity, and shifting investor values, the dynamics of early-stage funding are changing in ways that both investors and startups must understand. Here’s a breakdown of the most influential trends shaping angel investing this year.

The Rise of Specialized Angel Networks

Gone are the days when angel investors cast wide nets. Today, niche-focused angel groups are thriving. Investors are increasingly joining vertical-specific networks—whether it’s in health tech, AI, green energy, or fintech—to leverage shared expertise and better evaluate deals. These specialized groups are improving startup success rates by offering targeted mentorship, strategic connections, and tailored support, making them especially appealing to both angels and founders.

Tech-Enabled Decision Making

AI and data analytics are no longer buzzwords—they’re now central to modern angel investing. Tools that automate deal sourcing, evaluate risk, and forecast ROI based on historical trends are gaining traction. Angels are using AI-powered platforms to make smarter, faster decisions, reducing reliance on gut instinct. As a result, startups need to back up their pitch decks with solid data and metrics, as investors increasingly expect deeper due diligence supported by tech.

Diversity and Inclusion in Angel Investing

Diversity has become more than a social imperative—it’s an investment strategy. In 2025, there’s a growing push for inclusive investing, with more women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ individuals stepping into angel roles. Investors are also backing underrepresented founders in greater numbers, recognizing the untapped potential in historically overlooked communities. Platforms and funds that promote inclusive investment practices are gaining momentum and reshaping what startup success looks like.

Cross-Border Investing and Global Mindset

Angel investing is no longer confined by geography. Thanks to digital platforms and global syndicates, investors can now participate in deals halfway across the world with confidence. Tools for cross-border due diligence and real-time collaboration are empowering angels to think globally. Startups that demonstrate international scalability are increasingly attractive, especially in emerging markets where innovation is booming.

ESG and Impact Investing on the Rise

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are shaping angel decisions like never before. Investors are prioritizing startups with clear impact goals, whether it’s carbon reduction, financial inclusion, or ethical supply chains. The “profit with purpose” model is thriving in 2025, with many angels choosing to align their portfolios with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This means startups with a compelling mission are better positioned to capture investor interest.

What Startups Should Know in 2025

For founders looking to raise angel capital in 2025, understanding investor psychology is key. Today’s angels value:

  • Clear product-market fit
  • Scalable business models
  • Robust data and metrics
  • Transparent ESG commitments

Pitch decks must go beyond flashy designs—investors are looking for concise storytelling, growth traction, and an authentic team narrative. Building relationships within niche investor communities can also give startups a strategic edge.

Final Thoughts

Angel investing in 2025 is more data-driven, inclusive, and globally connected than ever before. With the rise of specialized networks, AI-powered decision tools, and impact-focused investing, the landscape offers both opportunities and challenges for startups and investors alike.

For platforms and entrepreneurs, adapting to these shifts isn’t optional—it’s essential. Embracing these trends could mean the difference between getting funded and getting forgotten.

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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Venture Capital in 2025: Top Trends & Predictions for Startups

Venture Capital

Venture capital (VC) in 2025 is undergoing a seismic transformation, driven by global economic shifts, technological advancements, and a renewed focus on sustainable and inclusive growth. As the startup ecosystem evolves, so too does the way capital flows into it. Understanding the current VC landscape is essential for founders looking to navigate funding rounds successfully and build resilient, future-ready businesses.

Key Trends Shaping Venture Capital in 2025

1. AI-Powered Due Diligence and Decision-Making

Artificial intelligence has moved beyond buzzword status and is now an integral tool in the VC toolkit. From analyzing startup metrics to predicting market trends, VCs in 2025 are leveraging AI to streamline due diligence and reduce investment risks. Expect more funds to rely on data-driven assessments alongside traditional gut instincts.

2. Rise of Climate and Impact Investing

With global awareness around climate change and social responsibility reaching new heights, venture firms are increasingly prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. Green tech, clean energy, and sustainable supply chains are seeing a surge in investment. Impact-focused VCs are no longer niche—they are mainstream.

3. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and Tokenization

The world of Web3 continues to reshape venture capital. Token-based funding models and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) are providing alternative pathways for startups to raise capital. While regulatory hurdles remain, many VCs are experimenting with hybrid models that blend equity and crypto-based incentives.

4. Shift Toward Operator-Led Funds

Veteran founders and operators are increasingly launching their own funds. These operator-led VCs offer startups more than capital—they provide strategic advice, access to networks, and deep sector insights. Founders are gravitating toward these funds for their hands-on approach and alignment with entrepreneurial journeys.

5. Geographic Diversification and Emerging Markets

Venture capital is no longer Silicon Valley-centric. In 2025, funds are expanding aggressively into emerging markets across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These regions offer untapped talent pools and rapidly growing consumer markets, making them ripe for investment.

Predictions for the Rest of 2025 and Beyond

  • Micro-funds will flourish: Smaller, niche funds targeting specific sectors (e.g., femtech, agtech, or AI safety) will gain traction as LPs seek specialized exposure.
  • Hybrid funding models will dominate: A blend of equity, revenue-based financing, and token issuance will become more common, offering startups flexible capital structures.
  • Exit strategies will evolve: IPOs may decline in favor of secondary sales, mergers, and acquisitions, especially as market volatility persists.

What Startups Need to Know

1. Showcase Resilience and Scalability

Investors in 2025 are looking beyond flashy pitches. Startups must demonstrate not just growth potential, but resilience—ability to adapt to macroeconomic changes, supply chain disruptions, and policy shifts. A lean, scalable model is far more attractive than over-hyped projections.

2. Prioritize Sustainability and Inclusion

Even if you’re not building a green startup, integrating ESG practices can significantly boost your appeal to modern investors. Consider how your company addresses sustainability, employee well-being, and diversity in leadership—these are now deal-making factors.

3. Get Comfortable with Non-Traditional Funding

From crowdfunding to community tokens, startups must remain open to diverse capital sources. Understanding how to blend traditional VC with alternative finance can give you a competitive edge.

4. Focus on Metrics That Matter

Gone are the days when vanity metrics impressed VCs. In 2025, investors scrutinize LTV/CAC ratios, net revenue retention, and capital efficiency. A clear path to profitability—or at least a solid plan—is more valuable than fast user growth.

5. Build Investor-Ready Data Rooms

Due diligence is faster and more thorough than ever. Having a well-organized data room with updated financials, product roadmaps, and legal documents can speed up the fundraising process and boost credibility.

Final Thoughts

Venture capital in 2025 is smarter, more diverse, and more value-driven. For startups, this means opportunity—but also increased expectations. Understanding the shifting VC landscape and aligning your startup’s vision with emerging investor priorities is key to unlocking funding and scaling success.

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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Extend Funded $17M to Develop AI Document Automation Cloud

Document

Extend is an NYC-based operator of internet extension document tools intended to provide powered workflows inside existing tools. The company specializes in reducing context switching, eliminating the need for copy and pasting, increasing the capacity of existing tools, and automating ticket workflows, enabling clients to customize websites without hiring a salesforce administrator.

Extend was funded with $17 million led by Innovation Endeavors, with participation from Y Combinator, Homebrew, Character, and angel investors, including Scott Belsky (former Chief Strategy Officer of Adobe) and Guillermo Rauch (CEO of Vercel).

Revolutionizing Document Intelligence

Historically, companies relied on legacy OCR systems and fragmented integrations to extract data from PDFs, scans, handwriting, and tables—but accuracy often suffers, and pipeline development can drag on for months. Extend positions itself as a full-stack document processing cloud, combining advanced LLM-powered parsing, precise extraction, pipeline orchestration, schema generation, and human-in-the-loop tools—all under one umbrella.

The startup claims 95%+ accuracy across a variety of document types, even degraded or handwritten content, and is already cash-flow positive with multi-million-dollar annual recurring revenue—surpassing all prior seed funding before closing this latest round.

“We’ve seen remarkable momentum over the past year, and this funding allows us to double down on our mission of helping ambitious teams unlock the full potential of their unstructured documents,” said Kushal Byatnal, co-founder and CEO.

Further highlighting their strength in the market:

Pedro Franceschi, CEO of Brex, reported Extend “outperformed every solution we tested—including other vendors, open source and even foundation models” and now supports document workflows for Brex’s 30,000 users.

Eli Badgio, co-founder and CTO, noted that the platform reduces time-to-production from months to just days, thanks to its LLM foundation and robust developer and operator tooling.

Davis Treybig, Partner at Innovation Endeavors, praised Extend’s “full-stack approach,” which empowers teams to both automate existing workflows and build innovative internal features for a competitive advantage.

Two New Features: Sandbox Mode & Automated Config

With this round closed, Extend is rolling out two significant enhancements:

Sandbox Mode: a self-serve trial environment enabling developers and business users to upload documents and test workflows immediately—no setup required.

Automated Config Generation (beta): eliminates manual schema configuration and prompts engineering by auto-generating custom schemas from sample documents. Future updates will add a computerized loop that continuously refines configuration based on evaluation feedback.

In Tehrani.com’s coverage, the feature rollout further underscores Extend’s advantage, as it surfaces as a 95%+ accurate, LLM-driven platform capable of processing complex PDFs into structured, production-ready data.

A Strong Roster of Clients

Extend claims adoption by major brands across industries—including Brex, Square, Checkr, Flatiron Health, and numerous Fortune 500 companies—that rely on the platform to manage millions of documents daily with high accuracy.

These clients span sectors where data precision is mission-critical, including fintech, healthcare, logistics, insurance, and more, all seeking reliable transformation from unstructured sources to validated data.

Market Context: The Document Cloud Frontier

While cloud platforms for computing, storage, and collaboration are commonplace, Extend touts itself as a pioneer in the largely untapped document processing cloud space—a specialized layer built to handle the complexity of unstructured enterprise data at scale.

As enterprises accelerate digital transformation, scrappy startups and incumbents alike are betting heavily on AI to tame messy data assets. Extend’s seamless tie-ins—schema-free ingestion, automated pipelines, and pilot-to-production tooling—position it for a potential breakout in a rising market.

By: K. Tagura

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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Top 10 Startup Investment Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Startup

Securing funding is a crucial milestone for any startup, but it’s also one of the trickiest. Many promising ventures fall flat not because they lack potential, but because they make avoidable errors during the fundraising process. If you’re planning to raise capital, understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing what works. Here are the 10 most common mistakes startups make when seeking investment — and how to steer clear of them.

1. Lacking a Clear Business Model

Having a brilliant idea is one thing; knowing how it will make money is another. Investors want to see a viable, scalable business model. If you can’t clearly explain how your startup will generate revenue and grow sustainably, securing investment becomes nearly impossible.

How to avoid it: Develop a detailed business model and validate it with real-world feedback. Use visual tools like business model canvases to present your revenue streams clearly.

2. Poor Understanding of the Market

Startups often underestimate or misunderstand their target market. This shows a lack of preparation and reduces investor confidence.

How to avoid it: Conduct thorough market research. Define your target audience, know your competitors, and understand your market size and dynamics.

3. Overvaluing the Startup

Overestimating your company’s worth can be a deal-breaker. An inflated valuation signals inexperience and can turn off potential investors.

How to avoid it: Use industry benchmarks and financial projections to justify your valuation. Be realistic and open to feedback.

4. Ignoring the Importance of Team Composition

Investors invest in people, not just ideas. A strong, complementary founding team signals lower risk and higher execution capability.

How to avoid it: Build a well-rounded team with clear roles. Highlight relevant experience and track records in your pitch.

5. Weak or Incomplete Pitch Decks

A confusing or incomplete pitch deck can kill investor interest instantly. Your deck should be concise, informative, and visually engaging.

How to avoid it: Cover the essentials — problem, solution, market, traction, business model, team, and financials. Keep it under 15 slides and tailor it to your audience.

6. Approaching the Wrong Investors

Not all investors are the right fit. Pitching to someone who doesn’t invest in your industry or stage is a waste of everyone’s time.

How to avoid it: Research investors thoroughly. Target those who have invested in similar ventures or sectors and tailor your approach accordingly.

7. Not Doing Due Diligence on Investors

Many startups forget that due diligence is a two-way street. A bad-fit investor can harm your startup’s culture, pace, or vision.

How to avoid it: Talk to other founders they’ve backed. Understand their involvement level and reputation in the ecosystem.

8. Failing to Show Traction or Metrics

Investors want to see proof that your startup is gaining momentum — whether it’s revenue, user growth, or partnerships.

How to avoid it: Focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to your business. Even early-stage startups should show signs of validation and interest.

9. Not Being Prepared for Tough Questions

Many founders struggle to answer detailed questions about finances, go-to-market strategies, or long-term vision.

How to avoid it: Anticipate hard questions and rehearse your responses. Know your numbers inside out and be transparent about your challenges.

10. Underestimating the Importance of Timing

Fundraising at the wrong time — too early or too late — can significantly reduce your chances of success.

How to avoid it: Time your fundraising around key milestones (like MVP completion or user growth). Prepare 3–6 months in advance and align your runway with your funding goals.

Conclusion

Fundraising is a complex dance of timing, strategy, and communication. Avoiding these 10 common mistakes doesn’t guarantee success, but it greatly improves your chances. By being well-prepared, transparent, and realistic, you position your startup as a credible and investable opportunity in the eyes of potential backers.

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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Guardz Funded $56M to Boost MSP Cybersecurity with AI-Driven Platform

Cybersecurity

Guardz, a Miami, FL-based cybersecurity startup, was funded $56 million, bringing its total capital to $84 million, in just over two years. The round was led by ClearSky, with participation from Phoenix Financial and existing investors, including SentinelOne, Glilot, Hanaco Ventures, and strategic angel investors from iAngels, GKFF Ventures, and Lumir, among others.

Founded in 2022 by Dor Eisner (ex-IntSights) and Alon Lavi (ex-Argus Cyber Security), Guardz emerged from stealth in early 2023 with a mission to safeguard small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) via their MSP partners. Their AI-native unified cybersecurity platform integrates identity, endpoint, email, cloud, and data protection into a single engine—powered by 24/7 managed detection and response (MDR) that blends AI-driven automation with expert-led threat hunting.

By consolidating multiple point tools into one cohesive system, Guardz significantly reduces MSP workload and alert fatigue. The company cites internal research showing that 77% of MSPs struggle with fragmented security solutions, hampering responsiveness and efficiency.

SMBs have long been overlooked by sophisticated attackers due to their limited resources; however, the advent of automated cybercrime and generative AI tools has dramatically shifted that dynamic. Guardz addresses this by enabling MSPs—the frontline defense for many SMBs—to offer enterprise-grade cybersecurity with simplified deployment, real-time threat mitigation, built-in compliance, and even cyber insurance coverage.

The company intends to use the funds to Expand U.S. operations, Deepen R&D in AI-native automation, Accelerate go-to-market efforts, and Strengthen platform integrations.

As cyber threats become increasingly automated and identity-centric, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are becoming just as attractive targets as large enterprises. MSPs—often with limited resources—are caught in the crossfire. Guardz’s strategy to unify tools with AI-backed MDR addresses this pain point head-on, positioning MSPs as growth enablers, not just service providers.

With its latest $56 million infusion, Guardz is poised to accelerate a new wave of cybersecurity solutions designed for SMBs via MSPs. By combining AI-native automation, identity-forward detection, unified controls, and regulatory readiness, Guardz aims to become the cybersecurity backbone for the global small to medium-sized business (SMB) sector.

This round marks a pivotal milestone in Guardz’s journey—signaling a transformative step in how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) secure and scale managed services.

By: K. Tagura

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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Canid Funded $10M to Transform Pediatric Vaccine Management

Vaccine

Canid, a NYC-based, developer of a healthcare dashboard and process tool intended to simplify vaccination record management. The company’s tool offers administrative consulting, secures vaccine margins, automates your vaccine workflow, and oversees vaccine inventory, enabling state officials and pediatric practitioners to focus on their day-to-day practice.

Canid was funded $10 million led by Telescope Partners with participation from FJ Labs, Brooklyn Bridge Ventures, SeedtoB and other strategic angel investors. The new funding aims to expand Canid’s innovative vaccine management platform across ten additional U.S. states and enhance tools for managing pediatric vaccine patient populations.

Founded in 2020 by CEO Pedro Sanchez de Lozada, Canid offers an end-to-end solution designed to alleviate the administrative burdens associated with vaccine management in pediatric practices. The platform automates various aspects of vaccine operations, including purchasing, billing, inventory tracking, and patient outreach, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care.

Sanchez de Lozada commented the vaccinations have been taken for granted for decades. They’re the #1 most valuable public health tool we have as a society, and yet they’re always the last priority for our healthcare system. Their goal at Canid is to change that. By eliminating the burden out of giving and receiving vaccines, they hope to make it exciting again to take part.

Canid’s platform addresses critical challenges faced by pediatricians, such as the financial strain of vaccine procurement and the complexity of insurance reimbursements. By purchasing vaccines on behalf of practices and managing billing processes, Canid ensures that providers receive full compensation for their services. The system also automates inventory management, reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking, and facilitates the organization of mass vaccination clinics through an integrated scheduling feature.

The recent funding will support Canid’s expansion into new markets, particularly in the Southwest and Midwest regions of the United States. The company plans to leverage this growth to improve vaccination rates and public health outcomes by providing practices with tools to identify under-vaccinated children and streamline patient outreach campaigns.

As Canid continues to grow, its mission remains focused on supporting independent pediatric practices by reducing administrative burdens and enhancing the efficiency of vaccine delivery. By doing so, the company aims to ensure that children receive timely vaccinations, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes.

By: K. Tagura

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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How to Make Your Startup Pitch Irresistible

Pitch

In today’s fiercely competitive startup landscape, a winning idea alone isn’t enough. The ability to translate that idea into a compelling, investor-ready pitch can make the difference between a dream fulfilled and a venture forgotten. So, what exactly elevates a startup pitch from passable to irresistible? Here’s a detailed look into the psychology, structure, and strategy that turns pitch decks into paydays.

1. Crystal-Clear Problem-Solution Fit The best pitches open with a relatable, urgent problem. Investors are drawn to solutions that tackle widespread pain points. Clarity is key—avoid jargon and articulate the issue and your solution in simple, impactful terms. A good rule of thumb: if a high schooler can understand your problem and solution, you’re on the right track.

2. Market Opportunity That Excites Size matters in the startup world. Investors want assurance that the addressable market is not only large but also growing. Use credible data sources to back your claims. Break down the Total Addressable Market (TAM), Serviceable Available Market (SAM), and Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM) to show a realistic yet ambitious outlook.

3. Scalable Business Model A solid business model shows how the startup plans to make money and grow. This involves clear revenue streams, pricing strategy, and operational scalability. Bonus points if you can show recurring revenue potential, such as subscriptions or SaaS models, which are highly attractive to investors.

4. Traction That Tells a Story Early traction is one of the strongest indicators of a startup’s potential. Highlight key metrics: user growth, revenue, engagement rates, partnerships, or pilot programs. Even a small but enthusiastic customer base can tip the scale if it shows genuine market validation.

5. Competitive Edge and Differentiation A pitch without a competitive landscape analysis is incomplete. Identify direct and indirect competitors, then clearly communicate what sets you apart—be it technology, user experience, pricing, or distribution strategy. Your unique value proposition (UVP) should be memorable and defensible.

6. Visionary Yet Grounded Team Investors invest in people as much as ideas. A strong founding team with complementary skills, industry experience, and a track record of execution builds trust. Highlight relevant achievements, and if there are gaps, show how you plan to fill them with advisors or hires.

7. Compelling Narrative and Storytelling Facts inform, but stories sell. An irresistible pitch connects emotionally with investors. Weave a narrative around why the founders started the company, who it helps, and the mission driving it forward. Authenticity, passion, and confidence can captivate even the most data-driven investor.

8. Financial Projections and Use of Funds A detailed yet realistic financial forecast signals strategic foresight. Lay out your revenue projections, customer acquisition costs, burn rate, and break-even timeline. Just as importantly, explain how the investment will be used—product development, team expansion, marketing, etc.

9. Exit Strategy Even early-stage investors want a roadmap to returns. Whether it’s an IPO, acquisition, or other liquidity events, show you’ve considered exit possibilities. Highlight comparable exits in your space to reinforce the potential upside.

10. Visual Appeal and Pitch Deck Design Your slide deck is your visual narrative. It should be clean, consistent, and professional. Use high-quality graphics, minimal text, and branded design elements to reinforce credibility. Remember, your pitch deck often precedes you—make it count.

11. Confidence Without Arrogance Investor meetings are a performance, but humility goes a long way. Show conviction in your vision while remaining open to feedback. Investors often back founders they believe they can work with over the long haul.

12. Q&A Preparedness Anticipate tough questions. From unit economics to competitive threats, being prepared signals maturity. A founder who can calmly and accurately respond to scrutiny earns trust and respect.

Conclusion

From pitch to payday, the journey is as much about presentation as it is about the product. By mastering the art and science of pitching—combining a compelling narrative, robust data, and authentic delivery—startup founders can transform investor interest into committed capital. Remember, a great pitch doesn’t just secure funding; it builds lasting investor relationships and sets the stage for long-term success.

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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The Costly Mistake You’re Probably Making

Mistake

In the fast-paced world of business, entrepreneurs often juggle countless responsibilities—customer service, marketing, operations, finances, and more. Amid this whirlwind, it’s easy to overlook critical details. But there’s one mistake that, if left unchecked, can silently drain thousands of dollars from your business every single month: not tracking and analyzing your business data consistently.

The Hidden Cost of Operating in the Dark

Imagine driving a car without a dashboard. No speedometer, no fuel gauge, no warning lights—just blind hope that everything’s running smoothly. That’s essentially what happens when a business doesn’t regularly monitor its metrics. Whether it’s website traffic, conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, churn rates, or inventory turnover, failing to track key performance indicators (KPIs) means you’re making decisions based on guesses, not facts.

Over time, this lack of visibility leads to poor financial choices, missed growth opportunities, and inefficient operations—all of which quietly chip away at your bottom line.

Missed Opportunities Multiply Fast

Let’s say your business spends $10,000 per month on digital advertising. If you aren’t analyzing performance metrics, you might not realize that 40% of that spend is going toward channels or audiences that aren’t converting. That’s $4,000 wasted every month—$48,000 a year gone simply because no one took a closer look at the numbers.

Now multiply that across other areas—inefficient software subscriptions, unproductive employees, overstocked inventory, or underpriced products. Each small oversight adds up, creating a massive leak in your profitability.

Why Businesses Avoid the Data Dive

Many business owners know they should be paying more attention to their numbers. So why don’t they?

  • Lack of time: It feels like there are always more pressing fires to put out.
  • Intimidation: Data analysis sounds complicated, especially for non-technical founders.
  • Overconfidence: Some assume their intuition or past experience is enough to guide them.
  • Poor systems: Without tools that clearly present data, it’s easy to avoid looking at confusing spreadsheets or outdated reports.

But avoiding the numbers doesn’t make the problem go away. In fact, it almost guarantees you’ll continue bleeding money without realizing it.

How to Fix It (Before Next Month’s Money Is Gone)

Fortunately, fixing this costly mistake doesn’t require a massive overhaul—it just takes commitment and a few smart systems:

1. Identify Your Core Metrics
Every business is different, but a few metrics are nearly universal: profit margins, customer lifetime value, acquisition cost, churn rate, and conversion rate. Define which numbers matter most for your specific goals.

2. Automate Data Collection
Use tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, QuickBooks, or Shopify analytics—whatever matches your operations. Automation ensures you’re always working with real-time, accurate data.

3. Set a Monthly Review Rhythm
Block time every month (or every week, if possible) to sit down and review your data. Look for trends, inefficiencies, and red flags. Make this a non-negotiable part of your leadership duties.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If data isn’t your strength, hire or consult with someone who can help. A fractional CFO, data analyst, or business coach can offer game-changing insights that more than pay for themselves.

Bottom Line: Numbers Don’t Lie

Many businesses don’t fail because of a lack of passion or even product demand. They fail because they didn’t watch the numbers closely enough to steer the ship in time. That one mistake—not tracking and analyzing your data—might already be costing your business thousands every month. But the good news? You can correct it today.

Start small, stay consistent, and get curious about your numbers. When you treat your data like an asset, it will start working for you—and your bottom line will thank you.

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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Mura Funded $6M to Transform Field Service Operations with AI

Operations

Mura is a New York City-based developer of an invisible automation platform designed to streamline workflows within existing systems. The company’s platform integrates to provide the benefits of artificial intelligence without adding unnecessary complexity, featuring compatibility with pre-existing systems, automation capabilities, and lightweight implementation, enabling industries to enhance efficiency and optimize their operations.

Mura was funded $6 million, led by Level One Fund and Lerer Hippeau, with participation from angels and other investors. Seed funding round to revolutionize commercial field service operations using artificial intelligence.

Founded in 2024, Mura is building an AI-driven platform designed to streamline and optimize the day-to-day operations of commercial field service teams. These teams, which include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and maintenance contractors, often face fragmented workflows, outdated legacy systems, and a lack of real-time visibility. Mura aims to solve these issues with an intelligent system that automates dispatching, scheduling, reporting, and communications.

The company’s platform leverages natural language processing (NLP) and predictive analytics to provide real-time decision-making tools. Field technicians and back-office staff can coordinate more efficiently using Mura’s mobile and cloud-based solutions. According to the company, early adopters have reported significant time savings and increased job completion rates since implementing the software.

The $6 million capital injection will be used to expand the engineering and product teams, enhance go-to-market efforts, and accelerate the development of proprietary AI models tailored explicitly for field operations. The company is also planning to scale its customer success team to support a growing base of enterprise clients across North America.

The commercial field service market, estimated at over $80 billion in the U.S. alone, has long been dominated by a mix of analog systems and enterprise software that is often too rigid or expensive for mid-sized contractors. Mura aims to fill that gap with flexible, intelligent tools that require minimal setup and adapt to the unique workflows of each business.

Mura’s product currently supports automated job dispatching, technician tracking, customer notifications, invoicing, and real-time analytics. Upcoming features will include AI-generated work summaries, predictive maintenance suggestions, and integrations with existing ERP and CRM platforms.

As AI continues to make inroads into traditional industries, Mura’s approach exemplifies a larger trend of “applied AI” — using machine learning not for futuristic applications but to solve real-world problems in overlooked sectors. With its fresh funding and ambitious roadmap, Mura is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation in the field services industry.

By: K. Tagura

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